10 DEC 2021 · Future of Assessment: what innovations can we expect to see? Hosted by Gavin O’Meara and Dean Blewitt (Learning Innovation Manager, NCFE), we invited Peter Twining (University of Newcastle – Australia) to discuss what assessment innovation means in practice and what the future holds, as we find new ways of working that meets the changing needs of learners and educators across the globe today. NCFE is focused on exploring the future of assessment to ensure that learners have access to the world-class products and services that help them to fulfil their potential, not just in terms of academic attainment or employment outcomes, but also their wellbeing, mental health and happiness. So, what are the key ingredients that are required to create a system that is truly transformational? To support with this, NCFE recently launched £1 million worth of funding to support centres, employers, awarding organisations and other stakeholders in piloting new and innovative approaches to assessment. Phase one of this Innovation Fund is now complete and this show shines a spotlight on some of the fantastic new and interesting ideas that came out of this, and how we will pilot these new approaches to test their validity. From virtual reality to digital badges, what innovations can we expect to see as learning expands far beyond the classroom?

4 DEC 2021 · Hosted by Gavin O’Meara and Dean Blewitt (Learning Innovation Manager, NCFE), we invited Peter Twining (University of Newcastle – Australia) to discuss what assessment innovation means in practice and what the future holds, as we find new ways of working that meets the changing needs of learners and educators across the globe today. NCFE is focused on exploring the future of assessment to ensure that learners have access to the world-class products and services that help them to fulfil their potential, not just in terms of academic attainment or employment outcomes, but also their wellbeing, mental health and happiness. other stakeholders in piloting new and innovative approaches to assessment. Phase one of this Innovation Fund is now complete and this show shines a spotlight on some of the fantastic new and interesting ideas that came out of this, and how we will pilot these new approaches to test their validity. From virtual reality to digital badges, what innovations can we expect to see as learning expands far beyond the classroom?

2 DEC 2021 · In this week’s Future of Assessment series, Gavin O’Meara is joined by NCFE’s Barbara Archer (T Levels Partnership Manager) in discussion with Janet King (NCFE Sector Manager for Education and Childcare) and Kim Smith from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The show focuses on the challenges and opportunities that come with the work placement element of a learning programme, with a particular spotlight on T Levels and Early Years. We are all aware of the disruption caused by the global pandemic across the whole sector– and students’ ability to access industry placements and gain that vital hands-on experience was one of the most impacted areas. Gavin and Barbara explore how links have been facilitated between education and industry in relation to T Levels, what collaboration we have seen, and how to increase employer understanding of these flagship new qualifications. The show also looks at the challenges that early years providers and employers have faced and how they have overcome these barriers to ensure learners could progress in their chosen field.

19 NOV 2021 · Dream in Green – putting climate change at the heart of education With the COP26 summit dominating the news agenda, in this week’s Future of Assessment series, Gavin O’Meara is joined by NCFE’s David Jones in a timely discussion with Beth Chaudhary from IfATE and Charlotte Bonner from ETF to look at green skills needs for both now and in the future. We know that achieving Net Zero by 2050 will require seismic changes from all sides, and that the role of education is fundamental in getting us there. It’s a huge and daunting task. We need to entirely rethink the way that we work, which is why acting swiftly to embed climate change at the heart of education worldwide is of the utmost importance. This show explored the DfE response to COP26 and what more is needed, clarity on green skills and how we work together to deliver them, as well as looking ahead and dreaming big. How can we weave sustainability through all sectors and all levels of education? How can we equip, empower and support young people to make a difference? And what does this mean for the future of assessment?

5 NOV 2021 · In this episode, the latest in the series, host Gavin O’Meara invited David Gallagher (Chief Executive, NCFE) to catch up about NCFE’s refreshed vision and how this links to the future of assessment. The discussion comes a few weeks after NCFE launched their new brand and David and Gavin explore NCFE’s ambitious plans for change, including the innovations we can make in the world of assessment to optimise the end-to-end learner experience. NCFE recently relaunched as an educational charity and leader in vocational and technical learning, and this refreshed approach focuses on outcomes that place inclusivity and fair access at the heart of learning. By going beyond the remit of a traditional awarding organisation, the organisation is aiming to ensure learners are given the opportunity, means and motivation to make the best possible ongoing choices about their futures.

1 NOV 2021 · Hosted by Gavin O’Meara and Leo Webster (Assessment Product Manager, NCFE), we invited Jack Edwards (Academy Director, Swift) and Mike Blakely (Exeter College) to discuss how we can best connect the learner journey– supporting individuals from the start of their apprenticeship right through to completion. The discussion looked at the importance of setting people up for success in terms of initial assessments to diagnose prior learning / strengths and weaknesses – and how we can use this information to build personalised learning plans and put positive steps in place throughout an apprenticeship programme. This development also comprises mental fitness, meta skills, and maths / English, to help learners have a truly transformational learning experience; completing their apprenticeships as well-rounded, highly skilled, qualified employees. The discussion also explored end-point assessments and how best to support and prepare learners for this milestone, looking at the challenges that emerged during the pandemic, the way the sector adapted, and what the future might look like.

21 OCT 2021 · Future of Assessment: Adapting assessment – this year and beyond Hosted by Gavin O’Meara and Zac Aldridge (Director of Qualifications and Assessments, NCFE), we invited Chris Tubbrit (Product and Content Development Manager, NCFE) and Mike Saunders (Head of Quality Improvement, York College) to discuss how the pandemic changed the way we assess and award qualifications – and what this means for the future. At NCFE, four principles shaped the changes they made to their approach - supporting learning progress, maintaining rigour and robustness, streamlining and supporting centres, and working in partnership for the benefit of learners. After seeing hundreds of thousands of learners succeed in an exceptional year, this show explored what new and innovative methods of assessment emerged as a result of Covid-19. YouTube video player The discussion also looked at the challenges and barriers still being faced by learners and institutions (including the well documented impact of learning loss), the successes that we saw, and how we can better collaborate as a sector to drive learner success. Ultimately, the sector (and the world!) was not ready for the seismic change that it experienced - how we can build systematic resilience into the education eco-system so we are future proofed for whatever comes out way?

12 OCT 2021 · #FutureOfAssessment - Accessibility and Inclusion livestream Episode 2. This episode was hosted by Gavin O’Meara and Jessica Blakey (Assessment Design Manager, NCFE), we invited Gem Turner (award winning disabled lifestyle blogger) and Dan Howard (Director of Operations and head of EDI group, NCFE) to discuss the importance of accessibility and inclusion in assessment design and practice.

5 OCT 2021 · Hosted by Gavin O’Meara and Janine Oliver (Head of Assessment Innovation, NCFE), we invited Olly Newton (Exec Director, Edge Foundation) and Isabel Sutcliffe (Independent consultant in Education and Skills) to discuss what assessment innovation means in practice and what the future holds, as we find new ways of working that meets the needs of learners and educators today. NCFE is focused on exploring the future of assessment to ensure that learners have access to the world-class products and services that help them to fulfil their potential, not just in terms of academic attainment or employment outcomes, but also their wellbeing, mental health and happiness. In order to achieve this, we know we need to look at assessment used in a variety of ways and at different stages of the learning journey - from pre-programme diagnostic assessment, formative micro and milestone assessment, through to summative end-point assessment and beyond.