Apprenticeship: Last Date of Learning

I think the consensus is no as assessments assess existing knowledge rather than imparting new learning

Sorry to disagree Ben as an assessment is different to a timetabled examination but it is correct they are not included in OTJ T hours.

It is generally accepted by Dfe (see 16-18 funding rules) that sitting an examination is assessment of the student’s achievement and will count as learning and is included in the term learning activity.

The ILR specifications also include this term in the description for this field: ‘The date that the learner completed the learning activities necessary to achieve the learning aim’.

HTH

Absolutely fine Martin. I think people probably have a difference of opinion because they'd see learning as having ended prior to it being tested by way of examination, so the 'learning actual end date' would be before this.. but perhaps it's just an interpretation thing. I can see the argument for it being a learning activity I suppose.. just not actual learning. I'm not the DfE though! 

Thanks both. 

Sorry Ben and Clair the glossary in the Apprenticeship funding rules contradicts what I have said.

Learning actual end date

When learning towards the apprenticeship is complete. This can include off-the-job training and English and maths. There must be evidence of learning on this day.

Thanks, Martin. So jsut to confirm, an examination would be considered an "on-programme assessment" then and can't be used as a last evidenced day of learning? Is hard to understand how "writing an assignment" is learning & OTJ but writing an assessment or exam is not in my mind but so be it!

It's confusing that this varies between funding streams. As Martin said, we normally consider timetabled exams/assessments to count for an end date, but handing in work is not (in FE and HE). With apprenticeships, we do insist on evidence of learning (either OTJ, or English/maths attendance) as it's not all that common that timetabled exams would be the last thing they do anyway. The clearest bit in the 22/23 draft rules is;

The apprentice must be involved in active learning (off-the-job training and / or English and maths) throughout the apprenticeship, from the learning start date to the learning actual end date (i.e. the practical period).