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A Quick
Guide to our site & OCNs
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Overview of the OCN
On this page:
What is Open College Network (OCN) - Kent &
Medway?
'National awarding body status with a local focus'
- OCN Kent & Medway is both a regional and national awarding
body for programmes of education and training. It is one of 28
Open College Networks across the UK. It operates within Kent and
the Medway region and through some distance learning programmes
it awards credit across the country.
- It is a licence holder on behalf of the National Open College
Network (NOCN) which is one of the largest awarding bodies in
the UK. NOCN represents and co-ordinates the work of OCNs at a
national level.
- OCN Kent & Medway accredits locally developed programmes
of learning and national qualifications through the NOCN. Access
to Higher Education programmes in the region are accredited by
OCNKM.
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What makes OCN Kent & Medway different?
Credit
Credit enables an individual to flexibly build up achievement
for learning at his/her own pace and over a period of time. It
also gives a better idea of what a programme of study is worth
and how much learning is involved. It further allows for the possibility
of credit transfer and accumulation. Credit based learning is
increasingly being used in Universities and as more people become
involved in education and training so the growth of credit based
courses in colleges, schools, employment etc. will continue.
Widening Participation
At the heart of OCNs' work - and reflected in OCN Kent &
Medway's mission - is the principle of widening access to learning
opportunities for those who have least benefited in the past.
We encourage the development of learning in a wide range of contexts
including large further education colleges, adult education, community
groups, charities, private training companies, and employers in
the workplace.
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The Framework of OCN Accreditation
The national credit framework operated by all OCNs is quality
assured by NOCN. These are some of the key features of the framework:
- The award of credits for learner achievement
- All programmes offered in flexible Units.
- Independent scrutiny of courses for quality assurance
- Potential to transfer credit across the UK
Follow this link for further information on the
OCN Credit Framework.
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Who can use OCNKM's Accreditation Services?
Any organisation which can meet our membership criteria and centre
approval process. Current members include educational institutions
(adult, further and higher education), charities (e.g. Groundwork,
St John Ambulance, Kent Autistic Trust), employers (e.g. NHS Trusts,
Kent Fire Brigade), private trainers (Scheidegger Training), professional
bodies (e.g. Association of Certified IT Professionals), local authorities
(e.g. Kent County Council, Medway Council), schools, community groups
etc.
If your organisation has learning or training activities taking
place which receive no external certification or recognition then
OCNKM can offer you a low cost, good value and high quality service.
A full list of OCNKM's membership
can be found by following this link.
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