Introduction to the Unit Award Scheme

 
What's new in the Unit Award Scheme?

Following the successful launch of our extended range of units on the website, you can now view new units by selecting Latest units from the side-navigation. The units are arranged in Curriculum Area order, and by selecting a unit you are interested in, you will be able to access it directly. The new units list will be published each month.

There are now well over 18 000 units in total on the website. The website offers:

  • access to an extensive range of units in different subject and topic areas and for different abilities
  • a quick and easy-to-use search facility.

Please contact us by phone 01423 534235 or by e-mail if you need any further information or have any comments or queries on this new feature.

The AQA Unit Award Scheme provides the opportunity to give students formal recognition of their success in short units of work.

The Scheme promotes effective teaching and learning by ensuring that those writing and delivering units give careful consideration to learning outcomes, evidence and assessment and by setting down clear targets for students.

Who uses the Scheme?

The Unit Award Scheme is used by approximately 1000 centres throughout the United Kingdom (schools, colleges, special education establishments, pupil referral units, hospital education services etc) to recognise student achievement across a wide range of subject areas and activities.

It can be used with students of any ability and of any age.

How is the Scheme used?

The Scheme was approved by QCDA for use within two broad contexts:

  1. To recognise the achievement of students of all abilities in all non-qualification contexts, including work-related learning and work experience, careers education, curriculum delivery, eg at Key Stages 3 and 4, enrichment activities, personal development, citizenship, sport, outdoor pursuits, study skills.

    Centres may write their own units for use in non-qualification contexts and/or may use units written by other centres or by the AQA.

  2. To provide interim accreditation of the achievement of students following unit-based AQA Entry Level specifications.

    Unit-based AQA Entry Level specifications (formerly known as Certificates of Achievement) are available as follows:

  3. Art & Design
    Chinese (Mandarin)
    Design & Technology
    English
    French
    German
    History
    Home Economics: Child Development
    Information and Communication Technology
    Italian
    Mathematics
    Personal, Social and Health Education
    Preparation for Working Life
    Religious Studies
    Science
    Spanish