A Guide to the Unit Award Scheme AQA
The Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a flexible, accessible way for all learners to have their achievements formally recognised by the AQA accredited awarding body. To gain a unit award with AQA, candidates must submit a portfolio of evidence to be assessed and receive a certificate to recognise their achievements. Students are rewarded with a certificate each time that they successfully complete a unit of learning. They can build up a portfolio of certificates to evidence their skills, knowledge and experience.
The scheme is designed to boost confidence, increase engagement and build motivation, helping students to make improvements on their lifelong learning journey.
At Invent Learning, we’ve put everything you need to know about the schemes together in one handy blog post. Read on to find out more about the Unit Award Schemes by AQA.
A deeper dive into the Unit Award Schemes
You can find out more about the AQA Unit Award Scheme on their website here.
Pupils can work towards Unit Awards alongside their current curriculum, whether that is core subjects, vocational courses or work experience.
Flexibility is key with the Unit Award Scheme, and their motto is ‘Achievement for All’. It is put in place to encourage and support pupils to show them what they can do, rather than what they can’t. The Unit Award Scheme allows all students to engage with learning and have their achievements formally recognised.
To see the potential units available you can view more here: https://www.aqa.org.uk/programmes/unit-award-scheme
Why choose the Unit Award Scheme
- Comprehensive – the Unit Award Scheme covers all topics from school curriculum subjects to life skills, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and work-related learning
- Inclusive – students of all ages and abilities can take part in the scheme
- Adaptable – teachers can write their own units for tailored, bespoke learning
- Flexible – students can achieve an unlimited number of units each academic year, receiving certificates on-demand at any time throughout the year
- Versatile – teachers can use the Unit Award Scheme in many different ways: SEND/SEMH programmes; enrichment and extracurricular activities; community-based learning projects; professional development.
How Unit Award Schemes work
Educators select units they want to work towards from the AQA library. There are thousands of units to choose from. The units set out clearly what learning outcomes need to be achieved and the evidence required to achieve it. The teacher is free to deliver this content in the most appropriate way for their learners: there are no set specifications, schemes of work or resources, learners simply need to evidence that they have met the learning outcomes.
Each centre has a Unit Award Scheme Coordinator who is trained as part of the Unit Award Scheme registration process. The coordinator submits the claims for certificates, along with the evidence when required. Claims for certificates can be made year round and students can be added to the scheme at any time.
How Invent Learning can help
At Invent Learning, we offer AQA courses to our KS3 pupils. The students attain Unit Awards with the help of Invent Learning. You can view our full range of services HERE. We cater for all abilities and behaviours with a variety of bespoke courses. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities to our learners regardless of their background, behaviour or specialised needs.
To find out more, visit our website or contact us HERE.
