Frequently Asked Questions : Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Learning

Q: What is the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Learning?
A: This qualification is designed for individual students who want to gain a globally-recognised qualification for the work they are doing in supporting less experienced or younger learners in the Music and Performing Arts classroom
Q: Who is it for?
A: It is designed for any candidate looking to gain a certificate that shows they have the understanding required to teach others and is therefore relevant for anyone who anyone developing their portfolio of skills and qualifications to support progression to Higher Education or the Industry. It is an excellent complementary qualification for those involved in volunteering, student leadership and youth work activities.
Q: What does Level 3 mean ?
A: This qualification sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework for England and Wales. This means it is mapped to sit within qualifications normally undertaken for students aged 16 – 18, such as RSL Level 3 VQ, A-Level, Scottish Highers and Arts Award or Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold. Successful candidates will also receive UCAS points.
Q: Is there an age limit for entry onto this qualification?
A: There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, relevant experience in the subject area to be delivered in the classroom is required. We recommend that learners are at least 16 years of age at the time of certification
Q: What does the qualification cover?
A: The qualification covers three key areas: Safe Teaching, Planning Learning and Facilitating Learning. Through studying for these units, you will complete research and plan, deliver and reflect on lessons delivered by you to other students. Please refer to the Unit Specifications from page 8 in the Syllabus.
Q: Where can I go to take this qualification?
A: RSL Awards does not have approved teaching centres for this qualification. Individual learners can undertake study for this qualification independently, making sure you source the appropriate environment to supporting the learning of others and are supervised appropriately according to the syllabus requirements. Please refer to Candidate Access and Registration (page 7) and the Unit Specifications (from page 8) in the syllabus for more information.
Q: Can I deliver this qualification as an Organisation?
A: Independent Teachers and Organisations are able to support candidates through this qualification where they can provide opportunities for learners to work with younger or less experienced students. Undertaking teaching activities under the supervision of an experienced teacher mentor is a key feature of the qualification and so organisations are well-placed to provide this support. Please note that we do not quality assure the mentoring or supervision that is provided and centres do not go through an approval process. Please see 4.1 Candidate Access and Registration (page 8) in the syllabus for more information.
Q: Is this a practical or written qualification?
A: The qualification is divided into Three Units which require a combination of Planning, Reviewing and Doing. The Facilitating Learning Unit is focussed on practical delivery of teaching to either individual or groups of younger or less experienced students. The Safe Teaching and Planning Learning Units focus on the research and preparation required in order to develop your teaching expertise. Please refer to the Unit Specifications for more details.
Q: How am I assessed?
A: Each unit is externally-assessed via an RSL examiner. Each candidate submits evidence for each unit via an individual password-protected portal. This can be done as each unit is completed or as one final submission. Please see the syllabus document for details of assessment evidence.
Q: What Grade can I get?
A: Safe Teaching will be marked at Pass or Below Pass. The Planning and Facilitating Learning Units will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. You will then receive one overall mark at either Pass, Merit of Distinction for the Qualification as a whole. Please see 3.5 Qualification Grade (page 6) in the syllabus for more information.
Q: What evidence to I need to submit? Is there a lot of Written Work?
A: Assessment evidence can take the form of Recordings, Filmed Presentation, Vlog, Blog, Podcast or Essay. Full details can be found in the Unit Specifications for each unit and at 3.8 Evidence Limits (page 6) of the syllabus.
Q: Is there a practical exam in front of an examiner?
A: No. All evidence is submitted to RSL Awards online for external assessment.
Q: Are there entry and assessment deadlines?
A: Candidates can prepare for the qualification and submit assessment evidence at any time. Candidates have one year to complete the qualification from the point of registering.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: All of the Fees relating to the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Learning can be found here
Q: Are there any Entry Requirements?
A: No. Candidates should ensure they are at an appropriate level to be able to meet the demands of the qualification following their course of study.
Q: Do I need to teach Individuals or Groups as part of this Qualification?
A: You can meet the requirements of this Qualification through individual OR group teaching. You need to ensure that you have met the requirements as set out in the Unit Specifications.
Q: I would like some more advice that is not covered here, where can I go for this?
A: Please read the Syllabus Specification on our website and, should you have any further questions, please email info@rslawards.com and we will direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of our team.