Annex III Comparison of QAA Benchmark and JASB Statement for the QLD
The blue, underlined, text in Annex III identifies points where the Schedule is introducing a clearly different standard or scope of outcome from the Benchmark. The orange, italicised, text highlights points that appear problematic or uncertain and which are noted in the comments column.
BENCHMARK
Knowledge6.1 A student should demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the principal features of the legal system(s) studied. They should be able to:
Application and problem solving6.2 A student should demonstrate a basic ability to apply their knowledge to a situation of limited complexity in order to provide arguable conclusions for concrete problems (actual or hypothetical). Sources and research6.3 A student should demonstrate a basic ability to:
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SCHEDULE ONE a. Knowledge Students should have acquired:
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COMMENTS
Schedule One emphasises law of E+W but more narrowly? (Major vs fundamental)
Emphasis on a particular form of understanding
Badly formed outcome which combines too many elements – research skills, analysis and (legal) problem solving. Emphasises primary sources, but not clear what this otherwise adds to 6.2, 6.3
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BENCHMARK
Analysis, synthesis, critical judgement and evaluation7.1 A student should demonstrate a basic ability to:
Autonomy and ability to learn7.2 A student should demonstrate a basic ability, with limited guidance, to:
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SCHEDULE ONE b. General transferable skills Students should be able:
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COMMENTS This section of Schedule One combines elements from both cognitive and key skills
Is (i) meant to raise the standard above the Benchmark in 6.2?
This focuses on a narrower set of competencies than 7.1.
How is this different from 6.3 ‘identify accurately the issue(s) which require researching’ and the 7.2 planning outcome?
Presumably this is meant to close a gap in 7.1 (and not covered in 7.2) which might mean that critical/reasoned judgements are derivative
How is this different from the standard in 8.1?
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BENCHMARK
8 Key skillsCommunication and literacy8.1 Both orally and in writing, a student should demonstrate a basic ability to:
Numeracy, information technology and teamwork8.2 A student should demonstrate a basic ability:
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SCHEDULE ONE
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COMMENTS
Note the absence of any reference to numeracy or teamwork from Schedule One
Use of file transfer protocol and cloud-based applications? The danger of specifying technologies is that they date. Why nothing in either set of standards about understanding basic data security?
Why does (viii) repeat the Benchmark formulation but exclude the reference to ‘essay or other text’?
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