2012

Recognition of Prior Learning

Why study for what you already know

RPL
Vision International College
Denise Microsoft 1/1/2012

Contents
APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING .............................................................3
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................3 Advanced Standing Through Credit Transfer ...................................................................................... 3 What is Credit Transfer ....................................................................................................................... 3 Advanced Standing Through RPL ...................................................................................................... 3 What Is RPL? ...................................................................................................................................... 3 How Does RPL Work? ........................................................................................................................ 4 Why Go Through The RPL Process? ................................................................................................. 4 What Does The Process Involve? ....................................................................................................... 4

THE RPL APPLICATION PROCESS.5

Stage One Obtaining Information ..................................................................................................... 5 Stage Two Beginning Your Application ............................................................................................ 5 Stage Three: Send in your application ........................................................ 5 Stage Four- Application will be processed6 Stage Five You might hear form the Assessor.6 Stage Six Receive assessment result.6 SUPPORTING EVIDENCE6 Types of Evidence7-8 A STRUCTURE OF A PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE.9 -10

STATEMENT UNDER OATH.11 PORTFOLIO COVER SHEET12 RPL CLAIM FORM..13 SAMPLE COMPLETED RPL CLAIM FORM.14 RPL Fee Structure15 SAQA Recognition.15 Our Contact details16

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APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Introduction
If you are seeking qualification up to and including the level of Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry, Post Graduate Diploma or part thereof offered by Vision International College, you may apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). This handbook is designed to assist you in understanding the process of RPL, and together with some counselling and assistance from the College, to help facilitate your application.

Advanced Standing through Credit Transfer What is Credit Transfer?

A student who has completed a course at another Bible or Theological College which has similar content, may apply for advanced standing and entry into the Qualifications offered by Vision International College Submit your certified transcripts listing the courses or modules completed. Request the Credit Transfer form from VIC and submit it with your evidence and the appropriate fee to the registrar of VIC and the credit will be noted on your records.

Advanced Standing through RPL What Is RPL?

An individual learns in many different ways throughout his or her lifetime. Some of that learning proceeds by way of formal education and training, and some by way of work experience and/or life experiences. RPL is a process whereby all relevant learning is taken into account to enable you to receive credit in a course of study.

PRIOR LEARNING

Formal Training

Work Experience

Life Experience

UNIT OUTCOMES Learning Outcomes 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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How Does RPL Work?

A qualification with VIC is achieved through the completion of a number of set competencies / outcomes. Each of those competencies has a number of learning outcomes, i.e. goals that need to be achieved before you could be said to be competent in that module. If you can demonstrate that you can match what you already know with the learning outcomes associated with a particular module, then you will not need to complete that module. Credit will be given. It is also possible that, in some cases, credit will be given for part of the module, if not the whole. One way in which competence can be demonstrated in a particular unit of competency is through assessment. Students can make arrangements to be assessed through normal assessment methods if they feel that they can demonstrate their competence that way. College staff members are available for consultation about that process and will do all that they can to facilitate the process. This means that time which you would have spent in going over material that you already know, can be used by you to develop knowledge and skills in new areas.

Why Go Through The RPL Process?

The RPL process allows you to receive credit toward your award and lessen the load that needs to be studied formally thus shortening the time that you will need to spend in formal training. A further benefit of this is that you will not need to pay full fees for the part of the qualification for which you have been successful in gaining RPL. If you are not successful in obtaining credit for all the modules for which you apply, the RPL process will still be beneficial in that it will help you to identify your particular training needs, thus helping you to focus your future learning experiences, and allowing the College to tailor your course for maximum benefit.

What Does The Process Involve?

The RPL process requires you to assemble evidence related to your learning experiences and competencies attained. This will form a permanent and portable record for your use in the future. The following guidelines are provided to assist the student to decide whether or not to proceed with a formal request for RPL. This document contains the means for an applicant to conduct a self-assessment and to determine if an application for RPL is warranted This document is designed to assist an applicant step by step through the RPL application process. To proceed with the application, read the document and follow its instructions carefully. The College Staff are available for advice or counselling throughout the process. Any assistance required with the self-assessment and/or the assembling of evidence will, to the best of our ability, be provided.

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Once the applicant has determined eligibility for RPL the application will be sent to the College Administrator, on receipt of the application, the College will assign an Assessor to the applicant and advise the applicant with the Assessors contact details. The applicant is free to contact the Assessor for advice or assistance at any time throughout the process. The Assessor will go through the evidence for RPL and advise the applicant regarding the results of his/her application.

THE RPL APPLICATION PROCESS

There are several stages involved in the process of RPL. Work through each in order, so that you can gain the best possible use of this guide.

Obtaining Information
STAGE 1 The Director or his representative will provide you with verbal and written information about the process of RPL within the College and to assist you to conduct a self-assessment and to determine if an application for RPL is warranted

Beginning Your Application

Take the opportunity to: Speak with the College Staff, either by phone or personally, so that any questions you have can be answered and any guidance you need can be obtained. Complete youre the application form and evidence summary sheet Consider the experience you have gained through work, ministry situations or life in general. Detail any education and training that you have undertaken, including formal courses, adult education courses, short courses, courses taken in the church, work place based training, etc. Read through the summary of competencies in the Student Handbook. This will help to guide you as you consider your life and work experience Before submitting your application ensure that all forms have been completed, and the supporting evidence has been sequenced and organised clearly. Your Portfolio should be structured and in line with the sample given. The cover sheet must be in front. Ensure that all fees are paid and submit proof of payment with application. Send in your application
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STAGE 2

STAGE 3

STAGE 4

Your application will be processed and be send to the RPL Assessor to assess your RPL evidence

STAGE 5

At this stage you might hear from the RPL Assessor directly, with feedback asking you to provide further evidence/ information, if needed.

STAGE 6

You will be provided with a Result of the outcome of your RPL Portfolio within

21 days if all fees are paid.

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
You will need to compile supporting evidence to demonstrate that you have the required level of competency in the modules/ units that you are seeking recognition for. The term evidence applies to anything you produce to verify your skills, knowledge and experience, and must be matched to the elements and performance criteria of a unit of competence. The evidence that you produce for your RPL Assessment must comply with the following assessment principles. Valid- You must provide evidence that satisfies all requirements of the unit/ module of competency. Relevant- The skills/ knowledge/experience that you are claiming to have, should relate directly to the unit/ module of competence and be at comparable standard. Current- you must be able to show that your skills are up to date and that you could demonstrate these now if required, a general guideline is less than two years old. Evidence that is older than two years must be supported by up to date evidence of your continued application of the relevant competence. Authentic- You must be able to verify that the skill/ knowledge/experience in your application are genuine and the evidence you are presenting is your own work. Any copies of original qualifications, certificates or documents you submit must be certified by the Police. Sufficient- You must provide evidence for the Assessor to determine your level of competency.

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TYPE OF EVIDENCE FORMAL TRAINING

Academic Transcripts Samples of written work Supervisor reports Portfolios Certificates, Diplomas

WORK EXPERIENCE Manuals you have

written Evaluation Sheets Appraisals Articles you have written Workshop notes Teaching and Preaching outlines

LIFE EXPIERENCE
Letter of reference
Outlines of presentations you have given Letter of authentication for committees or groups you have been involved in Records of attendance List of books read Audio/ CD

Summarise the evidence in the boxes shown, and then include documents or copies of evidence in the Portfolio immediately following the RPL evidence sheet. If you are using the same pieces of evidence for a number of different competencies photocopy those pieces of evidence, so that a copy of the evidence related to each competency appears in the folio immediately after the RPL EVIDENCE sheet to which it relates. To help you gather evidence, ask yourself the following: As I look at my life, my work, ministry situations in which I have been involved, plus my training, what experiences have I had that have contributed to the knowledge and skills that I possess? As I look at the listed Competencies, what parts of my experience might be relevant in determining credit in a particular competency or part competency? What evidence can I supply to the College in support of my claim that my experience and training have equipped me for competency in these particular sections of the course? If you lack such documentation but still feel that you have a case for RPL, then the Assessor can assess your experience on the basis of normal assessment methods such as: Personal observation (in a ministry situation or in a simulated situation) Interview Assignments. Any experience at all that has enabled you to acquire knowledge and skills in the modules for which you are claiming RPL is worth mentioning. For example, ministry knowledge and skills can be gained through part time or full time ministry, whether paid or unpaid.

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The question of how or where the skills and knowledge were gained is not the issue. The basic question always remains, Do the skills and knowledge obtained help me to meet the criteria for credit within a particular competency? The College Staff is available to help with the process and help you collect your evidence. Once you have completed the Self-Assessments, use the RPL Claim Summary and complete the list of competencies for which you are applying. The summary claim form has a section in which you can indicate whether or not you intend to apply for transfer of credit. An example of a competency application is provided in the next few pages. You will need to fill out similar applications to claim the recognition sought. Once you have completed the application, submit it to the College as part of the folio of evidence supporting your claim. Include all relevant evidence also as part of that folio.

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A STRUCTURE OF A PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE

Portfolio Cover Sheet

Section A:
1. Application Form 2. C.V (compile as below) 2.1. Personal Details 2.2. Education Details High School Attended, Grade Passed, Year (Attached Certificate as annexure) Further Education: Colleges or Training Centres attended, Duration, Courses taken (Attached Certificate/s as annexure) Higher Education: College/ University attended, Courses/ Programs taken, years (Attached Qualification/s as annexure) Other Education: Provide detailed information about any relevant formal/ informal learning experiences not mentioned above (Attached as annexure) 2.3. Work History List your work history starting with the most recent, using the following headings: Employer 1: Name of Organisation, Contact Details Years in employment Your Position in Organisation and functions in detail. Employer 2: Name of Organisation, Contact Details Years in employment Your Position in Organisation and functions in detail.

Sample: Name of Organisation: Power Ministries, 122 Visser Str, Kraaifontein, Tel : 021-988 2159 Contact Details: Ps Nick Daniels (Senior Pastor) Tel: 073 050 6547 Years in employment: 10 years Current Position: Assistant Pastor of a Church with a membership of 200. Role and Function: Started to work as an Evangelist. Duties as an
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Evangelist has been the following: Organising Evangelism campaigns, Preaching in Campaigns, Managing evangelism team that have consisted of the worship leader, intercessors, counsellors, promoters. Was appointed as Assistant Pastors five years ago. My responsibilities as Assistant Pastor is as follows; Responsible for the Education Ministry of the Church, Develop Teaching Programs for all department of the Church, Teach every Wednesday night in teaching service. Assist also the Senior Pastor with Counselling sessions, Pre marital counselling, Leadership training for department heads in Church on a monthly basis ,New Converts training. (Evidence attached: Job Description (annexure 1), Letter of Confirmation from Church (annexure 2), Poster of one the campaigns which I have designed (annexure 3), DVD of me Preaching (annexure 4), DVD of me Teaching (annexure 5), Teaching And Preaching outlines (annexure 6), minutes of meetings which I have Chaired (annexure 7)) NB: IF YOU ARE THE PASTOR OF THE CHURCH, THE SECRETARY OF THE CHURCH NEEDS TO PROVIDE THE LETTER OF CONFIRMATION, SIGNED BY THE SECRETARY AND TWO OTHER WITNESSES WITH THEIR CONTACT DETAILS.

Section B:
All Evidence (Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, Appointment Letters, Testimonials and Transcripts etc.) These documents must be certified by the Police.

Section C:
RPL Claim Form Completed and signed Statement under Oath.

RPL FORMS
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STATEMENT UNDER OATH

I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (full name) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (ID number/ Passport number) hereby declare that the attached evidence RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)Portfolio of Evidence is my own work and a true reflection of my ability and knowledge for the qualification indicated on the I agree that if it is found that I submitted evidence that is not my own work my application would be decline and the full cost of the RPL assessment would be required of me. The two witnesses below and the commissioner of oath also agree herewith with the signatures attached to this that this is my own work and all evidence submitted is a true reflection of my experience.

RPL Applicant : Date:.. (Signature) Witness 1:.Date: (Name) Signature::...Tel: Witness 2:..Tel: (Name )

Signature:.Date:
.

Name of Commissioner of Oath: Commissioner of Oath Stamp Tel No: .

Signature:
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PORTFOLIO COVER SHEET

TO BE COMPLETED BY RPL CANDIDATE

RPL Reference no Student No Full Names Surname Contact Tel No Address

Qualification apply for (tick relevant box)

Advanced Diploma in Christian Ministry

Graduate Diploma in Graduate Diploma

FOR OFFICE USE (Vision International College completes this part) Module Code Competent Not Yet Competent Module Code Competent Not Yet Competent

Assessment Finalised: Assessor:... 12 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Handbook: Version 1- 25/11/11

RPL CLAIM FORM

(Submit with Application under section C)

Code
BS101 BS102 BS103
CH101

Module
Old Testament Survey New Testament Survey Biblical Hermeneutics Church History

Program
Cert IV Cert IV Cert IV Cert IV

Code
BS307 TH302 MIN307 MIN308

Module
Romans Systematic Theology 2 Marriage & Family Life Leadership Development Pastoral Care & Counselling Christian Education Conflict Management Research & Writing 2 Church Growth Emmanuel 1 &2 Overcoming Darkness Strong Reasons Conflict Management & Resolutions The Healing Community Networking for Ministry Healing in the Old Testament Attributes of Splendour

Program
Adv. Dip Adv. Dip Adv. Dip Adv. Dip

TES101

Christian Ethics

Cert IV

MIN309

Adv. Dip

TES 102 MIN 101 MIN102 MIN103

MISS101

Spiritual Formation Homiletics Group Dynamics Research & Writing 1 History of Christian Mission Gospels Acts History of Charismatic Movements Systematic Theology 1

Cert IV Cert IV Cert IV Cert IV Cert IV Diploma Diploma Diploma

MIN310 MIN311 MIN312 MIN314 BS408 BS409

Adv. Dip Adv. Dip Adv. Dip Adv. Dip Grad Dip Grad Dip Grad Dip Grad Dip

BS204 BS205 CH202

BS410
MIN415

TH201

Diploma

MIN416

Grad Dip

TES202 MIN204

Ministerial Ethics Church and Societal Transformation Christian Leadership & Church Management Pastoral Theory & Practice

Diploma Diploma

MIN417 BS411

Grad Dip Grad Dip

MIN205

Diploma

BS412

Grad Dip

MIN206

Diploma

BS413

Angelology and Demonology Ministry Leadership Team leadership & effectives Developing ministry partnerships

Grad Dip

MISS202 MISS203

World Religions Evangelism

Diploma Diploma

MIN418 MIN419

Grad Dip Grad Dip

BS306

Daniel

Adv. Dip

MIN420

Grad Dip

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SAMPLE COMPLETED RPL CLAIM FORM

Module Code Module Module Code Module

Old Testament Survey Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123) New Testament Survey Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123) Biblical Hermeneutics Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123) Church History Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123)

Christian Ethics Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123) Spiritual Formation Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123) Homiletics Evidence: Completed with life College, Involved in Preaching in the Church, Evidence: See transcript- Annexure 123, Letter from Church Annexure 126)

Group Dynamics Evidence- Assistant Pastor for 5 years, handle many groups in church, See Annexure 124, Letter form Senior Pastor Research & Writing 1 No Claim

Romans Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123) Systematic Theology 2 Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 125) Marriage & Family Life Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 129) Leadership Development Evidence: Involved in Leadership development training in church every month, See Annexure 119, Letter from Pastor Pastoral Care & Counselling Evidence: Assist Pastor with Counselling, See Annexure 123 Letter from Church Christian Education Evidence: Responsible for education program in Church, See annexure 137, Letter form Church Conflict Management Evidence: Have dealt with many conflict situations in our Church, See Annexure 139 , Letter from Church , Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123) Research & Writing 2 No Claim

History of Christian Mission Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123)

Church Growth Evidence: Was involved in Evangelism, Teaching and following up of new coverts, See annexure 127, Letter from Pastor Gospels Evidence: Completed with life College, See transcript- Annexure 123)

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RPL FEE STRUCTURE Advanced Diploma Application Fee: R 350.00 RPL Module Fee: R 130.00 Graduate Certificate & Diploma Application Fee: R 350.00 RPL Module Fee: R 250.00

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Recognition

Vision International College programs are fully government accredited in Australia and fully recognised by SAQA. The Advanced Diploma in Christian Ministry is recognised on NQF Level 5 (National Diploma Status) The Graduate Diploma is recognised on NQF Level 8 (Post Graduate Diploma Status)

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Vision International College

P.O. Box 1297 Wellington 7654 Western Cape South Africa Tel: 27 21 988 2159 Fax: 086 5878 514 Email: info@visionsa.co.za visionsouthernafrica@gamail.com
Director: Rev. N. Daniels (MA) Mobile: 27 73 050 6547 National Learning Centre Co-ordinator: Rev M. Heuvel (MA) Mobile: 27 83 730 8393

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