LEARNER HANDBOOK

Data Protection Skills

Special Purpose Award
QQI Level 6

February 2019
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 Studying Data Protection Skills

Talentpool welcome
Talentpool Ltd welcomes you to this Data Protection Skills Programme at QQI Level 6. We thank you
for choosing us as your quality training provider. We hope you will have a worthwhile and enjoyable
learning experience with us.
This Data Protection Skills Programme at QQI Level 6 carries 15 credits on the NFQ.
Aim of the Programme Module
This programme module aims to equip you with the knowledge, skill and competence to develop
standard and, measure performance in order to operate in a Data Protection Role.

Objectives of the Programme

• To enable you to develop specialised data protection skills and examine in detail relevant
theory and practice and have an overview of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• To facilitate you to understand the Role of a Data Protection role within and organisation and
carry out relevant tasks involved in a data protection role.
• To facilitate you to develop GDPR systems and processes in response to current Data
Protection legislation.
• To enable you to apply GDPR requirements in specific work scenarios and understand the
Rights of the Data Subject and the correct steps involved in responding to requests
• To enable you to carry out risk assessment & data processing procedures
This programme contains the following sections:
Section 1 : Overview of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Section 2 : Role of a Data Protection Officer
Section 3 : Processing of Personal Data
Section 4 : Rights of the Data Subject and Responding to Requests
Section 5 : Risk Assessment & Data Processing
Assessment:
Project 60%: You will be required to undertake a project that demonstrates your competency in applying
practical skills to your Data Protection Role. The project will incorporate your experiences in the workplace
where you will implement their newly developed skills.
You will be required complete a case study which will analyse good data protection practise under a range
of specific areas.

Assignment 40%: You will also be required to complete an assignment that demonstrates your
understanding of the fundamental theories, processes, legal requirements and practices involved in working
in a Data Protection role.

Assessment Submission Deadlines: On the first day of your programme you will receive the deadlines
that you will need to adhere to in relation to the submission of assessment material.

This Learner Handbook has been designed to give you an overview of our services, policies and
procedures which relate to your learning experience with us.
If you have any queries, please contact us using the details below.
Address: Talentpool Ltd, 2 Railway Terrace, Naas, Co Kildare
Phone: 045 864727

Email: [email protected]

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Contents
Talentpool welcome ............................................................................................................................... 2
OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY ........................................................................................................... 5
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU .................................................................................................................. 5
YOUR COMMITMENT .............................................................................................................................. 5
DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY ....................................................................................................................... 6
DATA PROTECTION: ................................................................................................................................ 6
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING ....................................................................................................... 6
HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT .......................................................................................................... 7
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION .......................................................................................................... 7
EXTENSION REQUESTS ............................................................................................................................ 7
ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................... 8
ASSESSMENT MALPRACTICE AND PLAGIARISM...................................................................................... 8
LEARNER APPEALS................................................................................................................................... 9
LEARNER APPEALS................................................................................................................................... 9
TWO-WAY FEEDBACK............................................................................................................................ 10
Assessment - Reassessment Policy for project and assignment........................................................... 10
ACCESS, TRANSFER, AND PROGRESSION .............................................................................................. 11
COMPLAINTS ......................................................................................................................................... 13
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY ........................................................................................................... 13
EXAMINATION....................................................................................................................................... 13
PROJECT ................................................................................................................................................ 14
SKILLS DEMONSTRATION ...................................................................................................................... 14
ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................... 14
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE......................................................................... 14
WHAT CAN YOU DO? ........................................................................................................................ 14
WHAT CAN WE DO? .......................................................................................................................... 14
PORTFOLIO TIPS ................................................................................................................................ 15
EXAM TIPS ............................................................................................................................................. 15
BEFORE THE EXAM ............................................................................................................................ 15
DURING THE EXAM ........................................................................................................................... 15
AT THE END OF THE EXAM: ............................................................................................................... 16
ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK ................................................................................................................... 16
PLAGIARISM .......................................................................................................................................... 17
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 WHAT IS PLAGIARISM? ..................................................................................................................... 17
EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM ............................................................................................................... 17
WHAT YOU NEED TO REFERENCE: .................................................................................................... 17
WHAT DO YOU NOT NEED TO REFERENCE: ...................................................................................... 17
REFERENCING GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................... 17
EXAMPLES OF BIBLIOGRAPHY ENTRIES ............................................................................................ 18

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OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
Talentpool Ltd is committed to the compliance of all regulations set down by external awarding
bodies we partner with and to the timely revision of all Quality Assurance (QA) documents in
keeping with changing guidelines.
Our policies and procedures aim to ensure that we deliver high quality programmes and provide a
high quality service to our learners at all time. They will also assist us to review the effectiveness of
the programmes we offer and the service we provide on an on-going basis. We are committed to
developing a culture that recognizes the importance of quality in everything we do.

Our policies and procedures are learner-focused to ensure all learners: -

● Can easily access useful information about all the programmes we offer.
● Are given details about course outlines, progression opportunities, assessment procedures and
criteria
● Have the opportunity to give and receive feedback on their experience and achievements
● Have reasonable access to support services including contact with trainers for one-to-one
consultation
● Are treated fairly and respectfully at all times
● Are made aware of the policies and procedures in place to deal with any extenuating
circumstances that may affect their
progression
● Have access to all relevant QA documentation

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Our commitment to you is to:
● Provide accurate, impartial information to enable you to make an informed choice about the
programmes we offer
● Advise you on learning resources to support your learning experience
● Provide you with a welcoming, high quality learning environment
● Give constructive feedback on your progress
● Give you opportunities to share your feedback with us and be responsive to any concerns you
have
● Provide accurate information and support about our assessment processes
● Provide reasonable accommodation
● Deal with complaints fairly and in confidence
● Provide you with access to an appropriate appeals procedure

YOUR COMMITMENT
We expect our learners to:
● Attend all sessions on their programme and notify us if they are not able to attend a session or if
they have decided to withdraw from a programme
● Be considerate and respectful towards others
● Comply with health and safety requirements
● Support the principles of our Equality and Diversity Policy
● Let us know if you have any questions, feedback or need further support
● Complete assessments as and when required

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DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY
Our Equality and Diversity Policy states: -
times irrespective of their Age, Gender, Race, Marital Status, Family Status, Religion, Sexual
orientation, Disability or Membership of
the travelling community”
All learners are expected to abide by this policy while taking part in our training programmes.
If any learner feels they have not been treated equitably they should inform Talentpool immediately.

DATA PROTECTION:
Talentpool commits to protecting the rights and privacy of individuals in accordance with the Data
Protection Act 1988 and the Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003 and other current data
protection legislation.
We are committed to: -
● Obtaining and processing your information fairly
● Keeping it only for one or more specified, explicit and lawful purposes
● Using and disclosing information only in ways compatible with these purposes
● Keeping it safe and secure
● Keeping it accurate, complete and up-to-date
● Ensuring that it is adequate, relevant and not excessive
● Retaining it for no longer than is necessary for the purpose or purposes
● Giving you copy of your personal data, on request

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

If you require recognition of prior learning to access this program you must contact the Talentpool
office and we will assist you with this process. You will be forwarded a form to complete which will
assist you presenting your case for RPL. You may also be called for an interview. The decision of this
process will be communicated to you by post.

TalentPool strives to support access to this QQI Data Protection Skills programme. Entry
arrangements are clear and the allocation of places is determined by a entry level requirements of
QQI Level 7 in a related field.
There are Recognition of Prior Learning mechanisms in place to facilitate applicants who do not
meet traditional entry criteria but who have achieved equivalent learning outcomes from
informal/non-formal/experiential learning scenarios (learning outside the formal education system –
workplace learning, life experience etc.).

TalentPool recognises prior learning and operates fair, transparent and consistent arrangements for
applicants who apply to gain credit from a programme or advanced entry to a programme on the
basis of learning outcomes achieved elsewhere, whether in the formal education system or outside.

Talentpool undertakes to provide comprehensive information on the possibilities for access, transfer
and progression to learners and prospective learners through programme information and publicity
documents and, where appropriate, in direct communication with them. The information provided
will be up-to-date, accurate and clear and will enable potential applicants and existing learners to
make decisions regarding what and when to study.

If you would like to apply for recognition of prior learning please contact our office who will forward
to you the relevant form and guide you through the process.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT
Talentpool is committed to the health and safety of our staff, trainers and learners in line with
Clause 12 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005: -
Staff and learners should:
● Be aware of their surroundings and notify the Receptionist/Security Officer on duty if a hazard is
discovered
● Use the handrail on the stairs
● Watch for wet floor signs
● Clean up their own spillages
● Not block or restrict access to any entry or exit point
● Follow a Sharps Management Procedure for items like blades or broken glass
● Store items sensibly – heavy items at the bottom, lighter items at the top
● Recycle items where possible – a range of recycling systems are in place
When running courses at external venues we ensure that they have a health and safety policy in
place and the venue meets the criteria outlined in our Training Facility Assessment Guidelines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
We aim to accommodate all learners, in accordance with our reasonable accommodation policy to
help ensure they can successfully participate in our training programmes and will be able to
demonstrate their achievements for assessment purposes.
All requests for reasonable accommodation must be recorded using our Reasonable Accommodation
Request form which is available from our support team by emailing [email protected] or calling
045 864727 Completed forms should clearly
describe the circumstances under which you are requesting reasonable accommodation and be sent
to [email protected], along with supporting documentation for processing.
Reasonable accommodation is signed off by our QA officer if we can make an adaptation that does
not affect the standards of the given award such as: -
●Rest periods during programme delivery
● Modifying programme materials e.g. presentation slides/handouts/assignment sheets
● Using a sign-language interpreter
● Using a scribe or reader
● Assistive technology
● Extended time to complete assignments

EXTENSION REQUESTS
If you feel you they cannot meet the required deadline for assessment submission you may request
an extension.
All extension requests must be recorded using our Extension Request form which is available from
our support team by emailing
[email protected] or calling 045 864727. Completed forms should clearly describe the
circumstances under which the learner is requesting an extension and be sent to
[email protected], along with supporting documentation for processing.
The decision to allow an extension request will be approved by the QA Officer who will consider any
extenuating circumstances and
may give compassionate consideration to the learner such as: -
● a physical injury or emotional trauma during a period four to six weeks previously
● a physical disability or chronic or disabling condition such as epilepsy, glandular fever, or other
incapacitating illness of the learner
● recent bereavement of close family member or friend
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● severe accident
● domestic crisis
● terminal illness of a close family member
● other extenuating circumstances.
If you miss your assessment deadline but have not requested an extension the QA Officer may
consider any extenuating circumstances and give compassionate consideration depending on the
evidence provided by the learner.

ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT

You will be provided with details of the assessment techniques and deadlines for your chosen
programme by your trainer on the first day of the programme.
Assessment may take the form of assignments, projects, portfolio, exam or skills demonstration.
You will be provided with details on how you can submit your assessments, including tips on format
and layout.
Learners must observe deadlines as notified by the trainer for the submission of coursework for
assessment.
Where appropriate, you will receive tutorial support to enhance your learning – this is programme
specific and your trainer will advise you about this.
All assignments submitted will go through our assessment procedure: -
● Internal Assessment
● Internal Verification
● External Authentication
● Final approval by our Results Approval Panel.
You will receive a statement of results once it has been approved by our results approval panel.

ASSESSMENT MALPRACTICE AND PLAGIARISM

Assessment Malpractice includes any situation where the assessment of the learner is compromised.
Talentpool will conduct an investigation into any instance where validity of an assessment could be
in question.
Examples of assessment malpractice could include:
● Dishonesty in completing an examination
● The assessment piece is not the learner’s own work
● Plagiarism - copying another person’s work with or without their permission
● Obtaining an examination paper in advance

Learners should note the following:

● Any source, published or unpublished, should not be copied without a proper acknowledgment.
● Copying a written source with only minor changes should be acknowledged.
● Learners cannot submit somebody else’s work as their own. This includes books, articles, research
papers, published or unpublished, essays, stories, etc.
● Any information taken from a website must be acknowledged.
● When submitting work, learners will be asked to sign an authentication statement to confirming
the work is entirely their
own.

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LEARNER APPEALS
If a learner is not happy with their final result they have the right to appeal.
All appeals requests must be recorded using our Appeals Request form which is available from our
support team by emailing [email protected]
Learners should note the following:
● Any source, published or unpublished, should not be copied without a proper acknowledgment.
● Copying a written source with only minor changes should be acknowledged.
● Learners cannot submit somebody else’s work as their own. This includes books, articles, research
papers, published or unpublished, essays, stories, etc.
● Any information taken from a website must be acknowledged.
● When submitting work, learners will be asked to sign an authentication statement to confirming
the work is entirely their own.

LEARNER APPEALS
All appeals requests must be recorded using our Appeals Request form which is available from our
support team by emailing
[email protected] or calling 045 864727. Completed forms should clearly describe the
circumstances under which you are requesting an appeal and be sent to [email protected],
along with supporting documentation for processing.
For results enquiries learners can request a full clerical re-check or a re-mark: -
● Full clerical re-check. We will check that all of the marks on your exam papers have been correctly
counted, to make sure there have been no mistakes when calculating your final grade. There is a fee
of €30 for re-checking assessments.*
● Re-mark - our QA Officer will appoint an Appeals Assessor with the required expertise, who is not
the original Internal Assessor. They will be given the same assessment documentation and learner
evidence as the original assessor. There is a fee of €60 for re-marking assessments. *
Following a results enquiry, if the learner is still not happy with the result they may formally appeal
their result. In this case our Results Approval Panel will review all the written evidence and make
recommendations to our Head of Centre. There is a fee of €80 for a full appeal. *. Completed forms
should clearly describe the circumstances under which you are
requesting an appeal and be sent to [email protected], along with supporting documentation
for processing.
For results enquiries learners can request a full clerical re-check or a re-mark: -
● Full clerical re-check. We will check that all of the marks on your exam papers have been correctly
counted, to make sure there have been no mistakes when calculating your final grade. There is a fee
of €20 for re-checking assessments.*
● Re-mark - our QA Officer will appoint an Appeals Assessor with the required expertise, who is not
the original Internal Assessor. They will be given the same assessment documentation and learner
evidence as the original assessor. There is a fee of €60 for re-marking assessments. *
Following a results enquiry, if the learner is still not happy with the result they may formally appeal
their result. In this case our
Results Approval Panel will review all the written evidence and make recommendations to our Head
of Centre. There is a fee of €80 for a full appeal. *

The results for each stage will be communicated to the learner via email within 10 working days of
the start date.
The final result will be submitted to the external awarding body for certification.
If the outcome of a re-marking request brings into question the accuracy of grades awarded on an
assessment, we will take reasonable steps to identify other learners who may have been effected
POINTS TO NOTE:
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● Once a learner receives their statement of results they have 7 working days from the date of the
email to make an enquiry/appeal. Any appeals received after this time period will not be considered.
● Learners should be aware that their grade could go down as well as up as a result of a Results
Enquiry.
* All charges will be refunded in full if the enquiry/appeal is upheld.

TWO-WAY FEEDBACK
We put the learner at the centre of our programme and strive to ensure that, at all times, learners
gain direction and feedback on assignments, assessments, requests etc. from trainers and Talentpool
support staff throughout their programme.
Trainers are available throughout the course to discuss any issues you may have face-to-face.
We also encourage you to provide feedback on your learning experience. All learners will be asked
to complete a Feedback Form at
the end of the programme.
We also invite learners to contact us at any stage with queries and/or feedback on our services.

Assessment - Reassessment Policy for project and assignment

(a) At the start of the program learners will be notified of the submission dates for the project and
assignment.
(b) On completion of the program, learners will be notified again of submission dates for
assessment material.
(c) Should a learner have valid grounds (as per Section 3 below) for missing an assessment deadline
he/she may be given a maximum of one opportunity to submit a reassessment.
(d) The reassessment to take place at the discretion of the trainer who will inform the students of
his/her policy regarding when a reassessment may take place, be it within a week of the original
assessment or at end of the program under 13 weeks of commencement.

2. Reassessment Procedure
(a) This policy document will be available to students as part of the learner handbook.
(b) The official form can be obtained from our office by email.
(c) The completed form will be kept on file by our office.

3. Grounds for Reassessment

An application for the reassessment of a missed assessment will be considered if the application
before him/her satisfies at least one of the following criteria:
(a) Recent death of a parent/guardian, sibling, spouse or child.
(b) Recent death of a mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandparent/grandchild or any person who was
ordinarily resident in the home of the applicant.
(c) Debilitating illness.
(d) Circumstances outside the control of the applicant, which make it legally or physically impossible
for the learner to submit the assessment on time.
(d) Wedding of an immediate family member if the wedding date coincides with the submission
deadline.
(e) Other circumstances which the trainer considers to be analogous to any of the above.

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ACCESS, TRANSFER, AND PROGRESSION
We provide learners with advice and information about their transfer and progression opportunities
(i.e. ways learners can move to a higher level course on the NFQ) following the successful
completion of a certified course/award.

Access: To access a Talentpool programme, please contact our office, who will provide to you via
email our application form to access the relevant program. Application form will be assessed by our
office. If your application meets with the entry criteria for the programme that you require, you will
be offered a place on this program.

TalentPool strives to support access to this QQI Data Protection Skills programme. Entry
arrangements are clear and the allocation of places is determined by a entry level requirements of
QQI Level 7 in a related field.

There are Recognition of Prior Learning mechanisms in place to facilitate applicants who do not
meet traditional entry criteria but who have achieved equivalent learning outcomes from
informal/non-formal/experiential learning scenarios (learning outside the formal education system –
workplace learning, life experience etc.).

TalentPool recognises prior learning and operates fair, transparent and consistent arrangements for
applicants who apply to gain credit from a programme or advanced entry to a programme on the
basis of learning outcomes achieved elsewhere, whether in the formal education system or outside.

Talentpool undertakes to provide comprehensive information on the possibilities for access, transfer
and progression to learners and prospective learners through programme information and publicity
documents and, where appropriate, in direct communication with them. The information provided
will be up-to-date, accurate and clear and will enable potential applicants and existing learners to
make decisions regarding what and when to study.

If you would like to apply for recognition of prior learning please contact our office who will forward
to you the relevant form and guide you through the process.

Transfer and Progression: On completion of your QQI programme you may progress to additional
one day programmes available from Talentpool which you will be able to use for CPD credits.
Alternatively you can use the credits gained through your QQI certified programme to access further
courses in business or administration or apply for exemptions in a full award for the programme you
have completed.

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The NFQ is intended to put the learner at the centre of the education and training system in Ireland.
It is important that you are aware of the NFQ, understand what it means for you, and the benefits it
can bring.

The NFQ is a system of ten levels. It incorporates awards made for all kinds of learning, from initial
learning to Doctorate, wherever the learning is gained. For example, the Irish Junior Certificate is at
NFQ Level 3, apprenticeship qualifications are at NFQ Level 6, the Honours Bachelor Degree is at
NFQ Level 8 and the Doctoral Degree is at NFQ Level 10.
The NFQ provides a structure (a framework) to compare and contrast the level and standard of
different qualifications. This helps
you to make informed decisions about your qualification choices and to consider what options might
be available for your further studies. The NFQ also makes it easier for you to explain to others what
qualifications you hold, or are studying for. This becomes very important when you are considering
further learning or when you are applying for a job - at home or abroad.
Information about the transfer and progression opportunities for our programmes are available on
the appropriate programme page on our website www.talentpoolltd.ie
If the transfer and progression opportunities are dependent on any particular attainments (e.g.
where a learner must achieve a distinction in an award to progress to the next level) this will be
highlighted also.
This information will also be included in the brochure for that programme which is available to
download from our website or on
request from our support staff over the phone or via email.
Our support staff and trainers are trained to be familiar with the NFQ and can give advice on the
opportunities for transfer and
progression following the successful completion of one of our programmes.
Further Reading:
● Visit http://www.nfq-qqi.com/ for an interactive version of the NFQ.
● Visit http://www.qqi.ie/Pages/Higher-Education-Links-Scheme-(HELS).aspx for information about
HELS (Higher Education Links Scheme) which provides systematic progression opportunities for
learners to first year of higher education programmes on the basis of FET(QQI) Level 5 and 6 awards,
through the CAO (Central Applications Office).
● Visit http://qsearch.qqi.ie/WebPart/Search?searchtype=recognitions for information about NARIC
Ireland, who provide advice on the academic recognition of a foreign qualification by comparing it,
where possible, to a major award at a certain level on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications
(NFQ)

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COMPLAINTS
Talentpool strives at all times to provide an excellent and efficient high quality service to its clients
and learners. However, in recognition that errors or exceptions can occur, Talentpool is fully
committed to ensuring that all complaints are fully considered and resolved in a sympathetic, timely,
fair, consistent and equitable manner.
We would ideally endeavour to resolve the complaint quickly and directly. This could be by way of
apology or explanation, and immediate action taken to resolve the problem. Where possible, it is
recommended that complaints are raised with the appropriate staff member, trainer or company
representative in person, over the phone or via email.
Our Support Staff can be contacted on 045 864727 or via email on [email protected].
Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
We will endeavour to resolve any mistakes or misunderstandings immediately.
If we cannot resolve your complaint immediately we will ask that you submit your complaint to us in
writing.
You can do this via email to [email protected] or by post to Talentpool, 2 Railway Terrace,
Naas, Co Kildare.
To ensure that we can investigate your complaint fully please include the following information: -
● Your Name, Address, Phone & Email Address
● The date of the occurrence
● The name of the trainer or team member with whom you were dealing
● The exact nature of your complaint
● Any supporting documentation or evidence

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY

This document is a supporting part of TalentPools quality management system.
Talentpool aims to carry out delivery and assessment that is both fair and consistent for learners.
We understand that conflicts of interest can arise and we are committed to managing such issues
openly when they do happen. We ask learners, trainers and assessors to inform Talentpool
immediately if they feel that there may be a conflict of interest.
A conflict of interest can arise if:
• A person who is connected to the development, delivery or award of qualifications has a previous,
personal knowledge of the learner.
• A person who is connected to the development, delivery or award of qualifications has a previous,
professional knowledge of the learner that leads that person to act contrary to his or her interests in
the development, delivery or assessment of the programme.
• The company, Talentpool, has prior negative interactions with the individual learner or company.
It is the policy of Talentpool that trainers and assessors acting on our behalf must be free from
conflicts of interest that could adversely affect their judgement or objectivity to the organisation in
conducting business activities and assignments.
If you feel there is a conflict of interest with any of our staff please contact us immediately.
Our Support Staff can be contacted on 045 864727 or via email on [email protected].

EXAMINATION
An exam is used to test a learner’s ability to remember information, to prove they have knowledge
of the topic. An exam also shows that learners understand the information and have the ability to
discuss a topic in detail, for example the advantages or disadvantages of a topic or comparing and
contrasting information. Exams can be written or oral in format.

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PROJECT
Projects may involve research, investigating a topic, performing an activity or organising an event. A
number of learners may be involved in an event and each learner must clearly state what they are
responsible for.
When learners are undertaking a project they may be required to keep a personal diary as it will
record learning gained and achievements of learning outcomes. (Miplos)

SKILLS DEMONSTRATION
Skills Demonstration allows the learner to show their ability to achieve a wide range of practical
skills. A skills demonstration may be assessed while learners are on work placement.
There are different types of skills demonstration: practical, observation and oral. One of the
techniques to evaluate the skills is recording by video the skills. We do not permit any distribution of
these videos under any circumstances.

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
The centre must hold all assessed work until the official statement of results arrives.
Certificates are issued by QQI at a later date.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Treat others with respect and consideration,
Attend classes regularly
Take a positive and active part in the learning process
Arrive at class on time and stay for the full duration of the class
Complete assignments by the agreed deadlines
Let the tutor know if you expect to be late, absent, or unable to attend
Comply with health and safety requirements
Abide by the rules and regulations of the centre where you are studying
Inform the centre of any relevant changes in your circumstances (e.g. change of address)
Complete forms and pay fees as appropriate
Let your tutor or course co-ordinator know if you need help or further support for your
studies
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Treat you with respect and consideration
Provide a safe and welcoming environment
Offer high quality and enjoyable learning opportunities
Provide you with the information you need about your programme
Operate fair and consistent entry procedures to programmes
Ensure that classes start and end on time and where possible notify you of any unavoidable
changes
Advise you on learning resources to support your studies
Inform you of other services and supports
Explain the assessment process
Give you regular feedback on your progress
Give you opportunities to feed back to us
Deal with complaints fairly and in confidence
Advise you on progression routes available to you
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PORTFOLIO TIPS

A portfolio is a collection of work you have done during the module. Your tutor will give you a
checklist of what is to be included.
TIPS FOR PUTTING PORTFOLIOS TOGETHER
Discuss with your tutor how you should organise your portfolio
Use your checklist to make sure you have included everything that is required
You are responsible for the safekeeping of your portfolio and any work you might want to
include in it.
Make sure you reference any sources you have used, such as books, articles, websites etc.
Make sure you have signed your portfolio if required
Check that you have included your PPS (RSI) number on the front of your portfolio
Do not use poly pockets/plastic folders to present your work for final assessment

EXAM TIPS
BEFORE THE EXAM
• Check what time your exam starts and make sure you are on time. The exam will end at a specific
time regardless of whether you were late.
• Bring spare pens, pencils, etc. in case you need them. Better to be looking at them than for them.
Remember you can’t borrow equipment from other people during an exam.
• Eat a light meal before the exam - you don’t want to be hungry but you don’t want to be falling
asleep either!
• Bring a watch into the exam and use it to keep a close eye on the time you spend at each question.
• Before the exam work out how much time you can spend on each question. Allow time according
to the marks per question.

DURING THE EXAM

• Allow 5 minutes at the start to read the paper and 5 minutes at the end to go back over it.
• When reading the exam paper, write down any points that come to mind.
• Answer your best questions first – this will give you confidence. It will also give a good impression
to the person correcting.
• Read each individual question thoroughly before you answer it to make sure that you understand
the question and what you need to do.
• Try to write neatly. Examiners prefer writing that is easy to read.
• You can generally answer questions in any order but make sure to number answers correctly e.g.
Q. 2(b), Q 3(a).
• Tick off each question as you answer it.
• As you start each question write down on the exam paper what time you are starting the question.
This will help you to keep track of when you need to finish it.
• If you are not finished the question in the time allocated, move to the next question. You can
always go back if there is enough time.
• Try to answer all questions that must be answered. You won’t get marks for questions that are
not attempted.
• Leave blank lines at the end of each question in case you need to add points.
• Keep answers to the point – don’t repeat points.
• Focus on the exam – don’t get distracted by those around you.

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AT THE END OF THE EXAM:
• Read over your answers
• Check your answers against the exam paper to make sure you haven’t left any questions out.
• Make sure that your name or exam number is on each page of your answer sheet.
• Don’t leave the exam before the time is up – you may just think of something else to add.
VIOLATION OF THE RULES
• Anyone who tries to obtain aid from or to copy from another person or who tries to aid another
person during an examination will be liable to lose certification or module credit.
• See Regulations for Centres and Candidates on QQI website
www.qqi.ie

TIPS FOR WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

When writing an assignment it is important to read carefully the assignment brief which your tutor
will give you.
The assignment brief will tell you:
The title of the assignment
The name of the module
The amount of marks for the assignment
The approximate anticipated word count
Deadline for submission
How the assignment will be marked

ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK
Each learner must complete the assignment on the date specified in order to receive feedback from
their tutor. This feedback will give you the opportunity to make changes to your assignment in order
to achieve the best mark. If assignments are not completed by the specified date feedback will not
be given and your assignment may lose marks.

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PLAGIARISM
WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?
Plagiarism is when a learner presents other people’s writing, words or ideas as their own.
EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM
Quoting or summarising material without crediting the source. The source of
material could be books, magazines, websites, films, newspapers, television
programmes, films, photos and drawings, charts and graphs.
Copying or using work done by another learner.
Buying completed work on the internet or downloading a paper from a free site.
Getting someone to do the work for you.
Sometimes learners don’t acknowledge sources because they think that they are not
supposed to depend on other people’s work. In fact the opposite is actually the case.
It is hard to write a successful essay/assignment without doing some research. The
key thing is to reference your work.
WHAT YOU NEED TO REFERENCE:
Anything from a magazine, book, newspaper, song, film/television programme, website, letter,
advertisement.
Information you get from interviewing someone.
Exact words or phrases that you have copied.
Diagrams, pictures, charts etc. which you have not produced yourself.
Audio or visual evidence which you did not produce yourself.
WHAT DO YOU NOT NEED TO REFERENCE:
Things that are “common knowledge” such as historical events – George Washington was the
first President of the United States, or items which are generally accepted e.g.
Global Warming is a serious issue.
Photos, pictures, videos etc. which you produced yourself.
Your own life experience, thoughts and findings.
Results of experiments which you carried out yourself.

REFERENCING GUIDELINES
REFERENCING GUIDELINES FOR LEVELS 5 AND 6
Sources must be credited both in the assignment and in the bibliography.
In the assignment, give the surname of the author and year of publication e.g. (Smith,
2002)
Put quotes in quotation marks and list the pages that the quotes came from e.g.
(Smith, 2002, pp. 6 – 8)
If the name of the author appears in the assignment, put the year of publication in brackets
after it e.g. Smith (2002) speaks about global warming in his book…..
At the end of your assignment or piece of work you create a list of the sources of
information that you have used, those you quoted from and those you used for research but
did not cite directly. This list is called a bibliography.
In order to write a bibliography correctly, remember:
-Entries are to be in alphabetical order
-Leave one line space between each entry
-Use ‘et al.’ (which means ‘and others’) for a long list of authors

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EXAMPLES OF BIBLIOGRAPHY ENTRIES
For books:
Hobart, C. and Frankel, J., (1994), A Practical Guide to Child Observations
Cheltenham:Stanley Thornes
For articles:
Wang, B. (2006). Kung Fu Cult masters: From Bruce Lee to Crouching Tiger, Film Quarterly
(60)2, 74-75
For Electronic Sources:
Maguire, C. (2005) Understanding Disability. Retrieved 12 December 2007 from
http://www.equality.ie/index.asp

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