Programme Self Evaluation Questions (PSEQ)

I am developing a new programme...

If you have been asked to develop a new programme incorporating the Liverpool Curriculum Framework Hallmarks, Attributes and Principles you should follow the steps detailed below.

The black text demonstrates the work needed to support alignment with the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, whilst the red text shows where this is incorporated into existing AQSD processes.

Steps:

1. Programme Leader/ Team identify Compulsory Programme "Spine" or Student Pathways through programme (e.g. required modules/ components in each year of study)
2. Programme Team design Compulsory Module/Programme Components to include Liverpool Hallmarks, Attributes and Curriculum Principles in learning outcomes, learning and teaching activities and assessments, progressively developed throughout duration of programme.
3. Programme Specification includes reference to Liverpool Hallmarks, Attributes and Curriculum Principles. This is submitted through the AQSD programme approval process (Curriculum Manager)

In addition you will find the "PSEQ Alignment at a Glance" and "Liverpool Curriculum Framework Prompt Questions" documents useful.

I am reviewing a current programme as part of IPR & revalidation...

If you are reviewing a current programme as part of IPR & Revalidation and want to understand the requirements of reviewing for Liverpool Curriculum Framework alignment within that process you should follow the steps detailed below.

The black text demonstrates the work needed to support alignment with the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, whilst the red text shows where this is incorporated into existing AQSD processes. Complete the PSEQ as one of the first IPR tasks, ideally 6 months before date of IPR event.

Steps:

1. Programme Leader/ Team identify required modules/ programme components in each year of study
2. Required modules/programme components reviewed in line with the Liverpool Curriculum Framework Hallmarks, Attributes and Curriculum Principles by Programme Lead/Team
3. Programme overall reviewed by Programme Lead/Team using PSEQ Self-Assessment Rubric
4. Possible enhancements identified and agreed by Programme Team
5. Enhancements and changes recorded in AQSD DEPP form and submitted as part of IPR paperwork
6. Relevant changes progressed through usual module/programme modification system (CB, SSP, FAQSC, UAP)

In addition you will find the PSEQ Alignment at a Glance a good place to start. Other documents you may find helpful include the Liverpool Curriculum Framework Programme Mapping Template and the optional Liverpool Curriculum Framework Action Plan Template.

I am reviewing a current programme outside of formal AQSD processes...

If you are undertaking a scoping exercise to ascertain to what extent your programme aligns to the Liverpool Curriculum Framework you will find the PSEQ Alignment at a Glance a good place to start. Other documents you may find helpful include the Liverpool Curriculum Framework Programme Mapping Template and the optional Liverpool Curriculum Framework Action Plan Template.

Regardless of which process you are engaging with the Liverpool Curriculum Framework webpages, featuring case studies, guides and further information on Liverpool Curriculum Framework are a useful resource.

PSEQ Alignment at a Glance

To see how your current programme provision aligns to the Liverpool Curriculum Framework click on this self-assessment rubric. This will enable you to review your current provision and can provide some inspiration for future enhancement ideas.

Liverpool Curriculum Framework Prompt Questions

If you are developing a new programme it is useful to design in the Liverpool Curriculum Framework hallmarks, attributes and principles from the beginning. Use this set of questions to help prompt you to do so.

Liverpool Curriculum Framework Programme Mapping Template

If you want to understand where and how the Liverpool Curriculum Framework is evidenced in your required modules or programme components and need further information you can use this template with module or programme component leads to gather relevant data.

Liverpool Curriculum Framework Action Plan Template (Optional)

If you would like to record how you are evidencing your alignment to the Liverpool Curriculum Framework and the actions you are going to take as a programme team to enhance this, you may find this document useful.

Liverpool Curriculum Framework Overview of Hallmarks Attributes and Principles

Here all in one place are the curriculum principles along with the definitions of the hallmarks and graduate attributes.

In order to identify the extent to which your programme/programmes align to the Liverpool Curriculum Framework you will need to identify the compulsory modules or programme components within your programme for each year of study. By mapping the compulsory requirements within the duration of the programme (a Liverpool Curriculum Framework Programme Mapping Template is available to help you) you can identify as a minimum the opportunities that all students have to experience the Liverpool Hallmarks of Research Connected Teaching, Active Learning and Authentic Assessment and to progressively develop their Graduate Attributes of Confidence, Digital Fluency and Global Citizenship within your programme provision.

In order to demonstrate the progressive development of students’ skills and experiences in relation to the Hallmarks and Attributes there will need to be a “spine” or number of compulsory modules/ programme components within each year of the programme. If this is not the case, potential student pathways will need to be mapped instead, to demonstrate how ALL students’ skills are developed progressively and equitably through the duration of the programme regardless of the module/ programme component choices made. Help is available from CIE staff to identify student pathways if required.

Programme Leaders may require module/ programme component leaders to reflect on the extent to which their modules align to the Liverpool Curriculum Framework Hallmarks and Attributes prior to completing the overall PSEQ for the programme. The Liverpool Curriculum Framework Programme Mapping Template can be sent to module/ programme component leaders to be populated, with the Liverpool Curriculum Framework Overview of Hallmarks Attributes and Principles document. When reviewing the extent to which the programme aligns to the Liverpool Curriculum Framework Hallmarks and Attributes, Programme Leaders should take into account the evidence gathered via the mapping tool.

At present it has not been deemed necessary to evaluate 50/50 or 75/25 combined degrees in terms of the Liverpool Curriculum Framework. This is based on the assumption that if all departments demonstrate alignment of their 100% programmes to the Liverpool Curriculum Framework requirements, programmes drawing on elements from these 100% programmes will also align. However if modules have been developed jointly across departments as a bespoke cross curricula offering that is only experienced by students on a 50% or 75/25% one department will need to take responsibility for the mapping of that module to the Liverpool Curriculum Framework.

Then you will probably need to map each module/programme requirement that students may complete in that year of study, or each suite/basket of modules/programme components that students may choose from. CIE can help you to identify what will need to be mapped if you require help with this.