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Diploma aggregation service
Last updated: 09 February 2010
Service status
All aspects of the Diploma aggregation service are operating normally today.
New updates to DAS
Technical updates have been made to DAS as part of a release of new functionality, known as Release 3.4. The changes are minor and users will not need to take any action or learn how to use new features.
What is Release 3.4?
Release 3.4 comprises a series of enhancements made to DAS in November. The changes are part of QCDA's programme of continuous service improvement. Release 3.4 is itself part of a wider project, Release 4, which will be fully implemented next year. These changes have been introduced early to support centres and awarding bodies with Diploma administration during 2010.
What are the main changes?
Three main changes have been made. They are:
New history screens
The learner account enquiry screen has changed to show the history of the grades associated with a learner's Diploma. This includes:
- A new History button appears against each learner Diploma registered on the learner account. When the button is clicked a new screen opens displaying a list of all the changes that have been made to the learner account. View an example of the new button and screen.
- A new History button appears for personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS), When the button is clicked, a new screen will open showing all the history information about a learner's PLTS for whatever level of Diploma they are studying. View an example of the new button and screen.
- A new History button appears for work experience. When the button is clicked a new screen will open showing all the information about a learner's work experience for whatever level of Diploma they are studying. View an example of the new button and screen.
Embargoed results
A change has been made so that it is no longer necessary to restrict access to DAS learner accounts to centres in advance of Diploma awarding. In August 2009 access to learner accounts was restricted for a short period to maintain the integrity of embargoed results. From now on centres will be able to access learner accounts and carry out tasks as normal. The only change is that the Diploma grade will not be visible in the learner account until the results embargo is lifted.
U results
When a learner receives a U result for their Diploma, DAS will generate an automatic notification to the Diploma awarding body (DAB). This means that on results day the U result will be available to view on the DAB's extranet site as well as in the DAS learner account. This change avoids the need for the DAB to either email the U result to the centre or send a hard copy of the result to the centre.
When DAS sends the U result notification to the DAB, a new message saying 'Unclassified Diploma result' will appear in the notice board on the DAB's home screen. There will also be a new notification detail screen. View an example of the new notification and screen. The notification can be downloaded in .csv format.
Benefits of the changes
The new History screens enable users to see more information about learners' progress. The changes related to embargoed results and U results will make the awarding period smoother and more efficient, and reduce unnecessary administration.
If you have any questions about these changes, please contact the DAS Helpdesk on telephone 0300 100 0100 or email das.helpdesk@qcda.gov.uk.
Opening learner accounts in DAS
If your centre is having difficulty opening learner accounts, please contact the DAS helpdesk on 0300 100 0100 or das.helpdesk@qcda.gov.uk.
Secure area for controlled documents
Controlled documents relating to the Diploma aggregation service are stored in a password-protected repository on this website, called 'dasdocs'. You can find a link to dasdocs to the right of this page.
Only users who have signed a participation agreement can access dasdocs. To apply for an agreement, please contact the DAS Service Management Team on email: DAS_Service_Management_Team@qcda.gov.uk.