What is RARPA?

RARPA stands for Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement and is a staged approach to ensure that the learner is at the centre of learning and the learner’s goals are recognised and count towards the success of their learning.

• Stage 1
  Setting learning aims appropriate to an individual learner or groups of learners
• Stage 2
  Initial assessment to establish the learner’s starting point
• Stage 3
  Identification of appropriately challenging learning objectives
• Stage 4
  Formative assessment (ie progress during the programme)
• Stage 5
  Summative assessment – review of overall progress and achievement.  This may include recognition of learning outcomes not specified during the programme and discussion about ‘next steps’ for the learner

There are two interlinked processes:

• Systematic recognition and recording of progress and achievement through the staged process
• Quality assurance of learning through the RARPA  process

The implementation of the RARPA process has numerous benefits for learners, staff and providers.

Learners

The RARPA approach is a flexible learner-centred approach which enables learners to take charge of their learning.

RARPA raises learners’ awareness of the learning process, builds their confidence and encourages enthusiasm by using a more engaging manner of reaching personal goals.

Tutors

Tutors, especially new tutors, have been enthusiastic about the benefits for learners.  Experienced tutors also value the RARPA approach and the benefits it can bring to their teaching and learning.

The RARPA process has had a positive effect when it is viewed as an integral part of the learning process. It provides scope for creative approaches and encourages staff development.

Learning Providers

The RARPA process has received a positive response from providers as it supports quality improvement and promotes good practice and consistency across provision. The values and strengths of RARPA are that the process draws on existing quality practices and is mapped to the Common Inspection Framework, as well as contributing to evidence for the new overarching judgements.