In order to make the most of STAR UNITS it is clearly important to be familiar with the details of the Star Unit content in order to discuss it with your students, trainees or apprentices.

It will be a matter for your judgment as to when you introduce the Star Units to your groups. However, it is suggested that they are mentioned early on in a programme so that learners are aware of what they entail and can start to be motivated to achieve them. In any event, to offer these Units at this stage, you will need the support and backing of an Awarding Body offering this facility.

You will then need to remind learners of what they need to do in terms of collecting evidence for assessment purposes. This may require some detailed guidance and encouragement in order to meet the demanding standard that Star Units require.

Again it is a matter of your judgement on how you present this information. Star Units focus on exceptional and outstanding performance so that typically it is unlikely that more than, say, one in five learners will achieve them. However, all learners should have the benefit of understanding what high quality performance looks like.

NOTE: If there are no Star Units available with the S/NVQs in your sector then you should approach your Sector Skills Council and suggest that it should start developing them. Similarly, if Star Units are available but not assessed by your college/ training provider then maybe you should consider introducing them.