Training Prospectus
OBAC Education and Training Prospectus
About OBAC
OBAC is part of the Organisation of Blind African & Caribbeans. The OBAC Education and Training Centre specialises in providing Home and International students with the opportunity to study recognised courses that will enhance their personal and professional development.
OBAC has been providing training for around 10 years and prepares students for careers in modern business and for further study. We have recently expanded the number of training provisions, which includes offering courses accredited by the Open College Network.
OBAC has in its employ qualified and experienced teaching staff.
OBAC is situated in one of London's most diverse and cosmopolitan areas. We located to very near the Oval Cricket ground and students have access to various buses and two underground stations. We are only about 20 minutes from Oxford Street by underground and 30-45 minutes by bus.
Mission Statement
To provide our students with the knowledge, skills for work and personal development in support of their economic success in a competitive market.
Accreditation status
OBAC is accredited by the City and Guilds. Oxford, Cambridge and RSA and Open College Network. Qualifications are offered to ensure that students at all levels, including key skills, have access to externally validated examinations.
The certificates and other award programmes are open to applicants who have completed their secondary level education, GCSE, A level or equivalent. Entry qualification for accredited training programmes requires a valid certificate from any recognised college.
Applications may also be considered from those OBAC believe may benefit from a particular course of study. Applicants are required to have proficiency in English and basic communication skills.
Courses
OBAC offers the following full time and part time courses:
Accredited further education courses
(leading to a qualification)
OCN Certificate in Access Technology
a) Level 1 qualification
b) Level 2 qualification
OCN Level 1 Disability and Visual Awareness Training
OCN Level 2 Disability and Visual Awareness Training
Accredited further education courses
(leading to a qualification)
Computing courses:
a) Level 1 qualification
b) Level 2 qualification- CLAiT PLUS
OCR Entry Level 1 Basic Skills (Literacy/Numeracy)
OCR Entry Level 2 Basic Skills (Literacy/Numeracy)
ESOL Skills for Life
Non-Accredited further education courses:
Introduction to Disability and Visual Awareness Training courses
(1 day)
These courses are offered on a semester basis.
- Offered as full or part-time.
- Completed at a pace established by the student and approved by the College.
Further and full details of the courses are contained in this prospectus
Award of Certificates
Certificates are awarded when the following graduation requirements have been met:
• Satisfactory completion of all course work.
• Completion of an approved course work/portfolio
• Written approval of the supervising Tutor/Lecturer
• Full payment of all tuition fees to the college
- The relevant awarding body will award all certificates.
Accommodation:
For those students without family or friends to stay with on arrival in London, or those who wish to find a new place to live, OBAC can provide assistance in directing you toward finding competitively priced accommodation.
Admissions
All students applying for admission must submit the following documents.
1. A fully filled and signed application form.
2. Copies of all qualifications held.
3. Letters from past and present employers confirming work experience.
4. Detailed resume.
5. Three passport size photographs.
6. A remittance of the first year fee. If the application is not accepted this payment will be refunded.
If you are an International Student, in order to apply for OBAC programmes the stated documents must be submitted to either the local in-country representative or directly to OBAC, 1st Floor Gloucester House 8 Camberwell New Road London SE5 0TA
Calender
OBAC training operates on a semester system consisting of three thirteen-week semesters per year: spring, summer and autumn consequently starting in January, May and September.
Student Information Document Pack
OBAC will issue every student with an Information Pack once they have completed the pre-enrolment to assist in better understanding what is offered at OBAC Education and Training Centre.
International Students will be provided with additional information that will include information necessary to assist the settling in process.
All students will be required to attend an Induction meeting at the start of their course.
How to apply for Admission?
Send completed application form to the OBAC Registration Department
You can download an application form from the website or send us an email or contact us and we will send a form to you either by email or by post. The student may fill the application form and either send it directly to OBAC or may submit it to the authorised local representative along with the following:
- A copy of all qualifications attained.
- Letters from past and present employers confirming work experience
- Three passport size photographs
- Non-refundable registration fee of £100 (for International Students)
Receive acceptance documentation
Upon receipt of the application form the admissions committee will review the applicant’s status and the successful candidate will be sent the conditional acceptance letter.
Pay tuition fees
Once we have received your acceptance documentation you should make arrangements for your tuition fees to be sent in full to OBAC. If you are paying your fees from overseas you should ask your bank to issue a Banker's Draft made payable to OBAC, which you should send to us by courier or registered post. If you are unable to remit full tuition fees, OBAC will accept an agreed substantial amount with condition that student clears the balance in full at the time of registration.
Student Visa (if required).
Applicants from some countries are required to obtain a Visa from their local British Embassy or High Commission prior to travelling to Britain. This is likely to involve an interview with an Entry Clearance Officer who will want to see:
-Your Passport
-Your academic qualifications
-Letter of unconditional enrolment issued by the college (showing tuition fees paid)
-Evidence that you have access to the necessary living expenses
Depending on your country of origin you may or may not require a visa for entry to Britain. Please check with British Embassy/High Commission in the country of residence before making any travel arrangements. If you do require a student visa you shall have to produce the following documents to the entry clearance officer at the Embassy/High Commission in your country:
- A valid passport
- Certificate of enrolment to a full time course, consisting of at least 15 hours of study per week.
Visa Service
OBAC is registered with the Office of Immigration Service Commissioners. We can provide students access to immediate assistance with all visa issues.
Overseas students other than European Union
Other than the procedure outlined afore, once your application has been accepted you will be required to pay your fees in full before a letter for the purpose of VISA could be issued to you. If you are unable to remit full tuition fees, OBAC will accept a deposit of £1500 (Sterling One Thousand Five Hundred Pounds only), subjected that you pay the balance in full on commencing your desired courses. On receipt of fees/deposit a letter of enrolment shall be issued which will facilitate you to secure a VISA.
Frequently asked questions
What courses does OBAC offer?
OBAC currently offers a select number of academic programmes leading towards OCN Open College Network vocational qualifications
NVQ level 1,2 and 3
What are the term dates?
OBAC operates on a semester system consisting of three thirteen-week semesters per year: spring, summer and fall, consequently starting in January, May and September.
When can I get my qualification?
When the following graduation requirements have been met:
- Satisfactory completion of all course work;
- Completion of an approved assignments/projects;
- Full payment of all tuition fees;
- Written approval of the supervising tutor;
What are the average living costs in London?
In addition to the tuition fee, accommodation, food, travel, books etc. may cost a student between £500 - £600 per month. The average rent for a single room ranges from £300 to £425 excluding lighting and heating. Students must ensure that they have sufficient funds available to them to pay the tuition fee and living expenses.
Employment
Full time students in the UK can work part time - up to 20 hours per week during term time and as much as they wish during agreed holiday periods.
In spite of part-time employment being permissible the students are advised not to rely on this source of income to maintain them. Therefore, they are advised to have sufficient funds for a full year's expense.
Please note that if you are refused entry to the United Kingdom by a British Embassy or High Commission your tuition fees will be refunded, if the student returns the admission document and doesn’t wish to appeal.
Courses
Accredited further education courses
(Leading to a qualification)
OCN Certificate in Access Technology
Our Access Technology programme offers learning opportunities for teachers, support workers and career advise and those who simply wish to know more about access technology.
Level 1 qualification
- OCN delivering IT with access technology
- History of Access Technology
- Introduction to Access Technology
- Introduction To Access Technology
- History of Access Technology
- Screen Magnification and alteration
- Switching on Magnification
- Switching on Magnification Switching on magnification.
Level 2 qualification
- OCN Access Technology
- Screen Magnification and Alteration
- Increasing/decreasing magnification
- Magnification modes
- Keyboard limitations and keystroke abbreviations
- Using roll boxes
- Reading and Spelling text
- Applying and checking text formats
- Using Find and Replace
- Entering text and Numeric data
- Basic editing
- Selecting Cells
- Changing Column Width
- Replicating Formulae
- Using Integer and Decimal Formats
- Insert/Delete a Row/Column
OCN Level 1 Disability and Visual Awareness Training
- Introduction to Disability and Visual Awareness.
- Implementing DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)
- Disability equality and awareness training
- Understanding visual impairment and the law
- Equality and diversity training
- Distribution of information in alternative formats
- Overview of different sight problems and their impacts
- Resources and help
- Accessible information and communication
- How to get greet and guide a blind person
- Sight problems and work
- Getting about and travelling.
- Overview of different sight problems and their impacts
- Barriers and Practical Issues and potential solutions
- Technology - equipment and environments
- Gain skills in guiding blind and partially sighted customers
- The “social” and “medical” models of disability
OCN Level 2 Disability and Visual Awareness Training
- Implementing DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)
- Disability equality and awareness training
- Understanding visual impairment and the law
- Equality and diversity training
- Awareness training with disable staff & service users
- The “social” and “medical” models of disability
- Advice and training on disability awareness
- Technology - equipment and environments
- Barriers and Practical Issues and potential solutions
Short Courses
Accredited further education courses
(leading to a qualification)
OCR Entry Level 1 Basic Skills (Literacy/Numeracy)
Qualifications are assessed in the centre by the tutor and externally moderated by OCR.
- The literacy and numeracy qualifications allow units to be taken at different levels, to reflect the candidate’s skills profile.
- The unit-based structure enables candidates to be entered for either individual units or the full qualification.
- OCR assignment templates are provided for the literacy and ICT qualifications. These can be used as they are or adapted to make the context relevant for candidates.
- OCR set tasks are provided for the numeracy qualification.
- Sample tasks and assignments are provided to enable candidates to practise their skills.
- Candidate Evidence Sheets are provided to enable candidate evidence to be recorded and tracked.
OCR Entry Level 2 Basic Skills (Literacy/Numeracy)
At Level 1 and Level 2, the Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy qualifications are assessed by a multiple-choice test that is marked by OCR.
- The tests are available as e-tests on-screen. Many candidates find this form of assessment exciting and motivating.
- Tests can be sat at any time on any day of the year to suit the needs of the centre and candidate.
- There are no set-up fees and there is no need for a dedicated server.
- Centres can use their existing network, or a desktop PC, or even portable laptops. Results are instantaneous and a diagnostic report is also provided, detailing candidates’ performance
ESOL Skills for Life
The ability to read, write, listening and speak in English
Accredited further education courses
(leading to a qualification)
Computing courses:
Our information technology programme offers learning opportunities for those who want to prepare for employment as well as those wanting to learn about computers for their personal use.
- Introduction to using computers
- Introduction to using computer (access technology)
- Improving your computer skills
- Access to computing
- Introduction to internet and email
- Improving your internet and email skills
Level 1 qualification
- CLAiT word processing and file management
- CLAiT spreadsheets
- CLAiT database
Level 2 qualification- CLAiT PLUS
- Integrated e-document
- Manipulating spreadsheets and graphs
- Creating and using a database
- e-Publication design
- Design an e-presentation
Non-Accredited further education courses:
Introduction to Disability and Visual Awareness Training courses
(no qualification)
A Full Day course ( 10.00 am-4.00pm)
Introduction to Disability and Visual Awareness Training
- Introduction to Disability and Visual Awareness
- Understanding visual impairment and the law
- Implementing DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)
- Distribution of information in alternative formats
- Overview of different sight problems and their impacts
- Resources and help
- Accessible information and communication
- How to get greet and guide a blind person
- Sight problems and work
- Overview of different sight problems and their impacts
- Barriers and Practical Issues and potential solutions
- Technology - equipment and environments
- Gain skills in guiding blind and partially sighted customers
- The “social” and “medical” models of disability
Overview: Introduction to disability and visual awareness training is suitable for anyone whose role involves interaction with the general public.
We now have social , economic and legal reasons to ensure that businesses, national and local employers and institutions are meeting the needs of their customers. This highly participative and interactive course will give you more confidence and skills in dealing with blind and partially sighted clients.
This course is aimed at companies and organisations who would like to learn more about the needs of disabled people in particular the blind and partially sighted.
Course fees
I year (Academic) - £850
International students - £2500
Short courses
6 months - £500
3 months - £350
2 months - £275
1 month - £195
2 Weeks (intensive) - £190
Fees
What are the course fees?
Each course usually has two or three fees as follows:
- Fee is the normal fee.
- Conc. is the concessionary fee paid by students eligible for a reduced fee.
How do I pay for courses?
You can pay:
By cheque, with a valid card, payable to ‘Organisation of Blind African Caribbeans’.
By cash (only when enrolling in person)
- Are you a EU or Non-EU student?
Non-EU students pay more than the published course fee and cannot claim concessionary fees or other financial support. OBAC Training and Consultancy does not receive funding for non-EU students, so we have to charge more in order to cover our costs. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, then please see below.
- Non-EU fees apply to:
All students who are in the UK on a student visa or have been resident in the UK, EU or EEA on a student visual during part of the three years preceding the start of the course.
Students who have not been resident in the UK for the three years prior to the start of a course, including those who are nationals of the UK, EU or EEA.
- EU students fees (e.g. normal fees level(s) apply to:
Those who have been resident in the UK, EU or EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) for the three years prior to the commencement of the course. This include those who have legally been living in England for the three years immediately preceding the start of the course, for example, those on a valid work visa, but excludes those who have come to the UK on a student visa.
Asylum seekers and their dependents in receipt of income-based benefits or assistance under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Children Act 1989, National Assistance Act 1948 or from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS).
Persons with exceptional leave to enter or remain in the UK, their spouse and children.
Persons with recently settled status (this means those having been granted indefinite leave to enter or remain, Right of Abode or British Citizenship within the three years immediately preceding the start of the course).
The spouse of a person with settled status who has been both married and resident in the UK for one year.
You must have the legal right to remain in the UK until the end date of the course that you have enrolled for.
Concessionary fees
To be eligible for a concessionary fee you are required to provide current evidence of your entitlement each time you enrol, whether it is for another course or another term. Photocopies documents are not acceptable.
If your circumstances change while you are studying, please notify the administration team.
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
Please provide a letter from your Benefits Office that proves that you are receiving JSA at the time of enrolment.
We can provide a standard letter that the Benefits Office can sign or stamp for you.
Income based benefits
Please provide a recent letter or award (i.e. not more than one month old), confirming your entitlement. Sometimes, we can accept slightly older award notices if they are accompanied by a bank statement which clearly shows the award being paid into the account recently. Concessionary fees and fee remission are available if you receive Working Tax Credit and have a household income of less than £15,050 (subject to change) only. You must show us your Award Notice.
What additional charges are there?
Registration fee
A registration fee which is payable by all students when they enrol for the first time each academic year.
Material charges
Unless otherwise stated, all costs for materials are included in the course fee.
Examination fees
Because of the wide variety of accredited courses offered the examination fees may be different. Please check with the admin dept who will inform you about the correct examination fees. All initial enquiries regarding examination entry should be made to your course tutor.
Examination fee included in course fee
If the examination fee is included in the course fee your tutor will confirm your intention to sit any examination before notifying the Admin. Dept. You will be notified in due course of the date and time of the examination. You may still need to complete an examination entry. Your tutor will advise you if you need to do so.
Examination fee not included in the course fee
To enter an examination when the fee is not included in the course, the student must complete OBAC Examination Registration Form. The form must be signed by a tutor to agree entry and taken with any fee to the Admin. Office before the closing dated stated on the form. Please note that late entries will be charged an additional fee of up to £35. You will be notified in due course of the date and time of the examination.
Staged Payment Arrangements.
For all courses, it may be possible to make arrangements for fees to be paid in instalments but for this, evidence of financial hardship is required. There are usually two instalments with half of the fee being paid at enrolment and the remainder a calendar month later. A Special Payment Arrangements form is available for this purpose from the Admin. Office. To receive a copy of the form by post or fax please call the Admin. Team on 020 7735 3400 or write to the admin team at OBAC.
For a number of courses that were in the past made up of three distinct, term courses by are up to a year or over in length, there is the possibility of making three staged payments. For further information about these staged payments, please contact the admin team.
In what situation are refunds available?
If a whole course is cancelled due to low enrolments or changes are made to its day or time and you are unable to attend, a full refund will be given. If a course is closed after it has begun, a partial refund will be given; this will be proportional to the number of sessions held. If you give written notice of withdrawal from OBAC Training Admin team at least 10 days before a course begins, a refund will be given, subject to an administration charge of £10 per course. In this case there is no refund of examination, moderation or registration fees. OBAC will not make a refund in any other circumstances.
If a scheduled tutor cannot teach a particular session, OBAC will try to make other arrangements. This could include providing another tutor, rearranging the session to another date or lengthening subsequent sessions to make up the time. If these are not possible then a credit or refund will be offered to the affected students.
Can I transfer from one course to another?
If, after attending the first session of your course, you wish to transfer, you may do so. If the new course costs less, you will receive a credit that must be used before the end of the academic year. The credit is non-refundable and non-transferable. If the new course costs more, you must make up the difference when you transfer.
We regret that you cannot transfer;
- After the third session of any course
- If the course to which you wish to transfer is already full.
Open College Network
OBAC offers Open College Network courses, which is a nationally recognised qualification. You will be awarded a certificate recording the credits for which you have been successful. You must pay a registration fee for all OCN courses if you wish to gain accreditation.
If you want to gain OCN accreditation you should enrol on the course of your choice. You are not obliged to register for accreditation if you join a OCN course.
OCN Registration Fees
Fees vary depending on the credit value of the course or combination of courses you are following. The fee for 6 credits is £19, 12 credits £38 etc up to a maximum registration fee of £85.50. At the start of the course you will be informed of its credit value.
Contact us:
The Training Team
OBAC Training and Consultancy
1st Floor Gloucester House
8 Camberwell New Road
London SE5 0TA
Tel: 020 7735 3400
Fax: 020 7582 8334
Email: info@obac.org.uk
Website: www.obac.org.uk