Last updated 16th September 2005
by Helen Nichols
Version 2 website
Launch 22nd October 2001

Progress File

PROGRESS FILE
A range of Progress File resources are available from the DfES orderline 0845 60 666 60 and 0845 60 222 60.
Additional information can be found at http://www.dfes.gov.uk/progressfile/

What is Progress File?
Progress File is a set of materials designed to support the processes of planning, achieving and reviewing. It aims to serve as a tool for helping individuals plan their own learning and their career development, recognising the knowledge, understanding and skills they are acquiring and how to record these achievements effectively. There is a WORD version of some of the Progress File documents, which researchers could fill in, and email to their tutors.
The Progress File objectives are: -
· To equip people to plan, and manage their learning and make effective transitions
· To increase motivation and confidence to achieve
· To stimulate learning to gain knowledge and skills, including where not recognised in national qualifications

Progress File is a working document designed for lifelong use. It is a black folder with a silver logo on it; inside are dividers and a clear plastic detachable folder for a CV and summary of achievements. There is also space for the storage of computer disks. You are expected to provide your own clear plastic wallets in which to store supporting evidence such as certificates, awards, qualifications, letters, photographs and examples of work.

The materials
The Progress File materials present a shift of focus from the presentation folder of past achievements (NRA) to a set of materials to help individuals plan and manage their own learning. They can help learners of all ages to develop skills to identify their achievements to date, consider career goals/key skills, plan next stages in learning and record and present achievements to others.
Booklets available are Getting Started for students in Year 9, Moving On for students in Year 10 and 11,Widening Horizons for post 16 students in education and trainees on government funded training programmes and Broadening Horizons for adults.
What is happening to the NRA?
The NRA will be phased out. Schools can order the NRA free of charge in the usual way for Y11s in 2002/03 and 2003/04, but not thereafter.

Progress File helps to deliver the key skill of Improving Own Learning and Performance.

Progress File will help you to recognise and record your own achievements as well as present them to others. It is a replacement for the National Record of Achievement.

Help sheets for teachers

What is Progress File for?
What's in Progress File?
Personal statement - qualities and skills
Personal statement paragraph plan
Work experience paragraph plan
Writing a CV
Setting a goal for myself