Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
PREPARATION FOR LIFE AND WORK QUALIFICATIONS DIRECTORY
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Welcome ABC Awards (ABC) is an Awarding Organisation in the United Kingdom with an established reputation for quality and customer service. ABC is recognised by the regulatory bodies as an awarding organisation whose qualifications meet the criteria applied by Ofqual and are eligible for funding under the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and the Young People's Learning Agency (YLPA). ABC’s portfolio of qualifications has been developed in conjunction with relevant Sector Skills Councils and subject specialists in response to industry needs, and we believe all ABC qualifications are designed to enable flexibility of delivery and assessment. ABC has a transparent and highly competitive fee structure which is based upon credit accumulation and has been developed specifically for a credit based qualifications framework. This is published on our website. ABC fees are inclusive of moderation and certification.
Please note: The credit target for the same qualification title may vary according to pathway and units chosen. The Units and Rules of Combination documents for all these qualifications can be accessed via the ABC Awards web site. http://www.abcawards.co.uk/foundationlearning.php
The current fees for all these qualifications can be accessed via the ABC Awards web site http://www.abcawards.co.uk/fees1011.php ABC Awards has endeavoured to provide signposting to funding eligibility but centres are advised that these are guides only and clarification from funding providers should be sought. Guide to Funding Eligibility categories
ABC continues to provide centres with access to a regional Business Development Manager, a moderator with subject specialism and a named Qualification Administrator as well as the full range of ABC training events and conferences. This directory provides a brief outline for each of ABC’s qualifications in Preparation for Life and Work.
FL = Foundation Learning ASL = Additional and Specialist Learning APP = Apprenticeship Frameworks SO = Stand Alone T2G = Train to Gain ALR = Adult Learner Responsive OLASS = Offender Learning and Skills PFU = Programmes for the Unemployed Ad App = 19+ Apprenticeship These qualifications are administered at the ABC Awards Nottingham office.
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
50077806 Entry Level Award in Personal and Social Development (Entry 2) 50077764 Entry Level Certificate in Personal and Social Development (Entry 2) 50077818 Entry Level Award in Personal and Social Development (Entry 3) 50077776 Entry Level Certificate in Personal and Social Development (Entry 3) 50077788 Level 1 Award in Personal and Social Development 5007779X Level 1 Certificate in Personal and Social Development 10063985 Entry Level Certificate in ICT Skills for Life (NQF) 10064175 Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy (NQF) 10064047 Entry Level Certificate in Adult Numeracy (NQF)
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code A7520-E2
50077806 Entry Level Award in Personal and Social Development (Entry 2) Learners must achieve a minimum of 4 credits from the units. This must include a minimum of 3 credits from group A (Entry 2 Units) If learners achieve credits from units of the same title at more than one level, they cannot count credits achieved from both units towards the credit target of a qualification Unit
Level
Credit Value
GLH
E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 10 20 20 20
E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
A - Entry Level 2 Units
Community action [Y/502/0449] Developing self [M/502/0442] Dealing with problems in daily life [D/502/0436] Environmental awareness [L/502/0657)] Healthy living [L/502/0450] Individual rights and responsibilities [F/502/0445] Managing own money [Y/502/0452] Managing social relationships [A/502/0444] Preparation for work [R/502/0451] Working as part of a group [H/502043/7] Working towards goals [Y/502/0435] B - Entry Level 3 Units
Community action [F/502/0459] Developing self [M/502/0456] Dealing with problems in daily life [H/502/0454] Environmental awareness [R/502/0658] Healthy living [T/502/0460] Individual rights and responsibilities [A/502/0458] Managing own money [F/502/0462] Managing social relationships [T/502/0457] Preparation for work [A/502/0461] Working as part of a group [K/502/0455] Working towards goals [D/502/0453] C - Level 1 Units
Community action [M/502/0473] Developing self [K/502/0469] Dealing with problems in daily life [L/502/0464] Environmental awareness [Y/502/0659] Healthy living [F/502/0476] Individual rights and responsibilities [K/502/0472] Managing own money [R/502/0479] Managing social relationships [D/502/0470] Preparation for work [J/502/0477] Working as part of a group [R/502/0465] Working towards goals [J/502/0465]
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Accreditation Start Date Accreditation End Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL Eligibility
App
Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/11/2009 31/12/2013 31/12/2014 SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU
Ad App
3.00 N/A N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life This qualification does not sit within an SSC or SSB Footprint
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code C7520-E2
50077764 Entry Level Certificate in Personal and Social Development (Entry 2) Learners must achieve a minimum of 13 credits from the units. This must include a minimum of 7 credits from group A (Entry 2 Units). If learners achieve credits from units of the same title at more than one level, they cannot count credits achieved from both units towards the credit target of a qualification Unit
Level
Credit Value
GLH
E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 10 20 20 20
E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
A - Entry Level 2 Units
Community action [Y/502/0449] Developing self [M/502/0442] Dealing with problems in daily life [D/502/0436] Environmental awareness [L/502/0657)] Healthy living [L/502/0450] Individual rights and responsibilities [F/502/0445] Managing own money [Y/502/0452] Managing social relationships [A/502/0444] Preparation for work [R/502/0451] Working as part of a group [H/502043/7] Working towards goals [Y/502/0435] B - Entry Level 3 Units
Community action [F/502/0459] Developing self [M/502/0456] Dealing with problems in daily life [H/502/0454] Environmental awareness [R/502/0658] Healthy living [T/502/0460] Individual rights and responsibilities [A/502/0458] Managing own money [F/502/0462] Managing social relationships [T/502/0457] Preparation for work [A/502/0461] Working as part of a group [K/502/0455] Working towards goals [D/502/0453] C - Level 1 Units
Community action [M/502/0473] Developing self [K/502/0469] Dealing with problems in daily life [L/502/0464] Environmental awareness [Y/502/0659] Healthy living [F/502/0476] Individual rights and responsibilities [K/502/0472] Managing own money [R/502/0479] Managing social relationships [D/502/0470] Preparation for work [J/502/0477] Working as part of a group [R/502/0465] Working towards goals [J/502/0465]
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Accreditation Start Date Accreditation End Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL Eligibility
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/11/2009 31/12/2013 31/12/2014 App SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU
Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Ad App
12.00 N/A N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life This qualification does not sit within an SSC or SSB Footprint
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code A7520-E3
50077818 Entry Level Award in Personal and Social Development (Entry 3) Learners must achieve a minimum of 4 credits from the units below. This must include a minimum of 3 credits from group B (Entry 3 Units). If learners achieve credits from units of the same title at more than one level, they cannot count credits achieved from both units towards the credit target of a qualification Unit
Level
Credit Value
GLH
E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 10 20 20 20
E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
A - Entry Level 2 Units
Community action [Y/502/0449] Developing self [M/502/0442] Dealing with problems in daily life [D/502/0436] Environmental awareness [L/502/0657)] Healthy living [L/502/0450] Individual rights and responsibilities [F/502/0445] Managing own money [Y/502/0452] Managing social relationships [A/502/0444] Preparation for work [R/502/0451] Working as part of a group [H/502043/7] Working towards goals [Y/502/0435] B - Entry Level 3 Units
Community action [F/502/0459] Developing self [M/502/0456] Dealing with problems in daily life [H/502/0454] Environmental awareness [R/502/0658] Healthy living [T/502/0460] Individual rights and responsibilities [A/502/0458] Managing own money [F/502/0462] Managing social relationships [T/502/0457] Preparation for work [A/502/0461] Working as part of a group [K/502/0455] Working towards goals [D/502/0453] C - Level 1 Units
Community action [M/502/0473] Developing self [K/502/0469] Dealing with problems in daily life [L/502/0464] Environmental awareness [Y/502/0659] Healthy living [F/502/0476] Individual rights and responsibilities [K/502/0472] Managing own money [R/502/0479] Managing social relationships [D/502/0470] Preparation for work [J/502/0477] Working as part of a group [R/502/0465] Working towards goals [J/502/0465]
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Accreditation Start Date Accreditation End Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL Eligibility
App
Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/11/2009 31/12/2013 31/12/2014 SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU
Ad App
3.50 N/A N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life This qualification does not sit within an SSC or SSB Footprint
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code C7520-E3
50077776 Entry Level Certificate in Personal and Social Development (Entry 3) Learners must achieve a minimum of 13 credits from the units below. This must include a minimum of 7 credits from group B (Entry 3 Units). If learners achieve credits from units of the same title at more than one level, they cannot count credits achieved from both units towards the credit target of a qualification Unit
Level
Credit Value
GLH
E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 10 20 20 20
E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
A - Entry Level 2 Units
Community action [Y/502/0449] Developing self [M/502/0442] Dealing with problems in daily life [D/502/0436] Environmental awareness [L/502/0657)] Healthy living [L/502/0450] Individual rights and responsibilities [F/502/0445] Managing own money [Y/502/0452] Managing social relationships [A/502/0444] Preparation for work [R/502/0451] Working as part of a group [H/502043/7] Working towards goals [Y/502/0435] B - Entry Level 3 Units
Community action [F/502/0459] Developing self [M/502/0456] Dealing with problems in daily life [H/502/0454] Environmental awareness [R/502/0658] Healthy living [T/502/0460] Individual rights and responsibilities [A/502/0458] Managing own money [F/502/0462] Managing social relationships [T/502/0457] Preparation for work [A/502/0461] Working as part of a group [K/502/0455] Working towards goals [D/502/0453] C - Level 1 Units
Community action [M/502/0473] Developing self [K/502/0469] Dealing with problems in daily life [L/502/0464] Environmental awareness [Y/502/0659] Healthy living [F/502/0476] Individual rights and responsibilities [K/502/0472] Managing own money [R/502/0479] Managing social relationships [D/502/0470] Preparation for work [J/502/0477] Working as part of a group [R/502/0465] Working towards goals [J/502/0465]
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Accreditation Start Date Accreditation End Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL Eligibility
App
Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/11/2009 31/12/2013 31/12/2014 SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU
Ad App
14.00 N/A N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life This qualification does not sit within an SSC or SSB Footprint
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code A7520-01
50077788 Level 1 Award in Personal and Social Development Learners must achieve a minimum of 4 credits from the units below. This must include a minimum of 3 credits from group C (Level 1 Units). If learners achieve credits from units of the same title at more than one level, they cannot count credits achieved from both units towards the credit target of a qualification Unit
Level
Credit Value
GLH
E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 10 20 20 20
E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
A - Entry Level 2 Units
Community action [Y/502/0449] Developing self [M/502/0442] Dealing with problems in daily life [D/502/0436] Environmental awareness [L/502/0657)] Healthy living [L/502/0450] Individual rights and responsibilities [F/502/0445] Managing own money [Y/502/0452] Managing social relationships [A/502/0444] Preparation for work [R/502/0451] Working as part of a group [H/502043/7] Working towards goals [Y/502/0435] B - Entry Level 3 Units
Community action [F/502/0459] Developing self [M/502/0456] Dealing with problems in daily life [H/502/0454] Environmental awareness [R/502/0658] Healthy living [T/502/0460] Individual rights and responsibilities [A/502/0458] Managing own money [F/502/0462] Managing social relationships [T/502/0457] Preparation for work [A/502/0461] Working as part of a group [K/502/0455] Working towards goals [D/502/0453] C - Level 1 Units
Community action [M/502/0473] Developing self [K/502/0469] Dealing with problems in daily life [L/502/0464] Environmental awareness [Y/502/0659] Healthy living [F/502/0476] Individual rights and responsibilities [K/502/0472] Managing own money [R/502/0479] Managing social relationships [D/502/0470] Preparation for work [J/502/0477] Working as part of a group [R/502/0465] Working towards goals [J/502/0465]
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Accreditation Start Date Accreditation End Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL Eligibility
App
Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/11/2009 31/12/2013 31/12/2014 SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU
Ad App
6.25 5% N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life This qualification does not sit within an SSC or SSB Footprint
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code C7520-01
5007779X Level 1 Certificate in Personal and Social Development Learners must achieve a minimum of 13 credits from the units below. This must include a minimum of 7 credits from group C (Level 1 Units) If learners achieve credits from units of the same title at more than one level, they cannot count credits achieved from both units towards the credit target of a qualification Unit
Level
Credit Value
GLH
E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 10 20 20 20
E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3 E3
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
20 20 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20
A - Entry Level 2 Units
Community action [Y/502/0449] Developing self [M/502/0442] Dealing with problems in daily life [D/502/0436] Environmental awareness [L/502/0657)] Healthy living [L/502/0450] Individual rights and responsibilities [F/502/0445] Managing own money [Y/502/0452] Managing social relationships [A/502/0444] Preparation for work [R/502/0451] Working as part of a group [H/502043/7] Working towards goals [Y/502/0435] B - Entry Level 3 Units
Community action [F/502/0459] Developing self [M/502/0456] Dealing with problems in daily life [H/502/0454] Environmental awareness [R/502/0658] Healthy living [T/502/0460] Individual rights and responsibilities [A/502/0458] Managing own money [F/502/0462] Managing social relationships [T/502/0457] Preparation for work [A/502/0461] Working as part of a group [K/502/0455] Working towards goals [D/502/0453] C - Level 1 Units
Community action [M/502/0473] Developing self [K/502/0469] Dealing with problems in daily life [L/502/0464] Environmental awareness [Y/502/0659] Healthy living [F/502/0476] Individual rights and responsibilities [K/502/0472] Managing own money [R/502/0479] Managing social relationships [D/502/0470] Preparation for work [J/502/0477] Working as part of a group [R/502/0465] Working towards goals [J/502/0465]
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Accreditation Start Date Accreditation End Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL Eligibility
App
Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/11/2009 31/12/2013 31/12/2014 SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU
Ad App
25.00 20% N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life This qualification does not sit within an SSC or SSB Footprint
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code C7503-E
10063985 Entry Level Certificate in ICT Skills for Life (NQF)
Units R1038178 Y1038179 L1038180 R1038181 Y1038182 D1038183 H1038184 K1038185 M1038186
Mandatory Unit 01.1 Unit 01.2 Unit 01.3 Unit 02.1 Unit 02.2 Unit 02.3 Unit 03.1 Unit 03.2 Unit 03.3
Using ICT systems (Entry 1) Finding and exchanging information (Entry 1) Developing and presenting information (Entry 1) Using ICT systems (Entry 2) Finding and exchanging information (Entry 2) Developing and presenting information (Entry 2) Using ICT systems (Entry 3) Finding and exchanging information (Entry 3) Developing and presenting information (Entry 3)
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Operational Start Date Review Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL App Eligibility Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Optional
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/09/2006 31/08/2013 31/08/2015 SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU Ad App Entry 1 – 5.00 Entry 2 – 6.00 Entry 3 – 7.00 N/A N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code C7509-E
10064175 (NQF) Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy Units
H1039061 K1039062 M1039063 T1039064 A1039065 F1039066 J1039067 L1039068 R1039069
Mandatory
Unit 01.1 Unit 01.2 Unit 01.3 Unit 02.1 Unit 02.2 Unit 02.3 Unit 03.1 Unit 03.2 Unit 03.3
Speaking and listening (Entry 1) Reading (Entry 1) Writing (Entry 1) Speaking and listening (Entry 2) Reading (Entry 2) Writing (Entry 2) Speaking and listening (Entry 3) Reading (Entry 3) Writing (Entry 3)
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Operational Start Date Review Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL App Eligibility Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Optional
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/09/2006 31/08/2013 31/08/2015 SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU Ad App N/A N/A N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
ABC Qual Code C7506-E
10064047 Entry Level Certificate in Adult Numeracy (NQF) Units
Mandatory
D1038636 H1038636 K1038638
Unit 01.1 Unit 01.2 Unit 01.3
K1038637 H1038640 K1038641
Unit 02.1 Unit 02.2 Unit 02.3
M1038642 T1038643 A1038644
Unit 03.1 Unit 03.2 Unit 03.3
Understanding and using mathematical information (Entry 1) Calculating and manipulating mathematical information (Entry 1) Interpreting results and communicating mathematical information (Entry 1) Understanding and using mathematical information (Entry 2) Calculating and manipulating mathematical information (Entry 2) Interpreting results and communicating mathematical information (Entry 2) Understanding and using mathematical information (Entry 3) Calculating and manipulating mathematical information (Entry 3) Interpreting results and communicating mathematical information (Entry 3)
Restrictions and Requirements Assessment Minimum Approved Age Qualification Grading Operational Start Date Review Date Certification End Date Funding FL ASL App Eligibility Points Score Contribution to Threshold L1 Contribution to Threshold L2 Contribution to Threshold L3 Sector (ABC) Sector (Regulator) Sector Skills Council
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Optional
Internal assessment, internal and external moderation Pre 16 Pass / Fail 01/09/2006 31/08/2013 31/08/2015 SO T2G ALR OLASS PFU Ad App Entry 1 – 2.50 Entry 2 – 3.00 Entry 3 – 3.50 N/A N/A N/A Preparation for Life and Work Foundations for Learning and Life
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin
Issue 4 Feb 2012
Amendments indicated by a black line in the margin