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Qualifications
There are so many kinds of qualifications out there, and they do change. On this page we give a short summary of some of the most popular ones. To find out who offers the qualification, go to Looking Ahead, the local 14-19 course database. For higher education courses go to UCAS.
A-levels and AS-levels
Usually you need at least 5 GCSE passes at grades A*-C to start these. You may need higher grades in the specific subjects that you want to study at A level.
In year one you can expect to take up to 5 subjects leading to AS-levels. In year 2 you would usually continue with 3 subjects to get a complete A level. If you only want to study for one year, you can leave at the end of it with AS qualifications.
You can take individual subjects like history, physics, and psychology. You can also take vocational subjects like engineering, travel and tourism.
14-19 Diplomas
These are new qualifications. At the moment these are available in the following subject areas nationally:
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Creative and Media
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Society, Health and Development
- Environmental and Land-based Studies
- Business, Administration and Finance
- Manufacturing and Product Design
- Hospitality; Hair and Beauty Studies
Future Diploma subject areas:
September 2010: Travel and Tourism; Public Services; Sport and Active Leisure; and Retail Business
September 2011: Humanities; Languages; and Science. The Extended Diploma will also be available. It includes extra maths, English and ICT plus extra Additional and Specialist Learning.
What do they include?
Diplomas combine classroom learning with practical skills and include work experience, functional skills and the chance to do GCSEs, A-levels and other national qualifications whilst learning about a particular area of work.
Diplomas are available at three levels
- Foundation - level 1 - equivalent to 5 GCSE grades D-G
- Higher - level 2 - equivalent to 7 GCSEs grades A*-C
- Advanced - level 3 - equivalent to 3.5 A-levels
More information about Diplomas: http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/
BTEC
These are general vocational qualifications but are more closely linked to work than A-levels in vocational subjects. You study for a BTEC in a work area like business studies or art and design, not an individual subject like history or maths. They are available at different levels and sizes. For example, certificate courses cover less than diploma courses.: They are also available at different levels:
- BTEC Introductory Certificate and Diploma are one year courses aimed at those with few or no qualifications.
- BTEC First is also a one year course for those with GCSE grades C-D.
- BTEC National is a two year course for those with 4-5 GCSE passes at grades A*-C. The BTEC National Diploma is worth 18 units and is equivalent to 3 A-levels.
OCR Nationals
These are also vocational courses available at three levels and in different sizes:
- OCR level 1 - no exam passes needed to start at this level.
- OCR Level 2 - usually need mid-grade GCSEs or a level 1 qualification for entry.
- OCR Level 3 - usually you need high GCSE passes or a level 2 qualification for entry.
National Vocational Qualifications or NVQ
These are nationally recognised qualifications and are available at different levels: starting with NVQ 1 and rising to NVQ 5. They measure your ability to do a job by assessing the skills, knowledge and understanding you need for a particular job. Usually you would do an NVQ through work or an Apprenticeship but it is possible to take some NVQs on a full-time basis. They are available in a vey wide range of subjects.
Entry level qualifications
These are often taken by young people who have literacy or learning difficulties. They cover basic knowledge and skills. They are available at 3 levels: entry level 1, 2 and 3.
GCSEs
Usually you study for these in school in years 10 and 11. It may be possible to re-sit or take additional ones in the sixth form or at college to improve your grades.
Vocational GCSEs are available in a range of subjects. They cover a particular area of work, like health and social care, rather than individual subjects. They are available as single or double awards. A double award is worth two GCSEs.
Key Skills
These courses are designed to give you the important skills you need for the future. These are communication, application of number, information technology, problem solving, working with others and improving own learning and performance. You usually take these along with other qualifications.
Function Skills
These cover English, maths and ICT and are designe dto make sure you ahve the skills you need for your future. they will be inckluded in Diploma courses.
Exam boards
Qualifications are set by a number of organisations, known as awarding bodies or exam boards. So you might see the name of the awarding body in the title of the qualification. Forexample,For exampleSuch as,Edexcel, OCR,and , AQA, ABC, WJEC, City & Guilds.
See also Higher Education for details of HE qualifications
Sept 2009
Posted on 28 September 2009
