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Different Types of Qualifications

One of the best things about education in Herefordshire and surrounding areas is the range of qualifications available for you to choose from. The aim of these pages is to give a general overview and explanation of all these qualifications so you know exactly what to look for when searching the 14-19 Area Prospectus.

GCSEs

One of the oldest qualifications around, the General Certificate in Secondary Education is 22 years old, and is taught over two years. Grades are awarded based on performance in course work and final exams, although recent changes mean a number of GCSEs no longer include coursework. You can also take Applied GCSE’s alongside other GCSE’s or the new diploma qualifications- these provide more of a 'hands-on' approach than traditional GCSEs, and encourage you to apply your knowledge and understanding of a subject in a practical way. For more information on GCSEs click here

A Levels/ AS Levels

A (Advanced) Level and AS (Advanced Subsidiary) qualifications focus on traditional study skills. There are a wide range of academic subjects available and also some work-related subjects. They normally take two years to complete full-time in school or college, although they're also available to study part-time. Many people use AS and A levels to go on to higher education, but they are also useful if you want to go straight into a job.

The Diploma

The Diploma is a new qualification that will be available in Herefordshire from September 2009. It's been created to provide a real alternative to more traditional education. Diplomas will give young people a well rounded qualification, and combine theoretical and practical learning with functional English, Maths and ICT skills. Diplomas aim to equip students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for further education and employment.
The  new qualification for 14-19 year olds offers a mixture of classroom learning and hands-on practical experience – including work experience - to help you to learn about:

• A broad line of learning - such as creative and media, society, health and development, engineering or public services.
• The Functional Skills of maths, English and ICT - the practical bits of these subjects, which are needed to cope in life and at work.
• Personal, learning and thinking skills - including such things as team working and study skills.

Levels of Diplomas

• A Foundation Diploma is at level one and is worth the same as five GCSEs at grades D - G
• A Higher Diploma is at level two and is worth the same as seven GCSEs at grades A* - C
• An Advanced Progression Diploma is at level three and is worth the same as two and a half A levels
• An Advanced Diploma is at level three and is worth the same as three and a half A levels.
  Foundation and Higher Diplomas will be available as part of your 13+ Key Stage 4 option choice - so that they can be chosen alongside GCSE subjects.  Advanced Diplomas are only on offer as 16+ choices.

Diplomas lead to ths same opportunities that are on offer to students doing other courses, for example GCSE courses. Diplomas can lead onto:

• A Foundation Diploma to a Higher Diploma, GCSE or other level 2 course such as work-related learning or into employment, or an apprenticeship.
• A Higher Diploma to an Advanced Diploma, Advanced Progression Diploma, AS or other level 3 course such as work-related learning or into employment, or an apprenticeship.
  and at 16+
• An Advanced or Advanced Progression Diploma, to a degree or other level 4+ course such as work-related learning, or into employment or an apprenticeship.

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Young Apprenticeships

Young Apprenticeships give motivated and able Key Stage 4 students the chance to combine the practical application of skills and knowledge in a work context with the pursuit of qualifications related to the various industry sectors. Young Apprentices spend 2 days a week of combined college study with extended work experience (50 days) leading to a range of applied qualifications equivalent to A*-C at GCSE. This specialized learning is alongside study of the National Curriculum and other GCSEs in the rest of the school week.

BTECs

There are a whole range of BTEC qualifications which are valued by employers and universities alike. BTEC courses offer specialist vocational training as well as preparing students for higher education.  There are BTEC nationals in e-business, computing, care, media, music, art and design, performing arts, applied science, engineering and in a range of land-based applications. BTEC qualifications come in a variety of levels (see below), and BTEC Short courses and NVQs are also offered.

Level 1 – eg BTEC Introductory
Level 1 qualifications give you a broad introduction to a subject or sector. They also provide a flavour of how BTECs work.

Level 2 – eg BTEC First
Level 2 qualifications are good for those who have some GCSEs, for example, but who want to do something different. They also develop skills and knowledge from Level 1.

Level 3 – eg BTEC National
This level is equivalent to A levels. BTEC Nationals are well recognised, and can secure you employment or a place on higher education courses. The BTEC national is graded pass, merit and distinction.

Level 4 – eg BTEC Higher National/BTEC Foundation Degree
These are BTEC’s undergraduate qualifications. They’re roughly equivalent to the first half of a degree.

Level 5 – eg BTEC Diploma in Management Studies
Level 5 qualifications are normally for managers wanting to gain more skills in a particular area.

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NVQs

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) run from level 1 to level 5, and are work-related, competence-based qualifications, which cover all the main aspects of an occupation, such as current best practice and the ability to adapt to future work requirements. NVQs prepare students for employment by equipping learners with the necessary understanding and knowledge required for success in the workplace.

They can be completed full time at a school or college or part time along side part time work or a job placement. There are no age limits or entry requirements and NVQs are assessed through a portfolio created by the learner, training and continuous on the job observation.

Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship is a programme of learning and qualifications, usually completed in the workplace and often with some ‘day release’ aspect to a local college. The apprenticeship gives young people the skills, knowledge and competence they need to progress in their chosen career or industry. Apprenticeships are offered in a broad range of subject areas. It is made up of the following qualifications:

• NVQ/SVQ (see NVQ page). These prove the person's competence in their day-to-day work. The apprenticeship framework will set the level of NVQ required for a specific apprenticeship.
• Key Skills/ Core Skills. These are general skills required for the workplace, such as Communication, Problem Solving, Numeracy and Working with Others. Key skills can be taken at levels 1,2 and 3 – again the framework of the apprenticeship will set the level.
• Technical Certificate. This certificate provides a means of testing the underpinning knowledge required for the industry or job role .
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities. This is not formally assessed, but ensures that an apprentice knows the key rights and responsibilities for their job role.

To achieve the apprenticeship each of the above needs to be achieved to a competent level. It is worth noting that key skills and NVQ’s can be achieved as stand alone qualifications in their own right.

Foundation Learning Tier

The FLT aims to improve the skills of learners working below level 2, aged 14 and over, through developing high-quality qualifications at Entry level and Level 1 which will be awarded using a credits system. Through personalised learning programs organised to meet the needs of the learners, Foundation Learning Tier qualifications increase learners’ participation, achievement and progression and provide clear stepping stones for learners as they progress to Level 2 qualifications. Skills taught include skills for life and work, vocational and subject based learning and personal and social development. For more information on Foundation Learning click here

Functional Skills

The FLT aims to improve the skills of learners working below level 2, aged 14 and over, through developing high-quality qualifications at Entry level and Level 1 which will be awarded using a credits system. Through personalised learning programs organised to meet the needs of the learners, Foundation Learning Tier qualifications increase learners’ participation, achievement and progression and provide clear stepping stones for learners as they progress to Level 2 qualifications. Skills taught include skills for life and work, vocational and subject based learning and personal and social development.

Key Stage 4 Engagement

These courses allow young people to spend around two days a week on work placements and tuition in colleges and with training providers. You continue to follow the compulsory elements of the National Curriculum, and strive to develop further the personal, behavioral and social skills and attitudes important to employers and for progression in learning. Your learning is tailored to your needs and you receive intensive guidance and support. Herefordshire's own KS4 engagement program is called Live and Learn.

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