ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS

There's a huge range of courses and subjects to choose from. Schools and colleges can offer very flexible packages, allowing you to combine a mixture of education and work experience.

AS/A2 Levels
In the first year, you can choose a number of AS levels in different subjects. In the second year, you can continue with the same subjects by taking A2 levels, or start new subjects by taking more AS levels. Alternatively, you could start a different course altogether.

Vocational A levels
General vocational (work-related) courses, linked to broad occupational areas, such as Engineering and Health and Social Care. Assessment is a mixture of coursework and exams.

BTEC
Vocational courses which focus on specific parts of different occupations, e.g. Graphic Design, Nursery Nursing, Travel and Tourism. From Entry level to Level 3.

GCSE re-takes
Re-takes usually last one year. Some sixth forms and colleges only offer re-takes in English and Maths

GCSEs in vocational subjects
These teach you about and prepare you for a broad career area. They include the development of work-related key skills such as application of number, communication and IT.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
Vocational courses related to a particular job, i.e. Business Administration for office work and Vehicle Fitting for fast-fit and specialist tyre fitting sectors of the industry. NVQs are made up of units, which develop the skills and knowledge needed to do a particular job. They can be achieved through schools, colleges, training providers or at work and should be workplace based.

Key Skills
Stand alone qualifications that help you develop the skills needed for the world of study and work. They incorporate the Functional Skills of application of number, communication, IT, improving own learning and performance, problem solving and working with others at Levels 1, 2 and 3 and are equivalent to A levels and GCSEs.

ASDAN Programmes and Qualifications
ASDAN programmes and qualifications are offered at all levels and can be suitable for all young people. They encourage the development and accreditation of personal and social skills. Subjects covered by ASDAN programmes include Citizenship, PSHE, Business and Enterprise and Foundation for Work; ASDAN Qualifications include Certificate in Life Skills: Entry levels 1 - 3, Key Skills: Levels 1 -4 and Wider Key Skills: Levels: 1 - 4 Certificate in Career Planning Level: 1 - 3 and Certificate of Personal Effectiveness: Level 1 - 3.

Student Apprenticeships
Throughout the school year, Student Apprentices spend one day a week (unpaid) during term-time with an employer. This gives valuable work experience and the chance to achieve NVQs or Key Skills.