Qualifications

Schools offer a range of different courses and qualifications. It will help you understand your choices if you know more about each. Check these out.

Entry Level

Entry Level qualifications can be taken before or in addition to GCSEs. They are to help students make progress to a GCSE or a Level 1 qualification like NVQ1. They are available in National Curriculum subjects, vocational subjects, skills for working life, life skills and basic skills.

GCSEs

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are offered by all schools in a range of subjects. GCSEs mainly involve theoretical study, but with some investigative work. In some subjects there may be practical work.

Short Course GCSEs

Short GCSE courses count as half a GCSE and are available in some subjects like RE but not all. You will work to the same standard as a full GCSE, but cover half the material.

NVQs

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are work-related qualifications that demonstrate the practical skills and knowledge needed to do a particular job area like business or health or sport. To get an NVQ you will need to build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your competence.

VRQs

VRQs (Vocationally Related Qualifications) are also work-related qualifications and are available in subjects like food hygiene, hospitality and public services. These practical courses vary in length from short programmes to a BTEC First Diploma[ which is roughly the same size and at the same level as four GCSEs (A-C). Assessment is through module assignments and your own portfolio of evidence of knowledge, skills and understanding.

Young Apprenticeships

Young Apprenticeships offers a taste of real work while you study the normal curriculum at school. You could spend around two days a week working towards NVQs and up to 50 days over two years getting experience with an employer, training company or college. After a Young Apprenticeship you could choose to continue at college or in the Sixth Form or in possibly go on to do a full-time Apprenticeship.