QUALIFICATIONS CHANGES AND UPDATES
Qualifications have undergone many changes over the years but hopefully the brief guide below will give an overview of ‘current’ qualifications.
LEVEL Revised National Qualification Framework (NQF) Entry Level Certificate of (educational) achievement
Level 1 GCSEs Grade D-G, GNVQ Foundation, Key Skills, Vocational certificates and diplomas, NVQ 1, New Diplomas*
Level 2 4-5 GCSEs grade A-C, BTEC First Diploma/Certificate, GNVQ Intermediate, Key Skills, Vocational certificates and diplomas, NVQ 2, New Diplomas*
Level 3 A Level (AS & A2), International Baccalaureate, BTEC National Diploma/Certificate, Key Skills, Vocational certificates and diplomas, NVQ 3, New Diplomas*
Level 4-6 Degrees (BA/BSc), HND Diploma/Certificate, Key Skills, Vocational certificates and diplomas, NVQ 4
Level 7-8 Post-Graduate, Key Skills, Vocational certificates and diplomas, NVQ 5
*New Diplomas These are brand new multi purpose qualifications for 14-19 year olds and will prepare young people for further and higher education and the world of work innovative and exciting way. They have been designed in collaboration with employers through Sector Skills Councils and will be available in selected areas in England from September 2008. For further information please go to www.dcsf.gov.uk.
GCSE General Certificate of Secondary Education (Equivalent to the old GCE O-level and CSE grade 1). Standard of achievement at the age of 16, also open to adults. Grades awarded on a scale of A* to G. Many employers/colleges are looking for grades A*-C.
GCE A-Level General Certificate of Education Advanced Level. This incorporates original A-levels and previously named vocational A-levels (VCE). They are taken in two halves, AS (Advanced Subsidiary) in year one and A2 in year two. These will be available in a variety of subjects e.g. English, Maths, Travel and Tourism, Health and Social Care.
Key Skills These are essential skills that learners need to support their vocational skills. They link in with vocational and occupational qualifications and include: • Application of Number • Communication Skills • Information Technology • Working with Others • Improving own Learning and Performance For more information: www.nextstepsussex.org.uk/learning/qualifications.asp - section on qualifications. www.qca.org.uk - guardian of standards in education and training. www.naric.org.uk - information on the comparability of overseas qualifications. The above content was put together by Sussex Careers