Level Help
Pre Entry/Entry Level
At this level programmes are designed to develop reasoning, practical and problem solving skills. A focus is placed on strengthening literacy and numeracy skills to enable you to progress on to level 1.
Level 1
These are programmes designed to give you support to begin to work towards a particular job. Some programmes are designed to give you a 'taste' of a number of areas to help you to make up your mind. The NVQ 1 courses give you the chance to work in a realistic situation, for example the BTEC Introductory Diploma and the brand new Diplomas.
GCSE:- The General Certificate in Education is the main qualification taken within schools at the age of 16. Pass Grades are A-G but for some occupations a Pass at Grade C or above is required in English and / or Maths.
Higher Diploma: NEW qualification that recognise good knowledge and understanding of an area of work or subject area. You have to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision appropriate to many job roles.
Intermediate GNVQ:- At Intermediate Level, the General National Vocational Qualification is the equivalent of four GCSE passes at A-C. You may choose to take a Full or Part Award and combine with other options.
BTEC First Diploma:- These vocational awards are recognised by industry and business as equipping people with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for success in current and future employment. The First Diploma will give you the basis to move on to a National and possibly a Higher National Diploma.
NVQ 2: - At level 2 in the National Vocational Qualifications, you will be involved with practical work which is supervised. All NVQs concentrate on skills and knowledge in specific work situations. You will be assessed through a portfolio of evidence which proves that you are able to carry out tasks to a particular standard.
AS Level Courses (Advanced Subsidiary):- All AS Levels represent the first half (three assessment units) of an A Level programme. AS Level courses lead to a certificate enabling you to move on to a full A Level Award in the second year. AS qualifications count towards UCAS points if you are applying to University. You can combine AS Level courses with GNVQ Advanced or Intermediate programmes. If you choose to follow a Full Time A Level programme, you may choose to take up to five AS subjects in Year One and focus on up to three in Year Two.
A Level Courses:- All A Levels will be made up of six assessment units. The normal route will be to complete an AS level followed by an A2 course to complete the three further assessment units required.
Advanced Diploma: NEW qualification that recognises the ability to gain and where relevant, apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding. Learning involves detailed knowledge and skills aimed at people intending to go to University, people who work independently or in some areas, supervising and training others.
Advanced GNVQ Programmes:- You may study for a Full or a Part Award, enabling you to combine a GNVQ option with either one or two A Levels. All Advanced GNVQ qualifications consist of six compulsory units and six optional units. You will need to put together a portfolio of evidence as well as take a number of externally set tests. These will be marked on a five-point pass scale the same as A Level.
BTEC National Diploma:- These vocational awards are recognised by industry and business as equipping people with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for success in current and future employment. They can also lead to Higher level study - particularly HND. As well as Core knowledge, you will work in a realistic working environment to gain experience of practical work. You may study Full Time for a Diploma or Part Time for a National Certificate
NVQ 3: - At level 3 in the National Vocational Qualifications, you will be involved with work that involves guiding or supervising others people. All NVQs concentrate on skills and knowledge in specific work situations. You will be assessed through a portfolio of evidence which proves that you are able to carry out tasks to a particular standard.
This Level Includes Higher National Certificates and Diplomas as well as a number of professional qualifications. There is also the opportunity to take on a Foundation Degree which is a vocational qualification equivalent to the first two years of an Honours degree
Key Skills
A Key Skills qualification may be taken separately in Application of Number, Communication and Information Technology. You may take a Key Skills qualification at different levels regardless of the level of your main qualification. A Key Skills qualification is recognised by UCAS and can help towards your University Entry requirement.