Qualifications

There are three main levels of qualifications at secondary school level.

What you aim for depends on the career you want, whether you prefer an academic or vocational approach, and how well you do in your exams.

Whatever you decide, get as many qualifications as you can.

Level 1

• GCSE (grades D-G) – Foundation tier of academic GCSE. Usually assessed by coursework and external tests.
• GCSE (grades D-G) – Practical introduction to a broad vocational area. Equivalent to two academic GCSEs (grades D-G).
• Foundation Diploma (worth 5 GCSEs grades D-G) – New Diplomas are gradually being introduced in selected schools and colleges from Sept 2008. They combine theory, practical learning and work experience and aim to give you a broad understanding of one or more of 17 areas of work, e.g. Engineering, Creative and Media, ICT, Hair & Beauty and Hospitality & Catering.
• Key Skills – 3-unit course consisting of communication, application of number and IT. Assessment of portfolio internally and by external tests.
• BTEC Introductory Certificate and Diploma – Practical introduction to an area of employment. Includes work placements and assessments, usually by coursework and assignments.
• NVQ Level 1 - Work-based qualification that shows you can do a certain job to national standards.

CRUCIAL: Only gaining level 1 qualifications will limit your employment options, but there are employers who provide routes into work for people with few qualifications.

Level 2

• GCSE (grades A*-C) – Higher tier of academic GCSE. Usually assessed by coursework and external tests.
• GCSE in vocational subjects (grades A*-C) – usually a 2-year course with a career-based approach. Can be taken alongside academic GCSEs. Equivalent to 2 GCSEs (grades A*-C).
• 14-19 Higher Diploma (worth 7 GCSEs grades A*-C) – New Diplomas are gradually being introduced from Sept 2008. They combine theory, practical learning and work experience and aim to give you a broad understanding of one or more of 17 areas of work, e.g. Engineering, Creative and Media, ICT, Hair & Beauty and Hospitality & Catering.
• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma – Learn by projects and assignments based on real-life workplace demands. Can lead to BTEC National or A level study. May require some GCSEs or relevant work experience.
• NVQ Level 2 - Work-based qualification. Entry requirements vary. You usually need to be in a job or apprenticeship. An apprenticeship leads to an NVQ Level 2, Key skills and technical certificates.

CRUCIAL: Gaining GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above will significantly improve your education and employment prospects.

Level 3

Generally you need 4-5 GCSEs (grade A*-C) or the equivalent level 2 qualifications to study for level 3 qualifications. Advanced level courses, if completed successfully, provide entry to higher education or employment.

• AS/A2 Levels – The AS level consists of 2 units. You can then go on to study another 2 units to make it up to the full A2 level. Generally people take up to 5 AS subjects in the first year and then specialise in 3 or more in their second year.
• 14-19 Progression Diploma (worth 2.5 A levels) and Advanced Diploma (worth 3.5 A levels) – New Diplomas are gradually being introduced from Sept 2008. They combine theory, practical learning and work experience and aim to give you a broad understanding of one or more of 17 areas of work, e.g. Engineering, Creative and Media, ICT, Hair & Beauty and Hospitality & Catering.
• BTEC National – Offered in a range of practical vocational subjects. Emphasis on coursework and work experience. There are three awards: Award (6 units), Certificate (12 units), and Diploma (18 units). The Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels.
• IB (International Baccalaureate) – The IB is a 2-year academic course that if passed provides entry to higher education in the UK and internationally.
• NVQ Level 3 - Work-based qualification equivalent to an A2 level but specific to a particular career. An Advanced Apprenticeship leads to an NVQ Level 3 plus Key Skills and technical certificates

CRUCIAL: Gaining good results at level 3 will increase your options for Higher Education, and convince future employers that you are able to concentrate and apply yourself.

Experience: choosing where and what to study

Before I finished year 11 I had to decide whether to stay on at school for 6th Form or go to college. I looked at myself first, and asked what was I good at, and how I could go about using that talent. Because I could sing the college courses at Oxford and Abingdon College for Performing Arts looked very good, and suited my needs for singing, dancing and acting, even though it would be good to stay at school and do music. So I discussed it with the music teacher who said Abingdon would be better. From doing this course I can go on to maybe get a scholarship, or to musical theatre. – Rebecca, 16, Didcot

Links

These websites will help you find information advice and guidance around careers and choices online:

• Directgov/uni
  The government's higher education portal
• Edexcel
  Past papers, exam advice, more
• AQA
  Past papers, qualification types, more

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