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Using alternatives to GNVQs


		11-16 schools

		6th form schools

		Colleges

Introduction

In order to support schools and colleges in dealing with the withdrawal of the foundation and intermediate GNVQ, QCA has contracted four Pathfinder centres to share their experiences of planning and introducing alternative provision. The results of this exercise will help inform other centres of possible ways forward.

During November and early December 2003, QCA visited the Pathfinders to find out how they are approaching the withdrawal of GNVQ and what they are doing to plan and manage the transition to alternative provision. Each Pathfinder completed a detailed questionnaire, which formed the basis of discussion at the meetings. Throughout the 2004 spring term, QCA and the Pathfinders kept in contact by email and telephone.

The initial findings from the Pathfinders present interesting differences in terms of the context and range of their current GNVQ provision, their approaches to identifying alternative provision, and the stage they have reached in their planning. The outcomes of this project should therefore be relevant to a range of centres faced with the same decisions about future vocational provision.

Key findings to date

The withdrawal of the foundation GNVQ is causing these centres more concern than the withdrawal of intermediate. They considered the foundation GNVQ as a motivating qualification for students in danger of disengagement and do not know if the alternatives will have the same effect. So far, there is a relative lack of alternatives at foundation level. Staff in the Pathfinder centres are also unconvinced that GCSEs in vocational subjects meet the needs of all learners at this level.

The progression of students from any alternative provision may be different to that from foundation and intermediate GNVQs. For example, students who have successfully completed a BTEC First Diploma may be more likely to progress to a BTEC National Diploma, whereas if they had completed an intermediate GNVQ they may have been more likely to progress to a vocational A level. While this is not invariable, it seems that students are more likely to progress to qualifications that they are familiar with and have confidence in achieving. Recruitment onto vocational A levels may therefore be affected, especially as they undergo further change from September 2005. This effect is compounded as students become ‘locked in’ to a particular type of qualification to intermediate level/level 2 and advanced level/level 3.

Some centres have reported difficulty in obtaining information from awarding bodies about their alternative provision, and also about arrangements during the withdrawal and transition phases. This includes details of accredited specifications, as well as those under development.

Next steps

The Pathfinders are continuing to explore ways forward and keeping QCA informed of their progress. This material and the individual case studies will be updated on several occasions.

QCA will continue to put particular emphasis on seeking and identifying alternative provision at foundation level/level 1. The Pathfinders have been asked to focus on this, and QCA will continue to discuss possible developments with the awarding bodies.

The Pathfinders have been asked to reinforce the message that students should be encouraged to keep their options open and to consider a range of progression routes, not just the most obvious. QCA will encourage the awarding bodies to make this flexibility clear in their marketing materials.

QCA will work with awarding bodies to ensure that information is readily available.

Case studies

> Using alternatives to GNVQ

QCA web links

> Information on alternatives to GNVQ