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	Using qualifications and awards

	Using the new GCEs, successors to VCEs
	Introduction to the new GCEs
	Recruitment of students
	Delivering the new GCEs
	Assessment
	Management

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Recruitment of students


		11-16 schools

		6th form schools

		Colleges

General considerations

As with all qualifications and learning, it is essential that students are appropriately recruited to the new GCEs if they are to be successful.

The new GCEs are level 3 qualifications, comparable in demand to existing GCEs with an AS/A2 structure. Grades will be awarded in the same way as other GCEs.

The level of demand of the qualification should be made clear to teachers, students and their parents/guardians and any others who may advise students on the appropriate qualification for them. As well as the units themselves, exemplar portfolio units and sample external assessments are available for the new GCEs to help students decide whether the these qualification are the right choice for them.

Progression from key stage 4

The new GCEs provide progression opportunities from a wide range of GCSEs (including those in vocational subjects, now widely available at key stage 4). Where students progress from GCSEs in vocational subjects they will start their new GCE with prior knowledge of some of the content and methods of assessment.

Progression from AS to A2

Before students progress from AS to A2 it is essential that they have achieved at an appropriate level to be successful with further study.

The AS units contain the underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding required to progress to the A2. The student should have successfully completed the AS units before they continue with the more demanding A2 study.

Students may continue with A2 study, or progress to other qualifications such as BTEC and OCR nationals.

Further progression

The GCEs will be awarded the same UCAS points as other advanced subsidiary and advanced GCEs. Students taking the GCEs will have a wide choice of progression options into further study or training.

Alternatives to the new GCEs

The new GCEs are only one type of vocational qualification now available to young people from age 14. It is important that centres offer students the qualifications that best suit their career aspirations and preferred methods of learning and assessment.

There are lots of other vocational qualifications available for students who feel that the new GCEs are not the right choice for them. The diagram below illustrates the range of these vocational qualifications, starting with qualifications focusing on a particular subject to qualifications focusing on individual's competence within a specific job role. The methods and location of assessment vary from school to college to the workplace depending on the nature of the qualification.

Range of vocational qualifications

Also see

> Choosing GCE or VCE qualifications
> Effective induction for students taking the new GCEs