

	Using qualifications and awards
	Choosing GCE or VCE qualifications
	Using qualifications in career planning
	Using key skills qualifications
	Using qualifications in skills for working life
	Using a range of language qualifications
	Using BTECs
	Using ASDAN qualifications
	Using alternatives to GNVQs

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Using qualifications and awards


		11-16 schools

		6th form schools

		Colleges

Implementing the new, more flexible 14-19 curriculum will mean using a wider range of qualifications flexibly across the phase. This section of the website will expand to support that development by discussing qualifications and illustrating their use within school and college curricula and student programmes.

The range of approved qualifications is wider than is sometimes assumed. For example: entry level qualifications are now available at three levels and in vocational as well as general subjects; BTEC qualifications have been redesigned and are available at four levels and in a range of sizes; several awarding bodies offer language qualifications that are alternatives to GCSE.

Ministers have stated their intention to develop performance measures to facilitate more flexible use of qualifications. From 2004, when all approved qualifications can contribute to school performance measures at 16, any disincentive to use qualifications other than GCSE/GNVQ will be removed. Recognition of AS or other advanced qualifications and entry level qualifications at 16 will support use of appropriate levels for individuals, and weaken the link between age and qualification. The implications for progression will be significant.

Initial discussion on these pages is on the use of:

GCSEs in vocational subjects
GCE or VCE qualifications
key skills qualifications
qualifications in career planning
qualifications in skills for working life
language qualifications
BTECs

The next phase of development will include using NVQs at key stage 4, AS critical thinking pre 16 and ICT qualifications 14-19.

We are very interested in learning about innovative use of qualifications. If you are using one or more qualifications during the 14-19 phase in a way that may be interesting to others reviewing and developing their provision, please let us know by completing the tell us what you do form.

In this section

Choosing GCE or VCE qualifications
Using qualifications in career planning
Using key skills qualifications
Using qualifications in skills for working life
Using a range of language qualifications
Using BTECs

Case studies

> Using qualifications