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A levels

Two types of A level are available, each in a range of subjects.

GCE A level

VCE A level

GCE A level

A levels were introduced in the early 1950s, and a revised approach was introduced in September 2000. All A levels were unitised, and candidates are now able to take units as they proceed through the course, rather than being examined in a single session at the end of the course. The new A level qualification consists of two parts, the AS and A2.

The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a stand-alone qualification and is valued as half a full A level qualification. It has three units (assessed at the standard expected for a student half way through an A level course) that contribute 50 per cent of the full A level.
The A2 is the second half of a full A level qualification. It has three units (assessed at the standard expected for a student at the end of a full A level course) that are worth 50 per cent of the full A level qualification.

Full A level award chart showing equal weight of AS level award and A2

Most units are assessed by examination. Some are assessed by coursework. In most A levels, coursework accounts for 20 to 30 per cent of the marks.

The AS covers the less demanding material in an A level course. The A2 covers the more demanding material. For example, in the A2, students might:

specialise in an area they studied at AS
extend their knowledge and understanding of the subject by studying new topics
improve their skills.

Also in the A2, students will combine knowledge, understanding and skills from across the A level course.

VCE A level

Vocational A levels are qualifications that enable students to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the vocational area they are studying, and that prepare them for both the world of work and progression to higher education.

They are designed to equip students with up-to-date knowledge, skills and understanding of the underpinning principles and processes of the sectors they represent. Learning is expected to be active and student-led, although directed by teachers and supported by professional and employer input.

Titles

In September 2000 the advanced GNVQ was replaced by the vocational A level in a series of different sizes of award to promote flexibility in the post-16 curriculum. The formal titles of the qualifications are:

Vocational Certificate of Education (VCE) Advanced Subsidiary (3 units)
Vocational Certificate of Education (VCE) Advanced Level (6 units)
Vocational Certificate of Education (VCE) Double Award (12 units)

Sizes

Vocational AS level (3 units)

The three-unit vocational AS level is available in four vocational areas. It is designed to encourage breadth in the post-16 curriculum and to provide enrichment for students’ programmes. It enables students to mix different vocational A levels/AS qualifications and/or combine them with other qualifications. It can also help students to pursue vocational study part-time, perhaps in conjunction with employment. Students would normally complete this award in one year, but it can be taken over a longer period.

Vocational A level (6 units)

The new six-unit vocational A level is available in the full range of vocational subject areas. It is designed to promote flexibility and breadth in the post-16 curriculum, allowing students to mix the six-unit award with other qualifications, including other vocational A levels, vocational AS, GCE A level and GCE AS. The qualification:

consists of at least three compulsory units and a maximum of three optional units
is the same size as GCE A level and the overall grade is on the same A-E scale
can be taken over one or two years.

Vocational A level (12 units)

The twelve-unit vocational A level (formerly the only size of Advanced GNVQ available) continues to be offered in revised form across a wide range of vocational areas. The qualification:

consists of a minimum of six and maximum of eight compulsory units, and a maximum of six optional units
results in the student receiving two related grades on an A-E scale, ie AA, AB
can be supplemented with additional units, which are also graded and separately certificated. These are usually in the same vocational subject area
would normally be taken over two years.

Titles available in different sizes

Three unit

Business
Engineering
Health and Social Care
ICT

Six unit only

Retail and Distributive Services

Six unit and twelve unit

Art & Design
Business
Construction and the Built Environment
Engineering
Health and Social Care
Hospitality and Catering
ICT
Leisure and Recreation
Manufacturing
Media (Communication and Production)
Performing Arts
Science
Travel and Tourism

Assessment

VCEs are assessed by a combination of internal and external assessment. Usually, one-third of the overall assessment is external. The type of external assessment varies according to the vocational area.

Restructuring

The VCE is being restructured to match GCE in having AS units that are assessed at the standard expected for a student halfway through an A level course. This means that there will be a 6-unit AS VCE as the first half of a 12-unit award. The new VCEs will be available for first teaching in September 2005.

Case studies

> Using qualifications

QCA Online Shop publication

> Developing provision for Curriculum 2000 (QCA ref: QCA/02/941)

QCA web links

> GCSE, GCE, VCE, GNVQ and AEA code of practice 2006/7
> NQF