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	Key features of the main qualification groups

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Key features of the main qualification groups

This chart summarises the key features of the main qualification groups used by 14-19 year olds including:

their main purpose and target group
levels available
number of specifications available
structure
assessment requirements
broad progression routes

Chart of national qualifications: their purpose, main target group, assessment and progression structures

(Specification numbers as at end of May 2003)

	Qualification		Entry level certificate Aimed at those who are not yet ready for GCSE or GNVQ study. Offers progression to level 1 courses such as NVQs and to Entry to Employment (E2E) Programmes, may also form part of E2E programmes. Mixed school and college provision.

	NQF level		Entry

	Number of specifications		124

	Qualification structure		Normally unitised. Qualifications (other than National Curriculum subjects) vary in size/number of units. Available at three levels (E1, 2 and 3).

	Assessment style and structure		Minimum of 50% external for national curriculum subjects; 40% for others. May involve tests, or more commonly, tasks that are not time limited.

	Qualification		GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) Main assessment for students at the end of key stage 4. Cover a wide range of subjects. Schools are expected to enter students for GCSEs in subjects in which they are expected to achieve a grade G or better. Achievement of grades A*-C offers broad progression to level 3 courses such as VCE, GCE and modern apprenticeship. Mainly schools provision.

	NQF level		1–2

	Number of specifications		302

	Qualification structure		Qualification comprises three sizes: short course, full course and double award. Mainly terminal assessment; relatively few with staged/modular assessment. Grades A*-G cover levels 1 and 2 of National Qualifications Framework.

	Assessment style and structure		External assessment range: 40-80%, mainly assessed by test. Internal assessment in most subjects falls within the range 20-25%. Assessed through coursework and practical test/tasks. Higher proportion of internal assessment in the more practical subjects. Assessment is tiered in most subjects: 2 tiers: G-C (foundation) and D-A* (higher)[maths 3 tiers–: G-D (foundation); E-B (intermediate); C-A* (higher)]

	Qualification		GCSEs (in vocational subjects) Provide a broad introduction to a vocational area. Teaching began September 2002 in eight titles offered by four awarding bodies. Grades A*-C offer broad progression to level 3 courses such as VCE, GCE and advanced modern apprenticeship. Mixed school and college provision, mainly pre 16.

	NQF level		1–2

	Number of specifications		38

	Qualification structure		Unitised qualifications comprising 3 units. Double award size (2 GCSEs). Grades A*- G cover levels 1 and 2 of the National Qualifications Framework. Developed with links to national occupational standards.

	Assessment style and structure		One-third external assessment. Internal assessment is carried out through a range of practical tasks and assignments, which are moderated or sampled.

	Qualification		GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) A suite of general vocational qualifications available in 14 titles providing an introduction to a broad vocational area. Offer progression to VCE, GCE, NVQ, foundation and advanced modern apprenticeship. Primarily delivered in further education to those 16+ lasting normally one or two years. Some titles used in schools at key stage 4. (Qualification to be withdrawn)

	NQF level		1–2

	Number of specifications		77

	Qualification structure		Unitised qualifications comprising 6 units in total consisting of 3 core and 3 optional units.Broadly equivalent to 4 GCSEs at: A*-C - Intermediate level, D-G - Foundation level. Clear links to national occupational standards.

	Assessment style and structure		25-33% External assessment. Internal assessment through practical tasks and assignments, that are moderated or sampled.

	Qualification		GCE - A level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) Single subject qualifications, normally lasting two years in a school or college for 16-19 year olds. New AS introduced in September 2000. AS students can progress to full A level and then to study in higher education or training courses at level 3. Mixed school and college provision.

	NQF level		3

	Number of specifications		387

	Qualification structure		Unitised qualifications of 2 sizes 3 units - AS (Advanced Subsidiary) 6 units – A level (3 AS + 3 A2). Small-entry language subjects have one AS and one A2 unit.

	Assessment style and structure		External assessment range: 40-70%. Includes synoptic assessment to test ability to integrate knowledge and understanding.

	Qualification		VCE - Vocational A level (Vocational Certificate of Education Advanced Level) A general qualification providing an introduction to a broad vocational area in 14 titles. Normally lasting two years in a school or college for 16-19 year olds. Introduction of AS and A2 structure in September 2005 will coincide with a name change to GCE. Mixed school and college provision.

	NQF level		3

	Number of specifications		93

	Qualification structure		Unitised qualifications of 3 sizes consisting of core and optional units: 3 units – AS VCE (available in 4 subjects) 6 units - VCE 12 units (6 core + 6 optional) - VCE (double award)

	Assessment style and structure		Normally one third external assessment. Two-thirds internal coursework/ assessment. Art and Design has 25% external assessment.

	Qualification		AEA (Advanced Extension Awards) General qualification to challenge the most able A level students. Provides opportunity to show greater depth of understanding. First available in 2002 in 17 titles, more in preparation.

	NQF level		3

	Number of specifications		17

	Qualification structure		Based on subject criteria rather than individual specifications, graded Merit or Distinction.

	Assessment style and structure		100% external assessment.

	Qualification		Vocational Qualifications Qualifications with a clear relationship to occupational standards. Achievement enables progression to employment, to further learning opportunities within employment or to further study. Examples of 2 suites of these are shown below.

	NQF level		1-4

	Number of specifications		691

	Qualification structure		Qualifications vary in size, mainly unitised.Some highly specific to a sector, others more broadly based.

	Assessment style and structure		External assessment required by qualification criteria; the minimum amount is unspecified.

	Qualification		BTEC (Edexcel Foundation) Provides specialist work-related qualifications in a range of sectors. Links to national occupational standards. Developed to provide preparation for employment, further vocational study, or career development for those already in work. Progression within the suite of qualifications, to NVQs or from level 2 to VCE qualifications, from level 3 to higher education.Mainly further education provision.

	NQF level		1-3

	Number of specifications		158

	Qualification structure		Unitised qualifications consisting of core and optional units. Level 1 BTEC Introductory Award Level 2 BTEC First Diploma Level 3 BTEC National 6 units – Award· 12 units – Certificate· 18 units – Diploma

	Assessment style and structure		25-30% external assessment, mainly through an integrated vocational assignment. Internal units sampled and externally moderated. System of centre approval.

	Qualification		Progression Awards (City and Guilds) New vocational qualifications that do not rely on workplace assessment though they retain explicit links to the nationally recognised occupational standards.Mainly further education provision.

	NQF level		2-3

	Number of specifications		39

	Qualification structure		Unitised qualifications consisting of core and optional units.

	Assessment style and structure		Normally one third external assessment.

	Qualification		NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) Based on national occupational standards, assessing the application of skills, knowledge and understanding in a specific occupation, to a workplace standard. Mainly workplace provision.

	NQF level		1-5

	Number of specifications		1430

	Qualification structure		Qualifications vary in size/requirements depending on sector requirements. Many comprise core and optional units.

	Assessment style and structure		Independent assessment involving external quality control. Independent assessment is defined as assessment carried out in a manner that is demonstrably independent of any individual who might have a vested interest in its outcome. Competence based, with a range of assessments including witness statements and practical evidence in a portfolio.

	Qualification		Technical Certificates Many are qualifications that belong to the other categories in this table, selected to deliver the underpinning knowledge and understanding relevant to the NVQs included in specific modern apprenticeship frameworks. Mainly off the job learning in further education.

	NQF level		2-3

	Number of specifications		243

	Qualification structure		Unitised qualifications of varying size.

	Assessment style and structure		Mainly internally assessed, but must comprise an element of external assessment. This is likely to consist of case study work, an awarding body project/ assignment, multiple choice or written tests.

	Qualification		Higher levels Defined as those qualifications at NVQ level 4 or the higher education equivalent, for example, Higher National Diplomas and Certificates. Does not include degrees or other qualifications awarded directly by degree-awarding institutions. Mainly FE/HE provision.

	NQF level		4-5

	Number of specifications		40

	Qualification structure		Normally unitised. Qualifications vary in size/number of units.

	Assessment style and structure		A proportion of independent assessment is required. For qualifications consisting of more than a single unit, a proportion of synoptic assessment is also a requirement.

	Qualification		Key Skills Defined as three key skills of application of number, communication and information technology. Used in a wide range of institutions and at a wide range of ages, including in schools, colleges and the workplace.

	NQF level		1-4

	Number of specifications		216

	Qualification structure		Single unit qualifications.

	Assessment style and structure		Internal assessment to assess the application of skill, plus external test to assess knowledge and understanding.

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