Students may study courses leading to qualifications at the same level in all their subjects or they may combine qualifications at different levels, for example, attaining some GCSEs at level 2 and some at level 1. Some advanced subsidiary (AS) level subjects may be used to meet the requirement to study design and technology and a modern foreign language at key stage 4. Students attaining AS levels will achieve at level 3.

Students study the following national curriculum subjects until the end of year 11: English, mathematics, science, design and technology, a modern foreign language, information and communication technology, physical education and religious education. Courses in most of these subjects will lead to a qualification. Many students will also take qualifications in a range of other subjects. GCSE is the most common qualification at this stage, and an increasing number of students take GNVQ and NVQ qualifications. In post-16 education, one-year level 2 programmes are offered using GNVQs, NVQs and GCSEs.

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)

GCSEs are graded A * – G. (Attainment at grades A * –C is at level 2.) In most subjects, students are entered for one of two GCSE tiers – foundation or higher. The foundation tier has a grade range of C–G and the higher tier of A * –D. In mathematics there are three tiers: foundation (D–G), intermediate (B–E), and higher (A * – C). GCSE is available in three sizes:

• Double award GCSE. This is the science qualification taken by most students at the end of key stage 4. It requires the time of two options on the timetable and students are normally awarded two grades, for example, A * A * , AA, BB, or CC;
• GCSE. This is the usual qualification, sometimes called a full award;
• Short course GCSE. These qualifications cover half the subject content of a GCSE and are usually taught in half the time, enabling students to study a programme of greater breadth. Short course GCSE is available in art, design and technology, geography, history, information and communication technology, modern foreign languages, music, physical education and religious studies.

Assessment of GCSE is usually by external assessment and coursework, with the balance towards external assessment. The proportion of coursework is higher in some creative and practical subjects. Skills such as spoken language and practical and investigative skills are assessed, in addition to the knowledge and understanding detailed in the specification.

General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ)

GNVQ provides experiences and education relevant to working life but does not provide training for a specific job. Students develop the knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to a broad vocational area and often have experience of work within that area.

GNVQ is available in different sizes. At foundation and intermediate levels there are three- or six-unit qualifications. The three-unit qualification, the Part One GNVQ at intermediate level, is the equivalent of two GCSEs at grades A * –C, and the six-unit qualification is the equivalent of four GCSEs at grades A * –C. Assessment is by coursework (a portfolio of work), which is internally assessed, and by external test. The internal component contributes two-thirds of the final marks and the external component one-third. GNVQ intermediate qualifications are awarded at pass, merit and distinction grades.

The Part One GNVQ is available in seven titles: art and design, business, engineering, health and social care, information and communication technology, leisure and tourism, and manufacturing. At intermediate level, the six-unit GNVQ is available in the titles above and a further seven titles: construction and the built environment, hospitality and catering, land and environment, media: communication and production, performing arts, retail and distributive services, and science.

The Key Skills qualification

The Key Skills qualification consists of three units: communication, application of number and information technology. To be awarded the Key Skills qualification, students must achieve a level, but not necessarily the same level, in each of the three key skills. A profile of achievement could record, for example, communication and application of number at level 2 and information technology at level 1 or level 3. The Key Skills qualification is assessed internally (students produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating the application of the key skills) and externally by tests. Links between other qualifications and key skills are used to provide exemptions for some or all of the assessment for the key skill unit.

For example:

GCSE grades A * –C in English exempt students from level 2 external assessment in communication;
GCSE grades A * –C in mathematics exempt students from level 2 external assessment in application of number;
Part One GNVQ or six-unit GNVQ in information and communication technology at intermediate level provides full exemption from level 2 assessment in information technology.

Other qualifications

NVQs are awarded to students who provide evidence of competence in one of 11 occupational areas. NVQs are based on national occupational standards and do not have to be completed within a specific length of time. They can be taken by school and college students who have a work placement or part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. Assessment takes place in the workplace. The NVQs available for use pre-16 are listed annually in the Section 400 list.

Students studying at level 2 post-16 may also take vocationally-related qualifications such as BTEC. The BTEC First Diploma is a level 2 qualification usually studied full-time over one year. Qualifications such as these will be submitted for inclusion in the national qualifications framework on a rolling programme to be completed in September 2001.

Progression

There is a strong link between intermediate level attainment, participation in further education and training post-16 and progression to advanced level study. In 1996/7, 97 per cent of those who achieved five or more A * – C grades were in education and training when surveyed for the Youth Cohort Study after leaving year 11.

Progression to level 3 study may depend on attaining a minimum number of level 2 qualifications, for example, four GCSEs at grade C or above. Entry requirements may differ locally and according to the breadth of the level 3 programme chosen.

Modern apprenticeships use the work-based route. They are mainly for 16- and 17-year-old school and college leavers. They incorporate NVQ and key skills. More information on these can be found in the work-based qualifications leaflet in this series.