When are the last resit dates for GNVQs, including entry dates for tests and portfolios?

This varies according to the GNVQ area and awarding body. For example, for all awarding bodies manufacturing has its last summer examinations in summer 2005, with a final resit opportunity in January 2006. However, Edexcel science has its last summer examinations in summer 2006, with a final resit opportunity in January 2007, and OCR science has its last summer examinations in summer 2007, with a final resit opportunity in January 2008. The Timetable for withdrawal (in the 'Downloads' section of this page) should be consulted for this information. NB The closing date for entries for January test resits is 15 September of the year before, regardless of awarding body. However, some awarding bodies are offering their own arrangements for portfolio moderation, either during the autumn or winter following the last summer examinations. Individual awarding bodies should be contacted for further details.

How has GNVQ alternative provision been identified?

After consulting practitioners we identified a set of features similar to those of the GNVQ as a checklist to identify alternative qualifications (see GNVQ withdrawal - phase one report, pages 10–12 for further information). We will continue to map other qualifications against this checklist as they are accredited to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and therefore become available for use. Accredited qualifications will appear in bold on the list of alternative provision.

When will more alternative provision be identified?

Qualifications are submitted to QCA for accreditation all the time. Some alternatives have already been submitted and others are about to be submitted. As qualifications are successfully accredited and mapped using the principles for GNVQ alternative provision, they will be added to the list of alternative qualifications.

What will happen if no or very little alternative provision is found for a particular GNVQ?

QCA is also gathering information about other qualifications, which might be too small or too specialist to be direct alternatives, but which could still be of use or interest to schools and colleges. A list of qualifications has been compiled for the following areas:

• art and design
• business
• construction and the built environment
• engineering
• health and social care
• hospitality and catering
• information and communication technology
• land and environment
• leisure and tourism
• manufacturing
• media: communication and production
• performing arts
• retail and distributive services
• science.

GNVQ successor provision: list of alternative qualifications contains information on guided learning hours, performance indicator points, approval for use pre-16 and awarding body contacts and can be downloaded from this page.

What will awarding bodies do to ensure a smooth transition process?

Awarding bodies are committed to providing high-quality support for this process. They will help centres during the phased withdrawal (2005–7) and provide detailed information on their alternative provision, for example awarding bodies are undertaking a range of initiatives such as specifications, briefing materials, training sessions, regional events to support their alternative qualifications. QCA is meeting regularly with awarding bodies to ensure this support continues.

What are BTEC diplomas and certificates?

BTEC introductory certificates (level 1, 180 guided learning hours), introductory diplomas (level 1, 360 glh), first certificate (level 1 and 2, 180 glh) and first diplomas (level 2, 360 glh) are vocationally related qualifications designed to widen participation and improve retention and attainment at levels 1 and 2 of the NQF. They are widely recognised by employers and allow progression to FE and HE.

For more information visit their website.

What are City and Guild progressions awards?

Progression awards are vocational qualifications that do not rely on workplace assessment though they retain explicit links to nationally recognised standards. As such they can be an appealing option both for employees in small and medium sized businesses and for job seekers. They are often used as the technical certificate component of Apprenticeship Programmes. In the current NQF they are categorised as VRQ. They are at Levels 1-3, with the majority at Levels 2 and 3. Assessed through a mixture of assignments and written tests.

What are OCR nationals?

OCR national first awards (level 1, 120 glh), national awards (level 1, 240 glh) and national certificates (levels 1 and 2, 360 glh) are vocationally related qualifications, designed to be motivational, flexible and relevant to 16- to 19-year-olds, for adult learners and students in years 10 and 11.

For more information visit their website.

What alternative provision is AQA going to provide?

AQA provides a range of GCSE specifications and continues to consider subject areas that could be added to enhance the range of vocationally related courses of study available. For example, AQA has added a GCSE in engineering to its portfolio with effect from September 2004 and will be administering a pilot GCSE in performing arts for teaching from September 2005. In addition AQA offers specifications, at levels 1 and 2, in preparation for working life.

Where can I find the awarding body specifications for their alternative provision?

ABC’s specification for the Level 1 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Skills can be found on their website.

AQA’s specifications for GCSEs in vocational subjects can be found on their website.

CCEA’s specifications for GCSEs in vocational subjects can be found on their website.

City and Guilds specifications for the Progression Awards can be obtained by contacting: enquiry@city-and-guilds.co.uk

Edexcel’s specifications for the BTEC qualifications and GCSEs in vocational subjects can be found on their website.

OCR’s specifications for the OCR Nationals and GCSEs in vocational subjects can be found on their website.

WJEC specifications for GCSEs in vocational subject can be found on their website.

What centre approval requirements are there for the alternative provision?

Centre approval is a process that ensures that centres wishing to offer a particular qualification is able to maintain the quality and consistency of assessment required by the awarding body. For centre-approval arrangements contact the awarding body for the qualification you are interested in introducing.

Will the alternative provision offer the same points equivalences for performance tables?

Essentially, yes. QCA has assigned figures to all approved qualifications so that they can be recognised in performance measures. They are based on a qualification's size and level, so any qualification of the same size and level as a GNVQ will have the same points score. Details of the work and the figures can be found in the report. Including all approved qualifications in school and college performance indicators (downloadable from link to right of the following page). New qualifications will automatically have a points score attached to them.

Are alternative qualifications available for pre-16 and post-16 students?

The vast majority are available to all 14+ learners (see link on the right hand side of this page). Any exceptions will be noted on the list of alternative provision. As at October 2005, only the BTEC First Diploma in Early Years is not approved for use pre-16, as they require work experience in a care environment.

Will the alternative provision offer the same progression as GNVQs?

Yes, the alternative provision should provide similar progression opportunities to GNVQs. For example, a student could move from a level 1 vocational qualification, such as an OCR Level 1 National Certificate in Business and ICT to a level 2 vocational qualifications, such as an OCR Level 2 National Certificate in IT. Or a student could progress from a level 2 vocational qualification, such as a BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science to an occupational qualification, such as an NVQ, or two general qualifications, such as GCE A levels or vocational A levels.

Will the alternative provision offer the same learning experiences as the GNVQ, especially at foundation level?

The alternative provision should provide similar learning experiences but may vary between qualifications and between sectors. Please refer to the awarding body offering the required qualification.

What changes are planned for VCE?

VCEs have been redeveloped and are called A levels. New specifications, incorporating AS and A2 units, have been developed with revised and updated content, unit titles and number of optional units. The new qualifications are designed to equip students with up-to-date knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them for either progression to higher education or further training. For more information visit QCA's VCE web page (see link at the left hand side of this page) or the AQA, Edexcel or OCR websites.

Why is it that IT practitioner courses do not fully meet the principles for alternative provision?

The Intermediate GNVQ in ICT was focused on user ICT, with some practitioner ICT. It has now been agreed that the Edexcel BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners (General), Edexcel BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners (Software Development) and Edexcel BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support), which were originally included as prospective alternatives to the GNVQ, do not fully meet the design principles related to scope. They also provide only limited coverage of the KS4 Programme of Study. Successor ICT qualifications should cover a balanced mix of IT users, IT practitioners and broader curriculum skills. Therefore, it should be noted that these IT practitioner qualifications might be more appropriate for learners at level 2 who are already working in or intend to progress into the industry. Most learners would benefit more from broader qualifications offering a mixture of user and practitioner skills, knowledge and understanding.

What support will QCA be offering centres during the transition period?

QCA has contracted a number of centres to act as pathfinders. The pathfinders have developed case study material, based upon their experience of the transition from GNVQs to their chosen alternative(s). These case studies are available via the link on the right of this page. Mapping reports for each qualification identified as an alternative to the GNVQ, the list of alternative provision and any other relevant information can also be found on the GNVQ home page.