Glossary

You can do A levels at sixth form or college after you have completed your GCSEs. They are academic qualifications and are usually studied as a route to higher education at a university.
A levels are made up of four or six units. The two or three units taken in the first year are slightly easier than the remaining units taken in the second year. The first year is the AS level and the second year is known as A2 — together, they are called an A level.
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They usually include a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a technical certificate — which provides specialist occupational knowledge — and Key Skills, like working as part of a team, problem solving and IT. Apprenticeships are for 16- to 24- year olds who want to earn while they learn.
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In September 2002 eight GCSEs in vocational subjects were introduced. These related o work in particular vocation areas and were designed to enable students to gain insight into the world of work. The subjects are Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Applied ICT, Applied Science, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Leisure and Tourism and Manufacturing.

They usually include a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a technical certificate — which provides specialist occupational knowledge — and Key Skills, like working as part of a team, problem solving and IT. Apprenticeships are for 16- to 24- year olds who want to earn while they learn.

AS levels are equivalent to half an A level. They are academic qualifications and usually take one year to complete. An AS level is a stand-alone qualification but is actually the first year of an A level too.

They are available in a range of subjects, such as construction and business. They usually take one year to complete as a full-time learning programme. A BTEC First Diploma has six units. You can study them in Years 10 and 11 — Key Stage 4 or after Year 11 — post-16. There is no upper age limit.

They are available in a range of subjects, such as engineering and graphic design. They are made up of 18 units and usually take two years to complete as part of a full-time learning programme. You can study a BTEC National Diploma after Year 11 — post-16. There is no upper age.

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Degrees usually take three or four years of full-time study but can often also be studied part-time. Honours degrees are graded as 1st, 2:1, 2:2 and 3rd. Normal degrees are either pass or fail.

Diplomas are offered at three levels:

1. Foundation Level - equivalent to four to five GCSEs at grades D to G
2. Higher Level - equivalent to five to seven GCSEs at grades A* to C, and
3. Advanced Level - equivalent to three or three and a half A levels.

A Progression Diploma equivalent to two A levels will also be available.

The Diplomas are going to be introduced gradually in 17 different subjects.

Entry to Employment (e2e) is a flexible work-based programme that will help to improve your skills and career options. After e2e you can get a job, start an Apprenticeship or move onto a full-time course at a local college or sixth form. E2e programmes are tailored to meet your needs.

It is the type of learning or training that takes place after the age of 16, but before degree level. It can be full or part time, academic or vocational.

They were designed to be studied part-time while working, but they can also be studied full-time.

GCSEs are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers, so will be useful whatever you are planning to do afterwards. The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigative work. Some subjects also involve practical work.

GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2 on the National Qualifications Framework, depending on the grade you get.  They are available in more than 40 academic and nine `applied` subjects. The applied subjects are related to a broad area of work, such as engineering or tourism, and many are double the size of traditional GCSEs.

You can also take many GCSEs as short courses. These are equivalent to half a full GCSE, so can be taken in half the time. However, if you learn more slowly than others, you can spread a short course out over the same length as a traditional GCSE.

It is the type of learning that generally takes place after the age of 18. It is of a higher academic standard than A-level or National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3. It includes degree courses, postgraduate courses, and Higher National Diplomas. Higher education normally takes place in universities, higher education colleges, and in some further education colleges.

HNCs are similar to HNDs but at a slightly lower level. You can study them part-time alongside full-time employment.

HNDs are higher education qualifications available in a wide range of subjects (mainly vocational areas) at many institutes of higher education, universities and colleges of further education. Entry requirements are generally lower than those needed for degrees. They usually take two or three years of study.

Key skills can be awarded at level 1 through to level 4. They are Application of Number, Communication, Improving Own Learning and Performance, Information and Communication Technology, Problem Solving and Working with Others.

The National Qualifications Framework - NQF - sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised. The framework groups together qualifications that place similar demands on you as a learner. However, within any one level, qualifications can cover a wide mix of subjects, and take different amounts of time to complete.

NVQs relate to the world of work and are usually taken at work or while in training. They are set by industry and business and are recognised nationally by employers. There are five levels of NVQ. Most young people begin at level 1, 2 or 3.

It gives you information about all learning options in Years 10 and 11, and also what you can go on to after Year 11. It has a lot of information about education and training courses including entry requirements, what you will study on the course, assessment methods, and what the course can lead to.

They tend to be practical and skills-focused, and many include work-related projects or work experience. Assessment of vocational courses is on a continuous basis and students are required to complete practical tasks and assignments throughout the year.