Further Information/Guidance
Guidance on the Use of External Qualifications relevant to all Learners under 19 years of Age.
Entry level
Entry level qualifications are the first tier in the national qualifications framework and are broadly aligned with levels 1 to 3 of the National Curriculum. They accredit achievements below GCSE grade G and NVQ level 1 and provide progression towards these.
Only pupils who are not yet able to achieve at least GCSE grade G or NVQ level 1 should be entered for Entry level qualifications.
For more information see www.qca.org.uk/595.html
GCSEs in Vocational Subjects
In September 2002 eight GCSEs in vocational subjects were introduced.
These are:
Applied Art and Design
Applied Business
Applied ICT
Applied Science
Engineering
Health and Social Care
Leisure and Tourism
Manufacturing
GCSEs in vocational subjects are available as double awards and have been designed to provide young people with the opportunity to explore vocational learning in a distinctive and innovative way - by developing knowledge and understanding of a particular vocational area by investigating and researching the "world of work". These GCSEs provide the same standards and rigour as other GCSEs. GCSEs in vocational subjects replaced Part One GNVQs.
Key Skills
Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and IT are approved for use by pupils of compulsory school age. Schools must provide the full NC programmes of study in English and Mathematics for all pupils. For the time being the wider key skills of Improving own Learning and Performance, Problem-Solving and Working with Others do not require approval under the provisions of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. We recommend that the unit specifications continue to be used for curricular purposes and for certification to complement mainstream programmes or other provision such as the ASDAN Youth Awards or Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
Most qualifications are approved for use by all learners aged 16 and over. Some, due mainly to health and safety and other statutory restrictions or entry requirements are only approved for use by those meeting the minimum age requirements. This means that some qualifications are only approved for use by those aged 18 when they begin the associated programme of study.
Other General and Vocationally-Related Qualifications
There are the following restrictions on the use of WSET Awards' Intermediate Certificate in Wines Spirits and Other Alcoholic Beverages. Candidates sitting the exam must be at least 18. Those under 18 may prepare for the qualification if it is part of a recognised programme of study or they have written parental consent.
Wider Key Skills
The wider key skills of Improving own Learning and Performance, Problem-Solving and Working with Others, are not accredited as qualifications in their own right and do not require approval under the provisions of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.