Qualifying for Success - Changes to  post 16 qualifications from September 2000- a guide for parents and guardians

Audience:       Headteachers

Date of issue:     September 2000

Reference number:    DfEE 0169/2000

Overview

Employers, universities and colleges providing higher education courses are increasingly

looking for students who have studied a broader range of subjects and gained a wider range of

skills at advanced level.

That is why, from September 2000, students have the opportunity to study more subjects in the sixth form or at college. Most students are likely to study one or two additional subjects. Students who prefer vocational studies - or want to mix academic and work-related courses - will be able to take new vocational A levels.  Whatever students choose to study, they can be confident that the standards of advanced levels, which are so valued by employers and universities, are as high as ever.

This leaflet explains the important changes which have taken place this year.

Further information

To order further copies of this publication please contact:

DfEE Publications

PO Box 5050

Sherwood Park

Annesley

Nottingham

NG15 0DJ

Tel:  0845 60 222 60

Fax:  0845 60 333 60

Email: dfee@prologistics.co.uk

ISBN No:  1 84185 351 8

Introduction

In the first year of A level study, a student is able to take four or five subjects to Advanced Subsidiary (AS)  level. Students will receive an AS qualification for each subject they have passed. Typically they might then go on to study three of those subjects for another year, after which they would get a full A level.

Since 1995, many students have taken A levels in ‘modules’, where assessments are available at the end of each module. Other students have taken the exams at the end of the whole course. Both types of assessment are still available to schools and colleges in each subject.

Vocational A levels are available in 12, 6 and 3 unit awards. The 12 units are equivalent to 2 A level and are also called ‘double awards’. The 6 units are equivalent to an A level and the 3 units to the AS. There are also a smaller number of vocational AS awards. Vocational A levels will be graded A-E, just like the academic A level. They are available in subjects such as Business, Information Technology and Travel & Tourism.

In 2002, students  will also be able to sit  the Advanced Extension Awards. These tests will be available in a wide range of subjects. They will  stretch the brightest advanced level students and allow them to demonstrate their understanding in greater depth.

Finally, a new ‘Key Skills’ Qualification is being offered to students. These are skills which are needed on a day-to-day basis in the world of work and which are valued by employers - IT, communication, and application of number.

These are the five key changes to advanced level study.

New Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

q       is the first half of a full A level: most AS subjects will have 3 assessment units;

q       contributes to the full A level; 

q       is also a qualification in its own right;

q       coursework can contribute to the result;

q       like full A levels, will be graded A to E.

Revised A level

q       the full A level is made up of either six modules normally taken over two years, or a set of exams at the end of two years;

q       this includes the AS modules;

q       the second year of a full A level is called ‘A2’ in the new system;

q       A2 modules  do not make up a qualification in their own right;

q       coursework can contribute to the result;

q       like the old A levels, the new A levels will be graded A to E.

Vocational A level

q       vocational A levels are taken in subjects related to the world of work such as Health and

Social Care, Business, Engineering;

q       they replace Advanced General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ);

q       the 12 unit vocational A level (double award) is equivalent to two A levels;

q       the 6 unit vocational A level is a new award and is equivalent to one A level;

q       the 3 unit vocational A level is also a new award and equivalent to an AS;

q       the qualifications will be graded A to E.

Advanced Extension Awards

q       are intended to test able students in greater depth than A levels;

q       will be available in 13 major A level subjects;

q       are based on A level specifications or syllabuses and are designed to stretch the most able students;

q       will be available for first examination in Summer 2002.

Key Skills Qualification

q       the qualification helps students prepare better for the world of work, even if they are doing academic subjects;

q       it is made up of the Key Skills units of communication, application of number and information technology;

q       a certificate will be available for each Key Skill achieved, showing the level reached (from  1 to 4);

q       assessments will be based on both a portfolio of coursework and tests;

q       the full Key Skills Qualification, covering communication, application of number and information technology, will show the level achieved for each Key Skill on the certificate.

What can students do with this range of new and revised qualifications? 

q       they will have the opportunity to study more subjects and broaden their knowledge;

q       they will be able to take subjects which contrast with their main programme;

q       they will be able to ‘mix and match’ qualifications, taking one or more AS or A level subjects alongside vocational A levels, if they wish;

q       they can study for one or more vocational A levels, mixing and matching different sizes (3,  6 and / or 12 unit awards);

This is a golden opportunity for students to study a greater range of subjects, maximise job options and prospects - and enjoy a more rounded education.

Examples of Advanced Level study patterns

Student 1

Student  2

Student 3

To find out more about the changes, check out the internet. See our websites or ring  your school, college or local Careers Service, who will be able to advise you on the options available.

We hope you will find this leaflet useful and would welcome your comments.

Website addresses

Please visit DfEE website:

http://www.dfee.gov.uk/qualifications

Please visit the QCA website:

http://www.qca.org.uk

Awarding Bodies