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GCSEs
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Description
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General Subjects.
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Can be studied again after year 11 to improve grades or to study new subjects.
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Entry Requirements at age 16
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None.
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Length of Course
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1 - 2 years, usually one year if taken in sixth form or college.
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Level
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Grades D - G are Foundation / Level 1
Grades A - C are Intermediate / Level 2
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A Levels - AS and A2
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Description
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Available in a broad range of general subjects, studied in greater depth than GCSEs.
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From September 2000, an A Level will consist of 6 units. Students successfully completing the first 3 units will be awarded an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Certificate graded A-E. Those successfully completing all 6 units will be awarded the full A Level (A2) graded A-E. Students will be able to choose whether to end their study of a subject after the AS and start a new AS in the second year or go on to complete the full A Level (A2) in that subject. It is expected that students will study at least 4 subjects across the two years.
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Entry Requirements at age 16
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Minimum 4 GCSEs at grade C or above
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Length of Course
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I year for Advanced Subsidiary; plus a further year for A Level (A2)
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Level
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Advanced / Level 3
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I.B. (International Baccalaureate)
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Description
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Taught and recognised throughout the world. Broader base of study than A Level, studying 6 subjects, 3 at higher and 3 at subsidiary level.
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Availability restricted to selected centres.
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Entry Requirements at age 16
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Minimum 4 GCSEs at grade C or above
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Length of Course
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2 years
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Level
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Advanced / Level 3
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GNVQs (General National Vocational Qualifications)
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Description
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GNVQs are modular courses made up of compulsory and optional units. They cover broad vocational areas such as IT, Business, Engineering and Manufacturing. Students also gain separately assessed Key Skills Qualifications.
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The advanced GNVQ 12 unit award is broadly equivalent to 2 A levels.
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The advanced GNVQ 6 unit award is broadly equivalent to 1 A level.
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3, 6 and 12 unit awards may be combined with A Level study.
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Entry Requirements at age 16
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None for Foundation
GCSEs at grade D-G for Intermediate
4 GCSEs at grade C or above for Advanced
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Length of Course
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Foundation — I year
Intermediate I year
Advanced — 2 years
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Level
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Foundation / Level 1
Intermediate / Level 2
Advanced / Level 3
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BTEC Diplomas and Certificates (Business and Technology Education Council)
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Description
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Modular courses.They focus on specific areas of study directly related to the world of work, e.g. Engineering, Graphic Design, Hotel and Catering.
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Entry Requirements at age 16
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GCSEs at grade D-G for BTEC First (but some courses may not require any)
4 GCSEs at grade C or above for BTEC National
Entry at 16 not possible for BTEC Higher National. Level 3 qualifications required for entry
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Length of Course
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BTEC First - 1 year
BTEC National - 2 years
BTEC Higher National - 2-3 years
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Level
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First - Intermediate / Level 2
National - Advanced / Level 3
Higher National - Higher / Level 4
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NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)
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Description
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Work-based qualifications related to specific jobs, e.g. Carpenter, Chef, Retail Consultant.
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Entry Requirements at age 16
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None for Level I
GCSEs at grade D-G for Level 2
4 GCSEs at grade C or above for Level 3
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Length of Course
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Not time bound. Each level usually takes one year but can be longer, depending on the pace at which you progress
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Level
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Foundation / Level 1
Intermediate / Level 2
Advanced / Level 3
Higher / Level 4
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Key Skills
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Description
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From September 2000 a new separate qualification based on the Key Skills of communication, application of number and IT will be available.
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Key Skills will still be included in GNVQ courses but will be separately assessed and certificated.
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At AS and A Level, Key Skills will be assessed and contribute to the grades awarded. Key Skills will also be important elements of Modern Apprenticeships and National Traineeships.
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Entry Requirements at age 16
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None
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Length of Course
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Level
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