Qualifications Explained

Progression Ladder choosing the right course for you
Our progression ladder shows a range of courses at different levels. The qualifications you achieve at school will help determine the level of course most suitable for you to start from. From there you will be able to choose a learning programme that helps you move on up to another course, to Higher Education or into a career. The course information section of this prospectus will indicate the level of the course and the qualifications you need to join the course.

Vocational Courses
Vocational courses, such as BTEC First and National qualifications, NVQs, or Apprenticeships prepare you for employment in a particular career such as media, beauty or business, yet can also offer you entry to Higher Education. The emphasis of these courses is on coursework rather than examinations, with assignments, reports and projects, which extend knowledge and skills on a wide range of topics within the subject area.

Vocational learning programmes are ideal if you have a good idea about your future career and want to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the career before progressing to Higher Education or employment. They also offer excellent opportunities to "move on" from level 2 programmes up to Degree level. In order to study on a Level 2 programme, students should hold 3-5 GCSEs at grade D. For a level 3 programme a minimum of 4-5 GCSEs at grade C will normally be required. Students who start on a level 2 programme (usually of one year"s duration) can progress onto a level 3 programme the following year. Level 3 programmes are normally taken over two years.

14-19 Diplomas
Diplomas are exciting and innovative new qualification for 14-19 year olds. They have been created to provide an alternative to more traditional education and qualification. You can study diplomas in year 10 whilst at school and also at college. Diplomas will give young people a fully rounded qualification, which combines theoretical and practical learning, including functional English, Maths and ICT, to equip them with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further or higher education and long-term employability.

Foundation Learning Tier
The Foundation Learning Tier provides a wide range of vocational programmes at entry and level 1 which can be tailored into a personalised learning programme to support individual need and future progression onto 14-19 diplomas (level 2), BTEC Firsts, Apprenticeship programmes, employment with training or independent living. All personalised programmes contain a vocational qualification, personal and social development, literacy, numeracy and IT. Vocational programmes are available in Hair, Construction, Creative Arts, Business, Public Services, Sport, Early Years, Health & Social Care and IT.

UCAS
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) uses a points system to set a value for a range of qualifications. Most degree level programmes at university set a minimum entry requirement of around 200 UCAS points. The table below shows the maximum value of a range of courses according to their UCAS points score.

You will note that a BTEC National Diploma is equivalent to three full A Levels!