General background - United Kingdom

GCE A levels are two year study courses normally taken by students in schools and colleges after they have completed their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations at the age of 16. A level examinations are taken at the age of 18. In most cases students must have passed a GCSE examination in the subjects they wish to take at A level, but in some cases certain subjects such as Law, are not offered at GCSE. A levels are seen as one of the main routes into Higher Education and employment.

Students decide how many A levels they wish to study, depending on their career choices and the advice given to them by their teachers and the Careers Service. On the whole, most students study three A level subjects, although some take two or even four subjects. A levels demand more individual, in-depth study than GCSEs and place greater emphasis on traditional study skills and presentation.

A levels are normally assessed by examination, for which grades are awarded A - E. Grade N denotes narrow failure and Grade U (Unclassified) is not certificated.

A levels are currently offered in two formats: linear or modular.

Traditional linear A levels are usually assessed by a single set of terminal examinations as the culmination of a typical two-year course.

Modular A levels are becoming increasingly popular and the number of subjects available to students through this route is growing. About half of all A level entries in 1998 were modular. Modular courses divide study into a number of discrete units or modules, which are assessed, usually by externally marked examination, throughout the course. Students may sit modular examinations at up to three points during the academic year. The rules governing modularity require that courses must include a final externally marked examination, which accounts for not less than 30% of the total marks for the whole course. Students may resit modules to improve their results and may "bank" modules for up to four years.

ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY (AS) QUALIFICATIONS

AS qualifications are designed to be taken in conjunction with GCE A levels, as a means of broadening the curriculum of sixth-form students beyond the confines of a three-subject course. Students are encouraged to take AS qualifications in subjects which complement their A level studies and allow continued study of separate but relevant other subjects. A student studying A levels in modern languages might be encourage to take one or two AS qualifications in mathematics or economics.

AS qualifications are studied in the same depth as A levels, but in terms of volume of material covered they only take up about half the time. Two AS qualifications can be taken as the equivalent of one A level.

GENERAL NATIONAL VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (GNVQs)

GNVQs are designed to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for work in a broad occupational area. They may be studied in schools and colleges and exist at three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. Some students choose to combine a GNVQ with other qualifications such as GCE A level or AS qualifications.

GNVQ Advanced courses are normally taken over two years, while GNVQ Foundation and Intermediate courses are normally taken over one year. GNVQs provide an introduction to one of 14 broad vocational areas.

GNVQs are unit based qualifications. Advanced GNVQs are made up of eight mandatory units, four optional units, chosen from a range of relevant topics, and three Key Skills common to all GNVQs (Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology).

In order to complete each unit, students have to produce evidence that they can do a number of activities. They attend lessons and learn facts in the same way as AS/A level students, but much of their evidence is gained by undertaking projects and activities. This requires them to find out information for themselves and to practise the skills needed in the workplace. They plan their own learning, organise projects, either individually or with other students, and contact employers and other people in the community.

Students build up a portfolio of evidence that they have completed each task. This may contain written reports on activities, reports written by others e.g. an employer, exercises set by a teacher, photographs, videos or recordings of practical work.

GNVQs are awarded at three grades: Pass, Merit and Distinction.

It is recommended that students need four to five GCSEs at Grade A*-C or an Intermediate GNVQ to gain entry to the Advanced GNVQ.