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There are A-levels available in lots of subjects. They are split into two parts - AS and A2 levels:

• AS levels are taken in the first year and are a qualification on their own.
• A2 levels are the second half of a full A level. You can't study a subject at A2 Level unless you studied it at AS level.
• There are now four units in most A Level subjects - two at A/S level and two at A level.
• You usually need at least 4-5 A-C grades at GCSE to get onto an AS level course
• In the first year, you can choose a number of AS levels in different subjects. In the second year, you can carry on with the same subjects at A2 level, or take new ones at AS level.
• As levels are graded A-E. A Levels will have an A* grade introduced in 2010.
• To get into higher education with A Levels, you will usually need 4 AS levels and 3 A2 levels or a mixture of A levels and other courses. However, universities have different entry requirements, so make sure to check when you apply.

You can choose from a wide range of about 80 subjects, including some applied (work-related) subjects. You can take subjects you studied in year 11 and/or start new ones.

BTECs are general vocational courses, and are more specialised than applied A levels ( such as Graphic Design or Media Studies). They are available at 2 levels: BTEC First and BTEC National.

BTEC First

Lasts for one year, and is equivalent to four GCSEs at grades A to C

You may need GCSEs at grades D-G in order to study a BTEC First Diploma

Can be studied either full or part-time

BTEC National

There are three levels of BTEC National:

• BTEC National Award - 6 units (equivalent to 1 A level)
• BTEC National Certificate - 12 units (equivalent to 2 A levels)
• BTEC National Diploma - 18 units (equivalent to 3 A levels)

BTEC Nationals can be taken full or part-time, and can be studied alongside appropriate NVQs and/or key skills units. You will usually need one of the following to take a BTEC National:

• BTEC First in a related subject
• GNVQ Intermediate in a related subject
• A minimum of 4 GCSEs (A-C)

Diplomas can be taken at three levels:

1. Advanced level:

• Advanced Diploma - takes two years of full time study and is broadly comparable to 3.5 GCE A levels.
• Advanced Progression Diploma -takes two years of study, either on its own or mixed with additional KS5 studies, for example an A/S or A Level. It is broadly comparable to 2.5 GCE A Levels.

2. Higher Level:

• Higher Diploma - takes two years of study either on its own or mixed with other KS4 learning for example GCSEs. It is worth the same as 7 GCSEs (A* -C).

3. Foundation Level

• Foundation Diploma - takes one year studied full time, or two years if taken at same time as other KS4 learning. It is worth the same as 5 GCSEs (D -G).

The Diploma is being offered in some areas in up to 14 broad employment sectors from September 2010

• Business, Administration and Finance
• Construction and the Built Envirionment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Environment and Land-based
• Hair and Beauty
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing and Product Design
• Public Services
• Retail Business
• Society, Health and Development
• Sport and Active Leisure
• Travel and Tourism

More Information on the Diploma?

These are vocational courses related to jobs such as motor vehicle repair, food preparation, parking control, childcare or bricklaying.

• Level 1 - similar to four GCSEs, grades D-F
• Level 2 - similar to five GCSEs at grades A-C
• Level 3 - similar to two full A Levels
• Level 4 - similar to a degree or BTEC Higher National Diploma.
• Level 5 - similar to a post-graduate degree or other professional qualification.

NVQs are made up of units, which develop the skills and knowledge needed for a job.

NVQs can be done through schools, colleges, training providers or at work. Part of NVQ courses should be done in the workplace.

OCR Nationals

OCR Nationals are vocational qualfications - very similar to BTEC qualfications - and are offered in a range of subjects such as art and design, health and social care, and business. OCR Nationals are offered at levels 1 (Foundation), 2 (Higher), and 3 (Advanced). They are graded at pass, merit or distinction.

GCSE re-takes

• Re-takes usually last one year
• Some sixth forms and colleges only offer re-takes in English and Maths
• Most colleges and sixth forms will only allow re-takes if you have already got D or E grades in some of your GCSEs

International Baccalaureate

This is an international qualification, recognised in many countries. It is accepted in the UK as the same as AS and A levels.

Subjects are chosen from 6 groups - English, a modern language, humanities/economics/ICT, sciences, maths and one other.

City & Guilds

City & Guilds provides a range of trade, crafts and skills qualifications for specific industries, for example electrical installation, hairdressing, and hospitality and catering.

Functional Skills

Functional skills are those core elements of English, mathematics and ICT that enable everyone to perform confidently and independently, whether in education or at work. They will be on offer as part of English, maths, and ICT GCSEs, the new Diplomas, and Apprenticeships. You will also be able to take them as separate qualificaitons if you need to.

Extended Projects

The Extended Project is a new level 3 qualification that is designed to test the wider skills that higher education courses need such as independent study and research. Extended projects are a compulsory part of the the Advanced Diploma and can also be taken as a separate additional qualification alongside A levels.

A Young Apprenticeship is available in schools and offers a work placement, giving you the opportunity of getting valuable work experience whilst continuing with your studies.

They combine vocational education with your academic studies.

They are mainly available in year 10 and are taken over two years alongside your GCSEs. All you need to do is ask your careers teacher / Connexions co-ordinator for an application form. Fill it in and send it to the address at the bottom of the page.

There are foundation, intermediate and advanced levels in all sorts of subjects - ask your careers teacher / Connexions co-ordinator for more details.