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NATIONAL QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK The national qualification framework is the framework into which all qualifications fit. The framework has five levels and three pathways. · The three pathways represent different types of qualifications: · General · Vocational · Occupational It is possible to move from the General / Academic to the Vocational and vice versa. Table of Qualifications and Equivalents Please use the qualifications table below to see where a qualification sits in relation to others. You can also identify the level of skills and knowledge it represents. Remember you can click on a specific qualification in the table for more information.
A to Z of Qualifications Alternatively simply click a letter below to find more information on qualifications. 
A- LEVEL A levels are a higher level general academic qualification awarded for successfully completing an AS and A2 level in the same subject. A levels take two years of full time study. AS LEVEL An AS level is the first half of an A level course. It is also a qualification in its own right. Up to four AS level subjects can be taken in the first year of an A level course. A2 LEVEL An A2 level is the second half of an A level course. If the relevant grades are obtained in the AS levels, candidates can progress onto an A2 level course and specialise in 2 or 3 subjects. AVCE (Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education) This is the advanced level of the GNVQ and is often called ‘the vocational A level’. It is recommended for those interested in a particular area of study who would like to have the alternatives of university or employment. AVCE single awards (1 year) are equivalent to 1 A level and double awards (2 years) are equivalent to 2 A levels. Top of Page BTEC ...see EDEXEL BACCALAUREATE ...see INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CITY & GUILDS City & Guilds is a leading provider of vocational qualifications in the United Kingdom. They show that someone can actually do a job, and not simply that they know how to do it in theory. The qualifications assess skills that are of practical value in the work place and with over 400 to choose from most occupational areas have a city and guilds award. For more information click here: www.city-and-guilds.co.uk DEGREES BA - Bachelor of Arts BSc - Bachelor of Science BEd - Bachelor of Education BEng - Bachelor of Engineering Most degrees last three/four years. Usually "honours" but can be "ordinary". A single honours degree means studying one subject and often a subsidiary subject in the first year. A joint honours means studying two subjects and combined honours involves studying two or more subjects. Top of Page EDEXCEL (formerly BTEC Diplomas and Certificates). These are modular courses offered at three different levels: First, National and Higher. These courses focus on specific areas of study directly related to the world of work, e.g. Engineering, Graphic Design, and Hotel & Catering. EDEXCEL FIRST This is a one year, normally full time, course specialising in a particular vocational area. It can be a route to the National Diploma and is equivalent to 4 GCSEs (A – C). EDEXCEL NATIONAL This is a two year full time course specialising in a particular vocational area. It is recommended for those interested in a particular area of study who would like to have the alternatives of university or employment. EDEXCEL HIGHER Higher Nationals Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are Level 4 qualifications designed to equip adults with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current or future employment or for progression to a degree. BTEC Higher Nationals concentrate on a particular work-sector, using flexible modes of study and application. The Certificate is simply a part time equivalent of the Diploma and made up of fewer units. FMA (Foundation Modern Apprenticeships) ...see MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS Top of Page GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) The GCSE is the General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is the examination taken by the majority of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4, the last two years of compulsory education. It is the principal means of assessing pupil attainment at the end of compulsory secondary education. GNVQ Foundation A broad-based vocational qualification, it is the equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades D to E and normally takes one year of full time study. Those with good grades at foundation level can progress to Intermediate level. GNVQ Intermediate A broad-based vocational qualification recommended for those who are interested in a particular area of study. It is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades A – C. No information at this time. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE This qualification although recognised throughout the world is not yet available within the UK. If recruiting a candidate from overseas with this qualification, then it indicates the individual has a broader base of study than A - AS Level, studying 6 subjects. Top of Page No information at this time. No information at this time. No information at this time. MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS Modern apprenticeships give young people aged 16 – 24 a ‘leg up’ the career ladder. They offer a paid job with training, ending up with a recognised qualification. Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) This is the first level of modern apprenticeship. An FMA takes at least 18 months to complete and leads to NVQ Level 2 and a Technical Certificate. The work is mainly practical: you’ll develop technical skills and gain valuable work experience. There is also the opportunity to progress to an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship. Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) This is the second level of modern apprenticeship. As an Advanced Modern Apprentice, the young person will be in full-time employment with an appropriate wage, aiming for a technical, supervisory or junior management role. The training, which usually lasts at least 24 months, leads to NVQ Level 3 and a Technical Certificate. For many, an AMA is a stepping stone to an Edexcel Higher or degree. Top of Page NVQ's - National Vocational Qualifications National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-based qualifications that assess the skills and knowledge people need to perform their job role effectively. The qualifications are based on national occupational standards, which define what employees, or potential employees, must be able to do and know, how well they must do these things, and the circumstances in which they have to use the skills or carry out the activities – ww.www.dfes.gov.uk/nvq NVQ 1 Competence that involves the application of knowledge in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which may be routine and predictable. NVQ 2 Competence which involves the application of knowledge in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of these activities are complex or non-routine and there is some individual responsibility or autonomy. NVQ 3 Competences that involve the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often required. NVQ 4 Competence that involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities performed in a variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present. NVQ 5 Competence that involves the application of a range of fundamental principles across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources features strongly, as do personal accountabilities for analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation Top of Page OTHER OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS These provide practical and work-related skills and an opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications from the City & Guilds (C&G), Oxford, Cambridge and Royal Society of Arts (OCR) and other specialist awarding bodies. OCR - (PITMANS ELEMENTARY) Oxford Cambridge and Royal Society of Arts (OCR) qualifications OCR Qualifications are nationally recognised qualifications and provide enhancement and enrichment to learners of all ages and abilities. OCR Qualifications are created and provided through effective partnerships and reflect the requirements of business, industry and higher education. For more information click here: www.ocr.org.uk PITMANS ELEMENTARY (OCR) Pitman Qualifications are part of the City & Guilds (see City and Guilds). These qualifications are focused upon, IT, Office Administration, Accounting and English For more information click here: www.pitmanqualifications.com (No items to View)
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NVQ LEVEL 5