New qualifications at key stage 4
Following the publication of “14-19: Opportunity and Excellence” and QCA’s (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) guidance on the Key Stage 4 curriculum, a range of new qualifications has become available at Key Stage 4. Some are completely new. Some have previously been available at post 16, but not at Key Stage 4. This has been given an impetus by changes to performance tables which will enable a wider range of qualifications to be included in Performance Tables for Key Stage 4.
A full list of qualifications is included on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website – Section 96 but also see the options listed to the left of this page.
In addition to the qualifications listed below, Diplomas will start to become available in schools and colleges from September 2008 - see section on Diplomas.
All qualifications are linked to the National Qualifications Framework as follows:
| NQF level | General Qualifications | General Qualifications | Vocationally Related Qualifications | Work based qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | AS and Advanced GCE (AS and A2) | Vocational A/AS Levels (AVCE) | BTEC Nationals - Award, Certificate, Diploma OCR Nationals | NVQ Level 3 |
| 2 | GCSE (Grade A*-C) | GCSE in Vocational subject (A*-C)I DIDA (Diploma in Digital Applications) Level 2 | BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates OCR Level 2 National Certificates | NVQ Level 2 |
| 1 | GCSE (Grades D-G) | GCSEs in vocational subjects (Grades D-G) DIDA (Diploma in Digital Applications) Level 1 | BTEC Introductory Certificates and Diplomas OCR Level 1 National Certificates | NVQ Level 1 |
| Entry | Entry level certificates | Entry level certificates in Skills for Working Life |
This page was last updated on 28 October 2008
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