Resources for vocational qualifications

Resources to support GCSEs in vocational subjects and other vocational qualifications

The best overall resource is the Vocational Learning Support Programme resource set up specifically to support vocational A levels and GCSEs in vocational subjects. It contains a vast range of publications, teaching resources, online tutorials and other materials.

The DCSF's 14 to 19 gateway website also has information on Diplomas and other 14 to 19 developments.

The exam boards are essential contacts for qualification specifications:

DfES has produced a range of leaflets to support GCSEs in vocational subjects as follows:

GCSEs in vocational subjects - an introduction for students and their parents/carers (revised November 2003) DfES 0810 2003
GCSE in Applied Art and Design DfES 0790 2004
GCSE in Applied Business DfES 0791 2004
GCSE in Applied Information and Communication Technology DfES 0793 2004
GCSE in Applied Science DfES 0797 2004
GCSE in Engineering DfES 0792 2004
GCSE in Health and Social Care DfES 0794 2004
GCSE in Leisure and Tourism DfES 0795 2004
GCSE in Manufacturing DfES 0796 2004

Available through Teachernet.

Downloads

There is also now a range of leaflets to introduce the new diplomas:

The Diploma: What parents need to know DCSF 00731 2007
The Diploma: Young person's Guide - year 9 DCSF 00727 2007
The Diploma: Young person's Guide - year 11 DCSF 00729 2007
The Diploma in Hair and Beauty DCSF 00832 2007
Diploma in Hospitality Studies DCSF 00834 2007
Diloma in Business, Administration and Finance DCSF 00836 2007
Diploma in Environmental and Land-based studies SDCSF 00833 2007
Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design DCSF 00835 2007
Diploma in Information Technolgy DCSF 00738 2007
The Diploma in Creative and Media DCSF 00736 2007
The Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment SDCSF 00733 2007
The Diploma in Engineering DCSF 00737 2007

Available through Teachernet.

Downloads

General resources to support GCSEs in vocational subjects

SSAT (Specialist schools and academies trust) for a wide range of information on applied GCSEs, diplomas and other 14 to 19 developments.

The National Maritime Museum offers support for applied business, and leisure and tourism. Click on Learning, then online activities and online resources for schools.

Applied business studies

The Times 100, a free educational resource for students, teachers and lecturers of business studies. The Times 100 brings business studies theory to life with case studies on real companies, linked to all exam specifications.

Engineering and manufacturing

SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies) website for GCSE in engineering.

The British Standards education has a wide range of information to support engineering, manufacturing and applied science.

Leisure and tourism

Springboard is the main website for careers in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism. It gives links to its education programme (including the travel and Tourism programme); careers publications; events; and products and materials, including resources for GCSE leisure and tourism, BTEC and opther vocational qualifications.

As part of the Tourism Education Consultancy, Bob Holland has created a website that provides information on the growing number of partner organisations that are willing to support teachers and students. Visit the website and click on "Partner organisations". There's also a facility to order resources that support the major leisure and tourism qualifications and which help students to become familiar with the key terms and concepts used in the specifications.