Introduction - Vocational Courses

An introduction to Applied A-Levels and BTECs

Vocational courses follow a broad programme of study which keeps students options open for employment, further training or further and higher education.

The main difference between GCSEs/A-levels and vocational courses is the structure of the programme and the methods of assessment.

• Students enjoy the variety, flexibility and independence which vocational courses offer, as each course is made up of units which are gained separately.
• Vocational courses give students an opportunity to try out all sorts of activities. They work on their own and as part of a team, do short projects and longer assignments, and many gain experience in the workplace.
• Students take more responsibility for their own learning. Vocational courses give them opportunities to decide what to do, and how to go about it.
• Students’ work is assessed by coursework and tests as they go along, giving them targets to work towards.
• Because students develop skills in an area of work, they can see how relevant their course is to life after school.
• Students on one-year BTEC courses can also take other qualifications alongside their BTEC courses, such as GCSE

Higher Diploma

Level 2 qualifications

For students who gained mainly D’s and perhaps a few C’s at GCSE, this course is a one year course which is assessed through coursework and examinations. Students complete four pieces of coursework and take two examinations on this course, all of which are equally weighted. This qualification is equivalent to seven GCSE’s at Grades A-C and is an excellent progression route onto Applied A-levels or AS/A2 courses. Students usually re-take GCSE mathematics and/or English alongside this qualification.

Applied A-level or AS/A2 Levels/Advanced Diploma

Level 3 qualifications

Applied courses are a popular choice in the sixth form and are equivalent to a full A-level (A2) or two A-levels if you take a Double Award Applied A-level. Students have a choice of Applied A-level courses all of which are fully recognised by Universities and provide an excellent progression route on to Higher Education.

A single award can be taken in a range of subjects including Health and Social Care and ICT, which are one year courses. Studied over ten lessons per week, students complete four pieces of coursework and take 2 examinations on this course, all of which are equally weighted. Double Awards are the most popular Applied A-level courses studied and are taken over two years and are equivalent to two full A-Levels (2 x A2). These can be taken in Business Studies and Health and Social Care and science. This year we are introducing the Advanced Diploma to replace the Applied A level in Business Studies.

Many students decide to take a Double Award Applied A level course and an additional AS subject so that they have 3 A-levels over 2 years.