Introduction

1. Introduction This series of PowerPoint presentations complements the programme which supports young people to make decisions in Year 11. The Practitioners section of the Connexions Derbyshire website www.connexions-derbyshire.org includes practitioner notes lesson plans which go with this presentation. We would like to know what you think of this presentation. Email your views to infoservices@connexions-derbyshire.org thank you.

2. Options @ 16 …Pathways to your future Back Home Forward

3. Decision making • Post-16 options Qualifications explained Progression pathways Back Home Forward

4. Qualifications explained This presentation will help you to: • learn about the different types of qualifications available and which option they can be studied in • find out what level they are offered at • think about how your preferred learning style might impact on the qualifications you choose to do • discover how you can progress, and • find out what to do next. The aim of this presentation is to get you thinking about the different types of qualification available in each of the learning pathways.

5. Qualifications explained There are several different types of qualifications: • General qualifications • Diplomas • Vocational qualifications • Apprenticeships, and • Foundation Learning. The next set of slides show you what qualifications are available after Year 11 and what they involve.

6. Qualifications explained General qualifications AS and A levels: are level 3 qualifications and are available in a wide choice of subjects are made up of four units and are graded A* to E involve coursework and exams are completed at sixth forms and colleges, and can be completed on their own or as part of a Diploma.

7. Qualifications explained General qualifications • GCSEs: • are level 1 or 2 qualifications depending on the grade you get • are graded from A* to G, and • can be studied as part of a Diploma.You can also study them alone if youwant to re-take your English or maths for example.

8. Qualifications explained Diplomas • Diplomas are new qualifications which combine theory and work-related learning. • Diplomas are available in broad employment sectors like IT, hospitality, hair and beauty, and engineering. • Diplomas are available at levels 1, 2 or 3. • Diplomas are only offered insomeschools at the moment.

9. Level 1: Level 2: Foundation Diploma equal to five GCSEs at grades A* to C Higher Diploma equal to seven GCSEs at grades A* to C Level 3: Progression Diploma equal to two and a half A levels Advanced Diploma equal to three and a half A levels Qualifications explained You can do a Diploma after Year 11 at three different levels:

10. Qualifications explained • What’s in a Diploma? • Diplomas are made up of: • Principal learning where you learn about the job sector, such as engineering, which matches what goes on in the workplace now and the jobs you can do, and • Additional or specialist learning where you getthe chance to study a topic you’re interested in, in more detail.

11. Qualifications explained • Diplomas also include General learning, such as: • everyday skills in maths, English and IT called Functional Skills • Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTs) which will help you develop teamwork and communication skills • a personal project connected with your Diploma which you can plan and organise, and • a minimum of ten days’ work experience.

12. Qualifications explained Vocational qualifications • Level 3 BTEC qualifications: • can be studied on their own as a vocational qualification or as part of an Advanced Diploma • are available in lots of different work-related areas • are equivalent to A levels and are graded as pass, merit or distinction • are available as Certificates, Subsidiary Diplomas, Diplomas and Extended Diplomas depending on the length of the course.

13. Qualifications explained Vocational qualifications • Level 2 BTEC qualifications: • can be studied on their own as a vocational qualification or as part of a Higher Diploma • focus on broad areas of work, such as health and social care • involve a mixture of continuous assessment, tests and work-related learning, and • are available as Certificates, Extended Certificates and Diplomas depending on the length of the course.

14. Qualifications explained Vocational qualifications • Level 1 BTEC qualifications: • can be studied on their own as a vocational qualification or as part of a Foundation Diploma • are available in avariety of subjects • can prepare you for further study at level 2 either full-time or on an Apprenticeship, and • are available as Certificates, Awards and Diplomas depending on the length of the course.

15. Qualifications explained Vocational qualifications • NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications): • are available at level 1, 2 and 3 at post-16 • can be studied on their own as a vocational qualification at college or as part of an Apprenticeship • are available in lots of job areas • help you to learn the skills for a particular job, and • are usually assessed through practical observations and a portfolio of work.

16. Qualifications explained Vocational qualifications • Entry level certificates: • can be studied on their own as a vocational qualification or as part of a Foundation Diploma or Foundation Learning programme • are ideal if you want to develop your personal and social skills • involve practical activities and allow you to progress on to other qualifications, and • can either be studied on their own or alongside other qualifications.

17. Qualifications explained It’s possible to move through and across the different progression routes, but this will depend on: • the grades you’ve achieved • the subject you’ve been studying, and • sometimes, the option that you have chosen.

18. Qualifications explained Information about qualifications is changing all the time. Make sure you check www.connexions-derbyshire.org for the latest information. Just click on Education and then Qualifications explained.

19. Qualifications explained Now you need to: • use Routes Ahead to find courses that you’re interested in • ask your Connexions Personal Adviser for more information on qualifications when you’re making your choices • go to open evenings to find out more about the courses you’re interested in, and • find out where qualifications lead.