Qualifications
Level 3 Qualifications
Advanced Level (Level 3)
For students who obtain five GCSEs at grades A to C or equivalent qualifications. On completion of a Level 3 programme, you can move on to university, jobs or training schemes.
Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Levels
A Levels are a two year programme of academic study. The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level lasts one year and is a single award. The standard is between GCSE and A Level, is worth 50% of the Advanced Level and is a qualification in its own right. You normally take four AS Levels.
Advanced (A2) Levels
A2 courses follow on from AS courses and last a further year, after which you gain the full A Level award. You normally take three A2 Levels or sometimes four. If you are planning on going to university you will need at least three full A Levels, sometimes in specific subjects.
Applied AS and A Levels
These courses have an AS/A2 structure and are comparable to the existing Advanced Levels. They provide a broad introduction to a vocational area and encourage work-related contexts. You can take up to two Applied AS Levels in each year and can combine these with other A Level subjects.
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas
Formerly known as National Diplomas, these practical courses will make up the majority of your college timetable and are designed to focus on a particular subject area for progression into work or Higher Education. Assessment is based on assignments rather than written exams.
Level 3 BTEC Diplomas
Formerly known as National Certificates,these vocational courses are equivalent to two A Levels and focus on a specific area of work. They are designed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a number of areas and are linked to national occupational standards.
Level 3 CACHE Diploma
This is a Childcare and Education qualification awarded by CACHE at Level 3. It focuses on vocational experience and is backed up by classroom teaching. For entry to Higher Education, this course is equivalent to three A Levels and is gained through a combination of College-based study and work placement.
NVQS
NVQs relate to particular jobs and show the skills you’ve gained. We offer a full-time course at Level 3 in Football Coaching.
Level 1 and 2 Qualifications
Intermediate Level (Level 2)
For students who obtain four GCSEs at grade D or equivalent qualifications. On completion of a Level 2 programme, you can go on to A Level or other Level 3 qualifications or work.
Level 2 BTEC Extended Certificates
Formerly known as BTEC First Certificates, these courses are equivalent to two GCSEs. You develop knowledge and skills in a specific occupational area, preparing you for employment or further study. You normally take two of these courses together.
NVQs
NVQs relate to particular jobs and show the skills you’ve gained. They are usually taken whilst you are working or training, with most of your time spent on the job or in a real working environment such as the sports pitches or Salon Vision. We offer full-time NVQ courses in Hairdressing Football Coaching.
GCSEs
GCSEs are the basic standard of school leaving education. We offer retake opportunities in English and Maths, which you can do alongside other courses. We also offer Functional Skills courses in these subjects as an alternative, to help you improve your basic skills.
Introductory Diploma
This course is designed as a stepping stone into vocational sectors at Levels 1 and 2. It allows you to explore a variety of practical options, enabling you to move on to other courses or work. You’ll also have the opportunity to begin to specialise in one area.
Important note
From September 2010 all BTEC qualifications have moved to the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This means that some course titles will change but the equivalences remain the same