GCSE
AS and A Level
BTEC Introductory, First and National
NVQ
Welsh Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate
Key Skills

GCSE
You may want to re-sit some GCSEs or consider taking some new ones alongside other courses you are taking. GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education) range from academic subjects, such as English or geography, through to GCSEs in vocational (work related) subjects.

AS and A Level
Most schools and colleges expect you to have gained a certain number of good GCSEs (usually 4-5 at grades A* - C), or equivalent, before taking A levels. This is to show you can cope with a higher level of study. AS and A Levels are available in academic subjects such as chemistry , history and French and work related subjects such as applied business, applied science, health and social care and travel and tourism. 

• Courses last two years
• AS level is studied in year one and may also count as 50% of your final A level grade
• AS levels are qualifications in their own right
• In year one you can study up to four or five AS subjects
• In year two you can continue your studies in two or three subjects to achieve a full A level. The second year of study is known as A2
• Passes are graded A to E

A Levels are the traditional route for entry to higher education and training for the professions, and are well regarded in the job market.

BTEC Introductory, First and National
BTEC qualifications relate to particular fields of employment, such as agriculture, construction or design. Some are in more specific job areas, such as 3D design or polymer processing and materials technology. All BTEC qualifications can lead to jobs, training or higher level courses. BTEC National courses can lead to higher education. BTEC qualifications are available as a:

• BTEC Introductory Diploma/Certificate (at foundation level) – no qualifications needed for entry
• BTEC First Diploma/Certificate (at intermediate level) –  some GCSEs at grades D to E, or  a pass at foundation level usually needed for entry
• BTEC National Diploma/Certificate (at advanced level) –  4-5 GCSEs at grades A* - C, or a pass at intermediate level needed for entry. The BTEC National is made up of:
• 6-unit National Award, equivalent to one A level
• 12-unit National Certificate, equivalent to two A levels
• 18-unit National Diploma, equivalent to three A levels.
  

NVQ
NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are work-based qualifications that show you have the skills to do a certain job. They are available in a variety of occupations, such as construction trades, hairdressing, forestry, horticulture, office work, hospitality and catering. They may be awarded at five different levels, from basic to professional-level skills. You progress at your own pace, achieving units which build towards an NVQ as you gain more skills. Young people can gain NVQs at levels 2 and 3 through Foundation Modern Apprenticeships and Modern Apprenticeships or a full-time or part-time course at college.

Welsh Baccalaureate
A new qualification available in some schools and colleges in Wales
Students combine AS/A Levels or NVQ level 3 units with a core programme which includes:

• Key skills
• Wales, Europe and the World
• Work-related Education
• Personal and Social Education

For more information visit www.wbq.org.uk

International Baccalaureate

• Available at a small number of schools and colleges in Wales.
• Equal to A levels
• Involves studying six subjects (three at higher and three at lower level)
• Also includes cultural, sporting and community service activities.

Key Skills
Key Skills qualifications are available as part of all post-16 courses and training. A skill is something you have learnt to do well. Key skills are important for most jobs. They include:

• Communication
• Application of number
• IT
• Working with others
• Problem solving
• Improving own learning and performance

You can achieve a Key Skills qualification in Application of Number, Communication and IT. 

Click here to see the levels of qualifications.