Jargon Buster

Jargon Buster Qualification
Description
Where can it lead?

GCSE (General Certificated of Education)
Usually studied in Years 10-11. Can be studied after Y11, as retakes. Also available in vocational subjects (e.g. Health & Social Care) which are worth 2 'traditional' GCSEs.
Work, training or further full-time study

GCE A Level (AS & A2)
Subjects studied in more depth than at GCSE. The first half - AS level - usually lasts a year and is a qualification in its own right. If you continue, the second half - A2 - usually lasts another year. You can study traditional subjects (e.g. English, Maths) or some 'new' ones (e.g. Sociology, Psychology). A Levels can combine with vocational study and Key Skills.
Work, training or higher education

Advanced Extension Award (AEA)
A qualification for the most able A level students. 19 subjects are currently available.
Could strengthen your university application

Applied A level
A levels are about work related areas e.g. Health & Social Care, Business, etc. Can be studied as a Single or Double award. Usually more coursework based than traditional A levels and sometimes involves work placement.
Work, training or higher education

GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification)
Broad areas of work-related study, e.g. Health & Social Care, Business. Usually lasts 1-2 years, depending on level. Intermediate GNVQ is usually equal to four GCSEs.
It depends on the level achieved. Could lead to a, VCE, BTEC or NVQ, or into work or training

BTEC (National/First/Introductory Diplomas)
Specialist, work-related subjects (e.g. Design). Includes work experience. Can be at Introductory, First or National level. Made up of units: 6 units = Award; 12 units = Certificate; 18 units = Diploma. A Diploma Is equal to three A levels. Usually lasts 1-2 years, depending on level.
Depends on the level achieved. Into work, training, further education or (with the National Diploma) Higher Education.

NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)*
Qualifications related to specific jobs and skills e.g. Business Administration, Hairdressing. Based mainly in the workplace
Higher level NVQ

Progression Award (City and Guilds)*
A new, work related qualification that you can take through full-time college study, rather than the workplace.
Higher level study or into work or training

Entry level, Pre-foundation and Pre-vocational courses*
Support with skills such as reading, writing, using numbers, to help you move on to other courses.
Work, training or higher education

Key Skills
Covers Application of Number, Communication and Information Technology amongst others. Can be taken alongside other qualifications in education or the workplace. Currently offered at levels 1-4. Also included in the UCAS tariff
Higher levels of Key Skills. Useful when completing CVs or application forms

Technical Certificate*
Part of a package of qualifications that you can achieve through an Apprenticeship/Advanced Apprenticeship. Often a BTEC or City and Guilds qualification.
Work or higher education.