Qualifications

GCSEs

What is a GCSE?

  • General Certificate of Secondary Education
  • They last for 2 years
  • They're graded A - G
  • Most involve coursework as well as a final exam
NB
Some schools offer half GCSE courses - check with your careers teacher.

What are vocational courses?

Part one GNVQ

  • Part one GNVQs (General National Vocational Qualifications) and are based on a particular area of work, for example, health and social care.
  • They last 2 years
  • All Part one GNVQs involve coursework and regular short tests.

NVQ (units)

  • These are work-related courses - for example, you could work towards achieving an NVQ in catering by completing certain units.
  • You can work towards units in Years 10 and 11.
  • NVQs involve coursework and regular assessment.

Find out what your school offers.