Section For School Leavers :

Qualifications Explained

AS/A2 Levels (A 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. On successful completion you can take the A2 the following year to achieve the full A Level award. If you're planning on going to university you'll probably need three or four A Levels, sometimes in specific subjects.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are designed so that you can earn and learn at the same time. Taking two or three years to complete, you usually attend College one day a week and spend the rest of your time in the workplace. To find out more, call the Work-Based Learning Department Tel: 01483 448630 or email: apprenticeships@guildford.ac.uk|.

City and Guilds

City and Guilds assess skills that are of practical value in the work place. The emphasis is on developing practical skills and knowledge.

First Diplomas

First Diplomas are designed to provide specialist work-related knowledge in a range of subjects. They are a Level 2, work-based qualification and provide a broad-based introduction to enable you to start work or move on to further study, such as a National Diploma.

GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education)

You can take or retake GCSEs alongside other qualifications. Most professions and universities ask for Maths and English at grade C, so it‘s a good idea to retake these subjects if you attained grade D or below. We also do an Access to FE course, as an alternative to retakes.

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)

NVQs relate to particular jobs and show the skills you’ve gained. They are usually taken while you are working or training, with most of your time spent in a real work environment such as the on-site Parkroom Restaurant| or the hairdressing salon|.

National Awards

National Awards are unit-based specialist qualifications focusing on a particular aspect of employment. They can be taken as an extension of your main course or programme of studies or provide a shorter course that is directly related to work experience or an aspect of employment you want to move into.

National Certificates

National Certificates 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. They sometimes form the first year of a National Diploma.

National Diplomas (NDs)

National Diplomas are two year programmes that combine practical and academic aspects and are designed to cover specific areas of employment. They are equivalent to three A Levels. Courses typically feature visits from guest speakers, live projects and field trips, which may be overseas. You can use a National Diploma to get to university.

Key Skills

Basic and Key Skills are useful skills for work and further or higher education, and form a part of all full-time 16-19 courses. To achieve the units you have to demonstrate that you have the required skill through a range of evidence collected from your studies, work, other activities or in some cases a short test. Your tutor will guide you on building Basic or Key Skills into your timetable and you will be able to improve on some skills in tutorials. The Skills are: literacy/communication, numeracy/application of number, information communication technology, improving own learning and performance, working with others and problem solving.