A table showing a Guide to Qualifications
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Level
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Entry Level / Foundation
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Description
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Designed to develop your skills so you can progress to a higher level course
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Attendance
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One Year
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Entry Requirements(s)
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College Interview
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Advantages
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Develops your study skills.
High Level of support from tutors.
Excellent progression.
Route to other Level 1 courses or above
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Progression
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Higher study
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Level
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National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ)
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Description
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This course will train you for a particular job area such as hairdressing or construction.
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Attendance
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There are three levels, each takes up to one year.
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Entry Requirements(s)
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College interview.
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Advantages
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NVQs are designed with employers so you will have right skill for the workplace.
NVQs are practical courses that have no final written exams.
In some cases you can start at Level 2 if you have the relevant experience or qualifications.
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Progression
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Higher study or employment.
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Level
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BTEC First
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Description
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Ideal if you know what you want to study and you are keen to gain practical experience.
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Attendance
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One year
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Entry Requirements(s)
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Depending on your subject, GCSEs at Grade D to E
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Advantages
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Develops your skills in one subject area.
You can progress to BTEC National Diploma or Certificate and
then to university.
BTECs are assessed on a unit-by-unit basis. There are no final exams.
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Progression
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Higher study or employment
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Level
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BTEC National Certificate
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Description
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Ideal if you know what you want to study at university or have a career in mind. There is a wide range of courses available.
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Attendance
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One year in most cases
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Entry Requirements(s)
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Three to Four GCSEs at A to C / BTEC First
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Advantages
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Equivalent to two A Levels. Ideal if you are passionate about a subject, or enjoyed a subject at school.
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Progression
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Higher study or employment
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Level
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BTEC National Diploma
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Description
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You can focus on a specific subject area such as Performing Arts or Art and Design. Ideal if you know what you want to study at university or which area of employment you are interested in.
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Attendance
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Two years
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Entry Requirements(s)
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Four or Five GCSEs at A to C / BTEC First
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Advantages
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You concentrate on one subject area.
Ideal if you know what you want to study at university.
Equivalent to three A Levels.
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Progression
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University or employment
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