Home   Colouring Pages   Days Out   Education   Food   Health   Parenting   Pregnancy & Babies   Printables   Shopping   Travel

 

  

Education Options at 16

With the compulsory school leaving age due to be raised to 17 in 2013 and to 18 from 2015, and at present around 80% of 16 year olds opting to continue in some form of further education, schools and colleges are offering an ever widening range of options for post 16 study. These include the traditional A-Levels, The Diploma, BTECs, Apprenticeships and NVQs.

Here is an overview of the qualifications available:

A levels

A levels are offered in a wide range of academic subjects, such as history and English, as well as some work-related subjects like media studies and law. A levels normally take students two years to complete full-time. A levels have recently been updated to include more topical subject content, they have been made more challenging, with open ended questions; and from 2010 a new A* grade will be awarded to recognise the achievement of the most able students.

The Diploma

The Diploma is a new qualification that can be studied at 16 and mixes traditional learning in the classroom with hands-on, practical experience. Young people will get at least 10 day’s work experience and lessons will be more work relevant; so for example students might get a lesson in how to develop a business plan from a local employer or get involved in projects like putting together a magazine.

The Diploma was introduced in September 2008 and almost all local authorities will be involved in offering some Diplomas from this September. In some areas there will be 10 Diploma subjects to choose from, which are:

  • Information Technology
  • Manufacturing and Product Design
  • Creative and Media
  • Engineering
  • Construction and the Built Environment
  • Society, Health and Development
  • Business, Administration and Finance
  • Hair and Beauty Studies
  • Hospitality
  • Environment and Land-based Studies

The Diploma is available at two levels for 16 year olds: Higher and Advanced. The Higher Diploma is worth seven GCSEs at grades A* to C, but can take one year to complete if studied post 16. The Advanced Diploma is taken after the age of 16 and is worth three-and-a-half A levels. The Advanced Diploma is a full time course and students can study an A level as part of it. They can even take an A level alongside their Diploma course.

All Advanced Diploma students undertake an Extended Project. The Extended Project is a stand-alone piece of work which will require students to use research, critical thinking, planning and evaluation - skills that universities particularly value in undergraduates. It is a compulsory part of the Advanced Diploma and is worth half an A level.

The Diploma has been developed with employers and academics and it can lead onto university or straight into work.

Not all Diploma subjects are available in all areas from September 2009, therefore please look at which subjects are available in your local area.

For more information on the Diploma visit www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas

Apprenticeships

There are more than 180 Apprenticeships available across more than 80 industry sectors and an Apprenticeship usually lasts between one and two years.

Apprenticeships are work based training programmes, designed around the needs of employers. Apprentices are paid employees in a business, working alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. As well as learning skills on the job, those studying Apprenticeships will visit a local training provider, usually a local college, to continue their training on a day release basis.

There are two levels of Apprenticeships for students aged 16 which are, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. An Apprenticeship is equivalent to five good GCSE passes and a Higher Apprenticeship is equivalent to two A level passes.

To find out more on Apprenticeships, visit http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

In addition to GCSEs, A levels, the Diploma and Apprenticeships, 14-19 year olds can currently decide to take the following vocational qualifications:

BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council Qualifications)

BTECs are work-related qualifications, available in a wide range of subjects.
They can be taken by students who are interested in learning more about a particular sector or industry. Many have been designed in collaboration with industry, so they can equip young people with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. The qualifications offer a mix of theory and practice, and can also include an element of work experience. They can be taken as part of an Apprenticeship course.

To find out more about BTECs, visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)

An NVQ is a practical, work-related qualification that can be studied to varying levels post 16. Young people can study an NVQ if they are employed; at college and have a part-time job or access to a work placement; or as part of an Apprenticeship course. There are a variety of different NVQ subjects which can be studied over a range of business sectors.

To find out more about NVQs, visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning

To find out more about all the options available post 16, visit

Top Tips For Helping Your Child Choose Their Options Aged 16

  • Speak to your child about their achievements at Level 2 (GCSEs and Diploma) and the sorts of subjects that interest them
  • Discuss what your child would like to do after Level 3, such as employment, higher education or training
  • Discuss and research the specific qualifications you will need to go on to higher education, employment or training
  • Find out the different qualifications available to your child and details of what these will involve. To find out what is on offer in your area, visit http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/. These may include Advanced Diplomas, A levels or Apprenticeships
  • To find out more about the new Diploma qualification, visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_070676
  • Speak to your child’s teacher/tutor about the best option for them and the combination of subjects and courses they would suggest
  • Discuss your childs options and encourage them to seek the advice of their careers advisor or Connexions

Education Options at 14
Compulsory Learning Age To Be Raised To 18
Revision Guide
What Every Parent Should Know...Before their Child goes to University.




This Week
Groundhog Day
Pancake Day
Valentine's Day
Spring Printables

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Big Panto Guide - Find a Panto This Christmas
Colouring Pictures at eParenting

Recycle Your
Mobile Phone

Home | Contact Us | Link to Us | About | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Legal and Disclaimer
ŠeParenting 2004 - 2012
www.eparenting.co.uk