School Leavers

Qualification Guide

Course Level

After completing your Level 2 GCSEs, the next step is to move on to a Level 3 qualification. However, this may not suit all students and for you to be happy and successful in your studies it is vital that you are on a programme that suits your ability. At Macclesfield College you can take Pre-Entry, Entry, Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications to build up your skills and allow you to progress on to further study or employment in the future.

Level 4 (Higher)
Foundation Degree Professional Qualifications NVQ/Diploma 4
Level 3 (Advanced)
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma AS/A2 Level Advanced Diploma NVQ/Diploma 3 Advanced Apprenticeship Foundation Studies in Art & Design
Level 2 (Intermediate)
BTEC Level 2 Diploma Higher Diploma NVQ/Diploma 2 Apprenticeship GCSE
Level 1 (Foundation)
BTEC Level 1 Diploma NVQ/Diploma 1
Foundation Learning
Entry Skills Courses

Course Type

It is important to choose a qualification that suits your work style.

A Level qualifications
At LZ6 you can study for a wide range of AS and A2 Level academic qualifications. Most students will follow four AS subjects in Year 12 and three A2 subjects in Year 13.

The option block below shows the combinations of A Levels that can be taken for 2012/13. A maximum of one subject can be chosen from each of the blocks.

Block A	Block B	Block C	Block D	Block E	Block X
History	English Language	English Literature	Sociology	Physics	Music
Art & Design (Fine Art)	Mathematics	Biology	Mathematics	Geography	Further Maths
Psychology	Chemistry	Business	Drama	Psychology	Photography
Spanish	Sport & PE	Product Design/Fashion Textiles	French	Information Technology	Travel & Tourism (BTEC Subsidiary)
Film Studies	Media Studies		Law

Please note that we plan to run all courses, however the final decision to run a course depends on numbers.

General Vocational Qualifications
These include BTEC Diplomas, which are studied in LZ6, Macclesfield College’s School of Creative Arts & Industries and the College’s European Centre for Aerospace Training (ECAT). The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a full-time qualification which provides an alternative to A Levels. It is studied over 2 years and places more emphasis on practical skills and work related assignments.

Occupational Vocational Qualifications
These NVQ/Diploma qualifications give students the specific skills they need to work in particular industries, such as Hair and Beauty, Professional Cookery, Hospitality and Engineering. They are studied in specialist, industry-standard learning environments.

The Advanced Diploma (Level 3 only)
The Advanced Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification that combines theoretical study with applied learning related to the Diploma subject. It is studied for 2 years and develops the essential skills, knowledge and experience needed for success at college, university and work.

You’ll find more details on all the Diploma qualifications at www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas

Progression Routes

After successfully completing each level of study you will gain nationally recognised qualifications and have the opportunity to progress onto the next level of qualification, further specialised training, or into employment.
The skills you gain and progression routes for the specific qualifications are:

Pre-Entry and Entry Level (Foundation Learning) - These qualifications develop numeracy, literacy, ICT, social and personal skills alongside vocational learning.

Level 1
Level 1 BTEC - Equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade D-G
Level 1 NVQ/Diploma/Certificate - These qualifications help you to develop occupational skills.

Level 2
Level 2 BTEC - Equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade A*-C
Level 2 Higher Diploma - Equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grade A*-C
Level 2 NVQ/Diploma - This qualification help you to develop occupational skills.

Level 3 - The following qualifications will give you the UCAS points necessary for progression to Level 4 qualifications such as a Foundation Degree at College, a Degree at University, or will help your move into employment.
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma – equivalent to 1 A Level and worth up to 140 UCAS points (with A* grade)
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma – Equivalent to 2 A Levels and worth up to 280 UCAS points (with A*, A* grade)
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma – Equivalent to 3 A Levels and worth up to 420 UCAS points (with A*, A*, A* grade)
- One A Level (AS plus A2 at A* grade) - worth up to 140 UCAS points
- One AS qualification - worth up to 60 UCAS points
- Advanced Diploma - Equivalent to 3.5 A Levels and worth up to 490 UCAS points

Other Level 3 qualifications which develop occupational skills and can lead to further specialised training or employment include:

NVQ/Diplomas
Foundation Studies in Art & Design - provides access to Art courses at University.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are a guide to which level of course will be the most appropriate for you and you will need to meet these before being accepted onto a particular programme or level of study. As a guide, the following minimum entry requirements apply:

Level 1	2 GCSE grades E-G†
Level 2	4 GCSE grade D†
Level 3	4 GCSE grades A*-C†
A Levels	5 GCSE grades A*-C† (some courses require a grade B in that subject)
† or equivalent vocational qualifications at the appropriate grade