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What is Work Related Learning?

14-16 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The Key Stage 4 Vocational Qualifications programmes are appropriate for motivated pupils who are attracted to a more practical style of learning. The qualifications are offered on one day or two half days a week and pupils study the national curriculum subjects at school in the remaining four days. All courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications which are studied through combination of practical and theory learning. Pupils gain a taste of ‘real work’ in a supported way, laying the foundations for possible progression to a post-16 apprenticeship, 6th form, college or employment with training. NVQs - What are they? A National Vocational Qualification is a competence-based qualification: based on practical, work-related tasks designed to help to develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively. NVQs are based on national standards for various occupations. The standards state what a competent person in a job could be expected to do.  They are assessed on practical assignments and a portfolio of evidence. Normally, a qualified assessor will observe and question the candidate about the real work carried out in the workplace (or a realistic working environment). The assessor tests knowledge and understanding as well as actual performance. Vocational Related Qualifications - What are they? Several awarding bodies offer these nationally accredited GCSE equivalent work related qualifications. For example BTEC, City and Guilds and OCR qualifications are work-related qualifications, available in a wide range of subjects. Many have been designed in collaboration with industry, so deliver 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.  Generally, assessment is done by a teacher although some assessment may also be done by external examiners. Completion of a range of assignments, case studies and practical activities, as well as a portfolio of evidence shows the work the candidate has completed.

14-16 YOUNG APPRENTICESHIPS (Key Stage 4) A Young Apprenticeship is a route which allows motivated and able 14-16 year-olds to study for vocational qualifications in collaboration with employers, training providers, colleges and school using work placements to contribute directly to the programme of study. Pupils are based in school, and follow the core national curriculum subjects, but also work towards industry specific qualifications gained through a variety of employment settings. Wherever possible, study is practical and applied with pupils gaining industry-specific qualifications, such as NVQs or BTECs, (Please see page 3 for more information about these qualifications) learning through a combination of classroom delivery (theory)  and direct application in the occupational sector thus gaining experience of real work in a supported way, laying the foundations for a possible post-16 Apprenticeship whilst retaining the full range of options for future training or study at a college or 6th form. Included in the Young Apprenticeship pathway is a mandatory requirement for 50 days work placement (or the equivalent hours) over the two years of Key Stage 4 so students undertaking this programme should be prepared to work occasionally in the early evenings, at weekends and at set times in the school year to gain the full experience of the depth and breadth of their chosen occupational sector and to meet the work experience requirements. The Young Apprenticeship programme offers one main vocational qualification combined with additional qualifications that have been chosen to enhance the Young Apprenticeship experience and to provide an extensive span of knowledge which is attractive to any prospective employer.  

DIPLOMAS
Diplomas are new, employer-designed qualifications which combine a fully-rounded, general education and applied work-related learning for young people between 14 and 19. They are education programmes not training programmes. Diplomas are available in broad employment sectors.

There are 2 levels of Diploma at Key Stage 4:-
The Level 1 Diploma is the same as 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
The Level 2 Diploma is the same as 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C Structure of the Diploma
Each Diploma contains the same elements. These are:

• Principal learning, developing the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the chosen Diploma subject.
• Generic learning, including  a project, functional skills and personal learning and thinking skills
• Additional/specialist learning (ASL), which offers young people the opportunity to study a particular topic in more depth or broaden their studies through complementary learning. ASL consists of a wide range of existing and some new qualification.
• Minimum 10 days’ work experience

Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills cover:

• Creative thinking;
• Reflective learning;
• Independent inquiry;
• Team working;
• Effective participation; and self-management

Functional skills
Functional skills are the practical English, maths and ICT skills that everybody needs to deal with everyday life, for example writing a letter of application, or working out the value of a car. The Diploma will contain all three functional skills qualifications. Students will need to achieve a pass in functional skills at foundation level for a  Level 1 Diploma and at higher for a Level 2 Diploma.

Grading
To achieve a Diploma, all the required Diploma components must be passed including the three Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT and the project, Personal Learning and Thinking Skills. The final grade will be calculated by combining the grades for the principal learning and the project.

Post 16 Progression
To further study at school, college, training provider, apprenticeship or employment.
There is a Level 3 Diploma equivalent to 3.5 A levels and a Progression Diploma is also available, which is the same as 2.5 A levels.