About Penwith College - Qualifications and What They Mean
Curriculum choices – A levels, BTEC or NVQ?
A Levels
The A level programme is split into two years – the AS year and A2 year. It is necessary to pass the AS year with good grades to gain entry to the A2 year. The main final assessment method for A levels is exams at the end of each year, although some courses have assessed coursework and practical assessments which make up a percentage of the final grade. Please refer to individual courses for further information. The College recommends that students take 3-5 courses at AS level and reduce this number for A level. A levels are recommended for students planning to progress to university. Specific A level qualifications are required for some university courses. We always recommend that you seek advice prior to choosing your A level subjects.
BTEC and NVQ
These are both vocational awards, which mean that they are practical qualifications and involve more coursework and no exams. These courses last one or two years and offer progression routes dependent upon the level of entry. All of these qualifications are nationally recognised and at Level 3 they can provide an alternative means of entry to university.
BTEC National Diploma
This full-time, Level 3 course is equivalent to three subjects at A level. Taught over two years, this programme encompasses 18 units. This qualification is particularly suitable for students who have a good idea of the career path they wish to take.
BTEC First (level 2) and Introductory (level 1) Diploma
These are one year full-time courses for students who wish to specialise in a particular area but do not have the grades to enter at National Diploma level. Completion of these courses with a Merit or Distinction allows students to gain access to higher level courses.
NVQ’s
Employers are crucial in developing the standards on which NVQ’s are based. This means that the qualifications are geared to directly meet the needs of the empoyer. National Vocational Qualifications are offered at levels 1, 2 and 3 in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy.
GCSE’s
Students have the opportunity to retake GCSE’s through further study or select a new course which is required to support their current programme. We offer GCSEs in Maths, English, Science; Human Physiology and Health and these can be studied in addition to a full-time course.
Skills for Life
Skills for Life is compulsory for all post-16 learners. There is a core curriculum of literacy, language, numeracy and ICT. These qualifications are supported by universities and employers, and they will help your progress in your chosen career or further study.
Entry Criteria for Courses
In order to gain access to these courses, students should normally meet the following criteria as a minimum:
A-Levels:
- 5 GCSE passes at grade A* to C in subjects relevant to the A-levels chosen
- At least three GCSE passes at grade B or above in subjects relevant to the A-levels chosen
- A minimum grade B in any subject that is taken through to A-level from GCSE
- A GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths
BTEC National Diploma:
- 4 GCSE passes at grade A* to C or
- BTEC First Diploma (Distinction or Merit) in a relevant area
- English GCSE at grade C or above (Maths at grade C or above for some relevant subjects)
BTEC First Diploma:
- 4 GCSE passes at C to E or
- BTEC Introductory Diploma (Distinction or Merit) in a relevant area
BTEC Introductory Diploma:
- Four GCSE passes at grade G and above or relevant experience
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Level 3:
- NVQ Level 2 in a relevant area
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Level 2:
- 4 GCSE passes at C to E or
- BTEC Introductory Diploma (Distinction or Merit) or
- NVQ Level 1 in a relevant area or relevant experience
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Level 1:
- Four GCSE passes at grade G and above or relevant experience
Access to Higher Education/Nursing:
- Entry determined at interview
GCSE Repeat:
- Grade D and above in the subject to be repeated