Choices at 14

The Right Choice for you

When it comes to making important choices about what to study after Year 9, it often makes sense to choose something that really interests you and something that you really enjoy. Choices at 14 programmes come under 4 main headings, Foundation Learning (FL), Vocational Programmes (VP), Young Apprenticeship (YA) and The Diploma. All you have to do is take a look at this website and find the course that you’d really enjoy doing and ones that will help you achieve your ambitions and help you get to where you want to be.

The Different Programmes Available

Foundation Learning (FL)

Foundation Learning aims to improve the skills of learners working below level 2, aged 14 and over, through developing high-quality credit-based qualifications at Entry Level and Level 1 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Foundation Learning will give you the opportunity to sample different courses through personalised learning programmes and gain credits. It will help you decide on a vocational route or employment with training route. You will study for 1 or 2 sessions per week in years 10 and 11 and yoiu will learn through a variety of classroom/workshop activities and hands-on experiences.

At present, it is hard to understand all the different types of qualification that learners study and what level they are, how long they take to complete, what content they cover and how they compare to other qualifications. The new framework will help present qualifications in a way that is easy to understand and measure.

Every unit and qualification in the framework will have a credit value (one credit represents 10 hours, showing how much time it takes to complete) and a level between Entry level and level 8 (showing how difficult it is).

There are three sizes of qualifications in the QCF:

• Awards (1 to 12 credits)
• Certificates (13 to 36 credits)
• Diplomas (37 credits or more)

So in the new framework you can have an Award at level 1 or an Award at level 8. This is because the qualification type 'award, certificate, diploma' represents the size of a qualification, not how difficult it is.

Each qualification title contains the following:

• the level of the qualification (from Entry level at the bottom to level 8 at the top)
• the size of qualification (award/certificate/diploma)
• details indicating the content of qualification

1 and 2 year Vocational Programmes (VP)

The VP programmes provide a great opportunity for you to learn practical and work related skills for 1 or 2 days a week during years 10 and 11. You will continue with your GCSE’s or other qualifications at school for the rest of the week. All of the programmes, depending on your choice, will give you a nationally recognized qualification at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs grade A*-C) and give you a chance to study a subject not usually available in school and in a specialist well equipped environment.

The difference between a VP and a GCSE is the method of assessment. VPs are coursework based qualifications whereas GCSEs are exam based qualifications.

Young Apprenticeship (YA)

The YA programmes are a Level 2 challenging and exciting opportunity for 14-16 year old students with a passion to develop their understanding and skills in an industry sector in which they have a genuine interest or career aspiration. The projects and assignments are based in realistic workplace situations or activities and are designed to develop skills and understanding of the sector. You will come into contact with new people and learning environments and will gain valuable experience to help think about life after school. Students will also have 50 days of work placement.

You will continue to study English, Maths, Science and ICT at school but for 2 days a week during Years 10 and 11 you will study a Level 2 qualification in a vocational area through a mixture of classroom sessions and practical training and attend a work placement.

The Diploma

The Diploma is a larger sized qualification which focuses on different industry sectors. If you are really passionate about one of these sectors then the diploma could be the right qualification for you.

The Diploma will help you develop skills and experiences that employers, colleges and universities value and help prepare you for wherever you want to go in life. For 1 or 2 days a week in Years 10 and 11 you will study a whole range of skills that are needed in life such as teamwork and creative thinking as well as relevant industry skills. You will learn through a mixture of classroom lessons, practical training and work experience.

At 14-16 you have the opportunity to study at Level 1 or Level 2 and you will continue to study English, Maths, Science and ICT at school.

The Diploma does not mean that you have to go into a career in a sector. A Diploma will also give you a range of transferable skills welcomed by employers, colleges and universities.