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What are they?

GNVQs are designed to give students knowledge and understanding of a vocational area or subject. Foundation, Intermediate and Part One GNVQs were replaced by Vocational GCSEs from September 2002 to give you a wider choice, as well as giving you a widely recognised qualification.

Vocational A Levels (also known as AVCEs - Advanced Vocational Certificates of Education) replaced Advanced GNVQs in September 2000. Vocational A Levels emphasise knowledge, skills and understanding in broad vocational areas and focus on investigative work and assignment writing. They also encourage links with employers and working as part of a team.

You can take Vocational A Levels in Art & Design; Business; Construction & the Built Environment; Engineering; Health & Social Care; Hospitality & Catering; ICT; Leisure & Recreation; Manufacturing; Media (Communication & Production); Performing Arts; Retail & Distributive Services (six-unit only); Science and Travel & Tourism.

How are they marked?

Vocational A Levels are graded A-E to so they can be easily compared to regular A Levels. Two-thirds of the work is internally assessed and externally moderated.

The basic qualification is the 6-unit Vocational A Level, equivalent to one regular A Level. There is also a 12- unit double award (equivalent to two A Levels), and a 3-unit award in Business, Engineering, Health & Social Care and ICT (equivalent to one AS level).

Further education and career opportunities

Students taking Vocational A Levels have a good chance of getting a University or Higher Education (HE) place. The latest available figures (which relate to the Advanced GNVQ) show that 95% of applicants were offered an HE place.

Employers also really value the practical skills, as well as other qualities you will acquire, like self- reliance and adaptability.