Way:ahead - 14-19 Prospectus

General Certificate in Secondary Education

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It's highly valued by schools, colleges and employers, so will be useful whatever you are planning to do afterwards.

The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigative work. Some subjects also involve practical work. GCSEs are usually studied full-time at school or college, taking five terms to complete.

GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2 on the National Qualifications Framework, depending on the grade you achieve. The framework shows how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.

A-Levels

The A-Level is a two year course of study. In the first year study is towards the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) qualification and if taken on into the second year will result in the A2 qualification which completes the A-Level. A-Levels focus on traditional study skills. They normally take two years to complete full-time, although they are also available to study part-time. You can choose from a wide range of academic subjects, as well as some 'applied' (work-related) subjects.

International Baccalaureate: what it is?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 16 to 19. It is based around detailed academic study of a wide range of subjects, including languages, the arts, science, maths, history and geography. It leads to a single qualification, rather than separate qualifications for individual subjects. However if you don't achieve the full diploma, you'll be awarded a certificate for each subject taken. The IB is available at Priestley College in Warrington. To find out more visit their website or contact them on 01925 633591.

Other Qualifications available to you in Warrington are:

BTECs, City & Guilds and OCR Nationals are particular types of work-related qualifications, available in a wide range of subjects.

You can take one if you are interested in learning more about a particular sector or industry. They have been designed in collaboration with industry, so they can equip you with 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.

BTECs, City & Guilds and OCR Nationals are available in a wide range of Subjects, including:

They are usually studied full-time at college, or sometimes at school (or in collaboration between a school and college). You can also take them part-time at college. They are mainly taken by learners over 16, although some schools offer them to 14 to 16 year olds, normally in combination with other qualifications such as GCSEs or Key Skills. Warrington Collegiate and Priestley College offer a wide variety of BTECs, City and Guilds courses and OCR Nationals.