General National Vocational Qualification - GNVQ
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, GNVQ offer students over the age of 16 a new alternative to traditional GCE A Level and GCSEs. GNVQs provide a broad base of vocationally relevant knowledge and skills in preparation either for entry into work or for progression into higher education. They are mostly taken by students over the age of 16 but a growing number of 14 to 16 year olds are studying GNVQs or, more commonly, units from a GNVQ.
GNVQ Levels:
Foundation - equivalent to four GCSEs at grades D-G, and normally taken after one year's full time study
A student may take a full GNVQ along with other qualifications such as a GCE A level, AS courses, a couple of GCSEs or additional GNVQ or NVQ units.
All GNVQs include three compulsory key skill units which are common to all GNVQs at the same level, irrespective of the vocational area. These compulsory key skills are Communication, Application of Number, and Information Technology, with units in Improving own Learning and Performance, and Working with others also being developed.
GNVQs are accredited in England and wales by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). In Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, and awarded by the Edexcel Foundation, city & Guilds.
For 14 to 16 year olds, a new qualification has been developed - the Part One GNVQ -which is equivalent to half a full GNVQ. Part One GNVQs at Foundation and Intermediate levels in Business, Health and Social care, manufacturing, Art and design, Information Technology, Leisure and Tourism and Engineering are currently for use on a basis in selected schools.