Qualifications and Accreditation

Qualifications and Accreditation: Outcomes at KS 4

Moving into KS 4 pupils will be working towards completing accredited subjects that are relevant to their level and learning need. The qualifications are graded as:

  • Entry Level 1
  • Entry Level 2
  • Entry Level 3
  • Level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grades D-G)
  • Level 2 (Equivalent to GCSE grades A – C)

Entry Level: Entry Level in the UK is the lowest level in the National Qualifications Framework in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Qualifications at this level recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning in everyday situations under direct guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not usually geared towards specific occupations. Entry Level qualifications can be taken at three levels (Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3 and are available in a broad range of subjects.) They are targeted at a range of learners including those with learning difficulties. The level after Entry Level in the National Qualifications Framework is Level 1, which is equivalent to GCSE grades D-G. We currently offer entry levels in the following subjects:

English; Maths; ICT; Home Cooking; PE; Creative Arts; PSHE; Employability, Life Skills.

Edexcel Functional Skills: Some pupils in Years 10 and 11 begin working towards Functional Skills tests in English, Maths and ICT. They will have three ‘windows’ of testing in each year to progress through the tests and move them on to the next level. Some pupils will progress through to Level 1 and Level 2 in these exams.

OCR Life and Living Skills: This is a qualification that through the different units enables pupils to gain knowledge in different subject areas. Through this award pupils will be developing knowledge and skills in: Home Management (Cooking Skills), Horticulture and World of Work.

OCR PE Entry Level: Pupils are assessed in 2 different sports, complete a fitness programme as well as commenting on performance and analysing how a skill is accomplished. Pupils can achieve Entry 1, 2 or 3.

Arts Award: The Arts Award is delivered at level Explore (equivalent to EL3), Bronze (Equivalent to a Level 1 Award) depending on pupils abilities.   To find out more about Arts Award.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: For the first time this year we are offering the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award to all our year 11 pupils and some of our Year 10 pupils. Once Year 10 pupils have completed their Bronze Award we will assess whether they are able to move onto the Silver Award. The Bronze Award is equivalent to a Level 1 Award. To find out more about Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

ASDAN: Pupil Progress: Complete subject work in English, Maths, PSHE, Employability and Life Skills to achieve either the Award or Certificate.   Each unit has a credit value (1 credit is equal to approximately 10 hours of learning). To achieve a qualification learners must gain credits by completing their chosen units and providing clear evidence that they have met the full requirements of the unit. 

Units can be built up in any combination to reach the total credit value required for a qualification.

  • Learners who accrue 8 credits will receive an Award qualification
  • Learners who accrue 14 credits will receive a Certificate qualification
  • Learners who accrue 25 credits will receive an Extended Certificate qualification
  • Learners who accrue 37 credits will receive a Diploma