Edexcel : Qualifications : GCSE (vocational subjects)

There are three units in each GCSE - one unit is externally assessed, through a paper which is written and marked by Edexcel, and two units are internally assessed through coursework.

Is the awarding process to be similar to that of GCSE?

Yes, both the internal and externally assessed units will be subject to the normal standardising and awarding processes.

What help will Edexcel be providing for staff assessing these qualifications?

We will be doing three specific things to assist staff assessing these qualifications:
1. The unit specifications will include guidance around allocating marks within the bands to each assessment objective
2. Assessment guidance materials will be produced to assist assessors when marking student work
3. The Professional Development and Training programme for 2002-2003 will provide further support

Will the marking allow students to achieve a grade A*?

Yes. Staff should allocate the full range of marks - if a student has demonstrated all the requirements in each of the assessment objectives that student should be awarded the highest mark available.

Will the external tests across the awarding bodies be the same?

No. The unit content is the same across all awarding bodies but each awarding body has developed the external assessments independently.

We have consulted with teachers in the development of the Edexcel external assessments in order to provide the type of assessment that teachers feel is most appropriate to the unit.

Will the tests be accessible to the F - G grade student?

Yes, the tests are being written to allow all students to show and be rewarded for what they can do.

What is the progression route of a student achieving a grade D - G?

The Full Award Foundation and Intermediate GNVQs will no longer be available after this academic year. Suitable progression routes would be our BTEC First qualifications which have recently been revised and updated.

Do all the units carry equal weightings?

Yes, each unit mark, whether it is the external assessment mark or the two portfolio unit marks, will be converted to a UMS of 100. The three units combined means the qualification has a UMS of 300.

How do we decide which students should do GCSEs in vocational subjects?

GCSEs in vocational subjects are for students across the ability range. Those students, who are more successful with coursework and with continuous assessment rather than terminal exams, are likely to benefit the most. Also, students who have an idea about their future careers may find these GCSE in a related area a useful starting point.

Is work experience a good idea?

It is not a requirement of these GCSE courses. However, it could be advantageous to the student if their work experience was related to their GCSE in vocational subjects course.

What about those students who are not able to achieve a GCSE in vocational subjects?

There are Entry level qualifications on the national qualifications framework available to students at Key Stage 4. There are 8 Edexcel Entry level certificates in Skills for Working Life and 3 Entry level certificates in Life Skills. For more information please visit the Entry Level area on the Edexcel website.

Is there progression between the units? Is there a particular order in which the units should be taken?

Each unit is complete in itself and is assessed as such either through a portfolio of evidence or through an external assessment. In the guidance there is a suggested order for delivery, but the actually decision is left to the centre.