Last month the government announced how they intend to reform the Post-16 Education and skills system in their latest White Paper. In this they outlined the changes they will make to support the development of the skilled workforce that the economy needs. Skill shortage vacancies are on the increase and now make up over a quarter of all vacancies, up to 27% in 2024 in comparison to 21% in 2017. The white paper sets out a plan to build what they call a world-leading skills system which will meet the needs of employers, supports innovation, research and. development and improves peoples’ lives. But what does that mean for those students who, over the next few years, will have to navigate this new path and determine which of these new, proposed qualifications will be best for them. In this post we will look at some of the changes that have come about over the past year, what they are and what they mean for students looking at their post 16 options as well as looking at the proposed new qualifications and how they may affect your future choices.
If you're in year 11 and have been looking at what to do after your GCSEs-you may have heard of AAQs, but what exactly are they? If you're looking to continue going down the academic route you have probably heard about A levels and IBCP, but what are AAQs, and where do the new V-levels you've just heard about fit in with everything? And what exactly is happening with BTECs?
First of all, let’s have a look at BTECs and what is happening with regards to them.
BTEC
BTECs are being scrapped by the government as part of the plan to streamline post 16 options and align qualifications more with skilled jobs. The main reason being that they overlap too much with the new' T levels. In doing so they feel that they will be simplifying a "confusing landscape" of over 4,000 vocational qualifications. There is concern amongst some that this change could limit some students’ choices and make it harder for them to find a pathway that suits their individual needs.
AAQS
AAQs or Alternate Academic Qualifications are for those students who are looking for academic qualifications that are different to A levels and still enables progression to degree courses. You will most likely know them by a different name, like BTEC Nationals or Cambridge Technicals.
AAQs come in 2 different 'sizes'.
• Small AAQs - these are usually the size of one A level. You would typically study one of these alongside one or 2 A levels, creating a mixed programme of study
• Large AAQ's - this, bigger qualification is equivalent to 203 A levels.
V Levels
From September 2027 V levels are planned to begin as part of a four-year rollout to replace AAQs creating a simpler system comprised of A levels, apprenticeships, T levels and V levels.
Unlike T levels, which focus heavily on one technical area. V levels will offer greater flexibility and will allow students to study a combination of different vocational subjects or mix them with A levels. meaning that they no longer have to choose between an academic or vocational route. This makes this route totally different from T levels or an apprenticeship Which, though equivalent to three A levels, focus on a single, specifically technical, subject.
Level 2 post 16 pathway
There are also changes planned for this route to provide better support for level 2 students. It will provide a clear route that will match their aspirations, whether that is work or further study.
The Occupational Pathway - This is for those who want to develop the skills and experience needed to move straight into a skilled job or apprenticeship after Level 2. This 2-year, employment focused programme will give students training designed around real jobs and industries, helping them become work ready and confident about starting in work.
The Further Study Pathway – This is for students who plan to continue in education and progress onto Level 3 courses like A levels, T levels or V levels, but who may need more time to prepare, building confidence and strengthening their skills first. This pathway will bridge the gap to higher level study, helping students to prepare for their next step in education.
Help for those struggling with English and Maths GCSE's
To help those students who find themselves stuck repeating English and Maths GCSEs a new qualification is going to be introduced specifically for them. This new approach will act as a positive step towards achieving GCSE grade 4 and above and will give them more time and tailored support to build their confidence. In addition to the current support providers give students they will need to deliver at least 100 hours in person teaching per subject each academic year with increased funding to be able to do this.
