Vocational qualifications are either work-related qualifications designed to enable students to gain the skills required to perform a particular job, or qualifications that may be taken as part of a wider study programme or an apprenticeship.
Schools and colleges may offer qualifications that are not included in the DfE performance tables, if approved for teaching to 16 –19 year olds by the Secretary of State for Education in England under Section 96, where this is in the best interests of individual students.
Edexcel Level 3 Awards in Mathematics are small qualifications providing support for mathematical requirements in other qualifications. They may act as a stepping stone to larger qualifications that are on performance tables.
The Edexcel Level 3 Award in Algebra helps students develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts in algebra or statistics, and a strong foundation in mathematical techniques or statistical methods.
The qualifications may be taken as part of a broader programme to support other subjects which require knowledge and understanding of mathematics.
Pass only.
Two hour written examination, externally assessed – 90 marks, non-calculator.
There are a number of key considerations for HEPs when reviewing vocational qualifications that are not listed on the DfE 16 – 19 performance tables for England:
- Some of these qualifications are occupational, and may not be designed specifically for progression to HE.
- Applicants holding these qualifications may be school or college leavers, however, some may be more mature students who are likely to have other relevant experience alongside these qualifications.
- These qualifications may have been taken as part of a wider study programme or an apprenticeship.
- If they are presented for admission to HE it is likely to be in conjunction with other qualifications.
These qualifications will be taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications, such as A levels. They will help support other qualifications, and will aid progression to higher level programmes that have a significant mathematical content.