TECHNICAL ANNEX

Introduction

This annex provides further technical details on Post-16 equivalences, including some information about how the point scores allocated to post-16 qualifications have been calculated, and the discounting process.

Allocation of point scores

To enable all qualifications approved for use post-16 to be included in the performance indicators, the following figures have been assigned to each qualification by the QCA:

• A qualification's contribution to the relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level threshold, based on 'size' only; and
• A new point score for each of the qualification's grades based on 'size' and 'challenge' (the latter determined by NQF level and grade).

The NQF level threshold contribution is then used to calculate a qualification's A level equivalent size. It is this A level equivalent size which is used to calculate the average points per A level equivalent performance indicator. An A level has a Level 3 threshold contribution of 50%, meaning that a qualification with a Level 3 threshold contribution of 100% would have an A level equivalent size of 2.

More detailed information on how the figures have been calculated can be found in the QCA report: 'Including all approved qualifications in school and college performance indicators. Phase two report'. This is available online at:

The following table shows the relative size of GCE/VCE A/AS, VCE DA and Key Skills at Level 3 qualifications (expressed as the equivalent number of A-levels) and the point score using the UCAS and QCA scoring systems.

Point scores and A-level equivalent sizes/Level 3 threshold contributions for all other qualifications which are being included in the pilot exercise can be found in Appendix A which is available to download from the Post-16 Pilot section of the Achievement and Attainment Tables website:

www.dcsf.gov.uk/performancetables/pilot16_05/List_of_Approved_Qualifications.pdf.

Discounting

To include a broader range of qualifications in the Achievement and Attainment Tables, the discounting rules have been refined to avoid double counting qualifications and to ensure that students' achievements are properly recognised. Including all approved qualifications raises several issues for discounting and complicates the current situation.

Four basic principles have been applied:
1. Discounting is carried out within the same subject area and within the same family of qualifications. For example, discounting takes place between GCE A and GCE AS and between BTEC National Diplomas and BTEC National Certificates, but not between VCE A and NVQ or GCE AS and Key Skills.
2. Each qualification has a unique classification which identifies the subject area.
3. Where a larger qualification incorporates another (e.g. has modules or units in common), the smaller qualification is not counted. For example, a GCE A-level and a GCE AS-level. This will apply even if the qualifications have different classification codes.
4. Where more than one qualification of the same A level equivalent size is offered, credit will be given to the one with the highest point score.

These principles are summarised in the following grid. Qualifications lower down a column are not counted in the performance indicators if there is also a valid qualification higher in the same column that has the same classification code or has a different classification code but uses the same modules or units.

*Please note that Level 3 VRQs can be of a variety of sizes and may therefore be equivalent to or smaller than OCR/BTEC National Diplomas/Certificates/Awards.

[ Home Page | Previous page | Next page ]