Level 3 Diploma grading - how does it work?

[JT619]

Hiya,

My son has just completed the first year of a NCFE Level 3 Diploma, and got a 'Pass' grade (made up of individual passes and merits).

How does the marking work going into year 2? Is the 'Pass' he got for year 1 final? The reason I'm asking is because he's interested in University, but everything we see regarding University applications give final grade combinations such as DMM (distinction, merit, merit), PMM (pass, merit, merit), etc.

Confusingly, there doesn't seem to be a combination of a pass along with distinctions as well (eg. PDD). If he puts in a lot of effort, is he able to improve the Pass he already has? Or is he able to retake the modules from the first year to improve his overall grade?

Sorry if this is a dumb question. I just find it quite confusing!

Thanks in advance.

He is doing the level 3 extended diploma, and they have given an interim grade after 1 year for a Diploma or certificate or something?

I think but not confident they will roll up his individual bits from this year into the final results. He won't be able to get up to DDD now, but he can go up. (You can't get DDP in the came way you can't get 7-4 for combined science at GCSE).

What you need to do is search for the spec for the qualification online and read the bit about how the grades are calculated.

For DD1 I made a spreadsheet where I could record results as she went and see minimum points/grades and also maximum final attainable grade.

Can't copy link but if you Google BTEC nationals grade calculator, you will find the excel spreadsheets produced by Edexcel to calculate grades for each qualification.

Thanks TeenToTwenties,

So, are you saying that his P is final, so the potential best result would now be PMM at the end of year 2?

No. I think I'm saying that for units completed the individual Passes and Merits are final.

So say he completed 12 units this year and got 9 passes and 3 merits, they will carry over. They would add to results for 12 units next year. If he gets say 9 distinctions and 3 merits for them he may end up with DMM overall.

Any unit may have more than one assignment. To get the Merit for a unit you have to hit every single pass and merit criteria for the unit. Miss a single merit criteria and all you can get for that unit is a Pass (at least that us how it worked for DD).

It is worth really checking the criteria and the spec for a unit when doing assignments as they act as good guidance as to what to include that can get lost in the teaching.

Thanks TeenToTwenties,

That's really useful. Obviously he needs to get himself in front of his tutors to make sure, but if it works that way he's in with a chance.

Bring back A's, B's and C's! 😀

Yes, definitely confirm with tutors!

But also, find the spec for the qualification online and look at it.