Maths and English

[Muchmorethan]

Hi.

Ds1 (Aspergers and has an EHCP) will be 18yr in August. He will ...hopefully...be going back to college to do a L2 in Employability Skills.

He won't achieve a grade 4 in either core subject...and never will.

The thought of having to sit through yet another year of these subjects is causing him so much distress.

Does anyone know if he has to do them?

Most students have to continue to study maths and English, however that doesn't necessarily mean GCSEs if they are unable to achieve a grade 3. If they get a grade 2 or below they can do functional skills level 2 instead. Although they can also work towards level 1 or entry level if necessary.

There is an exemption for students with EHCPs whose centre assesses them as unable to study towards GCSEs or 'stepping stone' qualifications such as functional skills. Information here.

Many thanks

DS is currently doing a L1 course and he'll either pass with an Extended Certificate or a Diploma.

I have googled and can't find the answer. What is the difference between them? Surely he either passes at L1 ...or doesn't

The difference between an Extended Certificate and a Diploma is the number of units he will have passed. I can't remember which way round it is, but it will be something like:
6 units passed - Certificate
9 units passed - Extended certificate
12 units passed - Diploma
(number of units will be wrong too, but you get the idea).

Level 1 signifies the level of qualification. They are equivalent to GCSE grade 3-1. Level 2 is the equivalent to grade 9-4.

The extended certificate and diploma signify the size of the qualification. For example, level 1 BTECs are available in Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma, and they are worth different amounts. Although not all subjects are available in all the above.

Using other examples, a level 2 BTEC Firsts diploma is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade 9-4, whereas a level 2 BTEC Firsts extended certificate is equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grade 9-4. A level 3 BTEC extended diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels, whereas a level 3 extended certificate is equivalent to 1 A level.

For some qualifications there are different grades, and the pass signifies the grade. For example, pass, merit, distinction or unclassified, like you get grades 9-1 in GCSEs. But, I think for most (? all) level 1 qualifications you either pass or you don't.

Apologies for not explaining brilliantly.

Thank-you everyone that does explain it. I googled for blinking ages for that info! Knew l should have come here first!!