Cambridge Technicals
Cambridge Technicals are vocational qualifications offered by Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR) [1] in the United Kingdom and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) internationally - which are both part of Cambrige University Press & Assessment. These qualifications are intended for secondary school students age 16 to 18 who want to study a practical, work-related curriculum.[2] In the UK's Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) a Tech Level 2 qualification is equivalent to a GCSE, and a Level 3 is equivalent to an A Level.[3] The qualifications are designed with the workplace in mind and provide a high quality alternative to A Levels, supporting progression to higher education.
Regulation[]
All Tech Level qualifications must meet criteria set by the UK's Department for Education (DfE) for all 'Applied General' qualifications, including the endorsement of five employers registered at Companies House.[4] Tech Level qualifications must have:
- at least 300 guided learning hours
- mandatory content must make up at least 40%
- 30% external assessment
- one opportunity to resit
- three grading points or more, such as Distinction/Merit/Pass[4]
Change[]
In 2014 the UK government announced it would reform all vocational qualifications. [5] By 2021 it was ready to set out its plan for vocational qualifications in England. [6]
During the covid 19 pandemic, OCR annouced a series of adjustements it would make to support learners taking Cambridge Techicals.[7][8]
Subjects[]
The following subjects are offered:[2][9]
- Applied Science
- Art and Design
- Business
- Digtal media
- Engineering
- Health and Social Care
- Information Technology
- Media
- Performing Arts
- Sport and Physical Activity
External references[]
References[]
- ^ "Cambridge Technicals". ocr.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
- ^ a b "Cambridge Technicals". UCAS. 2014-10-21. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
- ^ "Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)". www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
- ^ a b "OCR Cambridge Technicals Applied Generals (reformed) | UCAS Qualification Information Profiles". qips.ucas.com. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
- ^ "Vocational qualification reform plan". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
- ^ "Reforms to post-16 qualifications at level 3 in England". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
- ^ "Consultation decisions on vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) and other general qualifications". ocr.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
- ^ "Proposed adaptations for Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals during 2021/22". ocr.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
- ^ "Cambridge Technicals Qualifications".
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- Vocational education in the United Kingdom
- Cambridge International Examinations
- Cambridge Assessment
- Departments of the University of Cambridge