NVQ Business Languages – a Successful Alternative

NVQs are: National Vocational Qualifications Developed by industry Designed to recognise a candidate's competence in the workplace. Widely recognised by employers Accredited by OCR, Edexcel, C&G

Main features Portfolio based Assessment based Each language skill or ‘unit’ assessed i.e. –Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening Levels 1 – 4 in Languages available –schools mainly 1 & 2

Achievable No exam Small, manageable verified assessments Feedback and revisit assessments Use reference materials e.g. portfolios, notes, dictionaries, reference sheets etc Simulating the business world!

Flexible Teachers decide when to do assessments Pupils do not have to do all four units Can do different levels in different years Can mix levels in different skills (units)

Any Combination Year 9 level 1 Year 10 & 11 level 2 Year 11 level 2 after early entry GCSE Year 10 level 1 French, Year 11 level 1 Spanish Year 10, one unit at level 1, Year 11 3 units at level 2 In sixth form at level 3

Why does the NVQ work? Achievable (better than GCSE for many) Assessments predictable Pastoral environment (feedback) Clear progression Focus is not just on languages Purposeful & meaningful Fun and practical Cross-curricular - ICT & business Perception of languages as a skill changes

Meets the government agenda! Inclusive & achievable Vocational Cross curricular Meaningful learning Develops life skills Re-addresses skills shortage Fit in with new diplomas

But everyone speaks English! 80% of global population doesn’t speak English 94% doesn’t speak English as their first language 20% of UK companies lose business because they couldn’t speak the language or understand the culture of their customers

Golden Ticket Pupils don’t need to be fluent Pupils don’t need to be super intelligent C.V. competitive edge More opportunities More money Transferable skill

What is an NVQ worth? QCA approved qualification Value of units for performance tables: –Level 1 = 7 points per skill (unit) –Level 2 = 12.3 points per skill (unit)

What do the units add up to? Level 1: 4 units x 7 points = 28 Level 2: 4 units x 12 points = 49.2 or: Level 1 writing 1 x 7 points + Level 2 speaking, reading, listening + 3 x 12.3 points Total= 43.9

NVQPointsGCSE 58A* 52A Level 246B Level 1 & 240C 34D Level 128E 22F Comparing NVQ to GCSE in points

Level 1Level 2 NC levels3-56+ Vocabulary Language Familiar Narrow Unpredictable Wider common alternatives GrammarSet phrases Pos/Neg, Qs/As Very simple past, present, future Feelings, preferences Simple link words: and, but Understand & use grammar Simple past, present, future, conditional compound Views, opinions Links words: because, however Progression level 1- 2

Yewlands year x 9 pupils Level 1 NVQ German Sense of early achievement Raises awareness and aspirations Good preparation for key stage 4 Doubled uptake, increased results - 98% pass level 1 Visits to local companies

Yewlands year 9 pupils Level 1 NVQ German and Spanish Bottom special needs set 11 in year in year 10 Work experience trips abroad!!

International Work Experience Trips Leonardo funding For pupils on vocational courses Minimum 2 weeks Intensive application procedure

Useful links - Level 1 & 2 NVQ SoW and resources - A1 Assessor training & work experience - possible funding for training