Full Level 2 Business Definition

DEFINITION

1. Full Level 2 is a level of skill considered as a foundation for employability and lifelong learning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

2. Level 2 is an indication of the comparative level of a qualification as set out in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) of the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA)

3. Full Level 2 is a level of achievement that in addition takes into account the breadth of learning.

4. Full Level 2 attainment is determined by the sum of widths of the individual level 2 qualifications. For example a GCSE of grade A*-C is considered a width of 20% so five would constitute a full level 2. There are some subtle differences in these widths for young people up to age 19 and adults.

TARGET
(View all targets)

5. Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets require measurement of both the numbers of young people up to age 19 and economically active adults achieving level 2 or higher for the first time.

6. The QCA work with both the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DSFS) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) to determine the qualifications that count as Full Level 2.

MEASUREMENT AGAINST TARGET

7. Measurement of performance against the targets is facilitated by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) for adults and the matched administrative dataset for young people up to age 19.

8. For young people up to age 19, data from awarding bodies and the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) are merged together to create a complete record of qualifications achieved from the age of 15. This dataset can then be used to determine how many young people have reached the level 2 threshold by age 19.

LINKS

9. The following Data Definitions give the precise definition and sample code for the derivation of the Full NVQ Level 2 and 3 Learner Flags as used in the Standard Files.

• Full Level 2 and 3 Data Definition
• Full Level 2 and 3 Achievement Data Definition
• Full Level 2 and 3 Completion Data Definition

10. For further information on First Full Level 2 criteria and links to relevant data definitions, visit the First Full Level 2 Business Definition.

11. The Learning Aim database (LAD) has fields indicating the width of the aim as a contribution to both Full Level 2 and Full Level 3.

Last date modified: 22nd December 2008