Practical skills certificate for level 3

From this September the awarding body OCR is planning to offer, subject to approval by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), a level 3 certificate in practical chemistry. The course is aimed at encouraging students to develop a range of practical skills, as well as communication, problem-solving and team work skills in the context of practical work. The course is expected to be a stand alone unit worth one third of an AS specification or one sixth of an A2 specification, and be suitable for academic as well as vocational qualifications. OCR will be seeking recognition of the certificate by UCAS.