GNVQ courses offer an alternative pathway through sixth form and onto higher education from the more traditional 3 A levels (Arts or Science, but never both!) that some of us may have tackled in the past. They are equivalent to two A levels, but they are vocational or job-related rather than academic.

In Savio High School, Bootle, we have sixth form students following courses in Business, Health and Social Care and Leisure & Tourism. As a result of our success in these new areas and the expertise of our staff, we were chosen to be one of the pilot schools for the ‘pre 16 Part One courses’ in Business and Health and Social Care.

GNVQ courses are practically based and try to develop the skills necessary for a career in a particular vocational area, as well as giving the students the background knowledge of how that particular industry works. They are unit based and are assessed through assignments and end-of-unit tests, which eases the burden of a final exam, which many students find daunting.

GNVQ courses have been very popular in our sixth form – and very successful. Many students have made considerable progress along this new and alternative path, and have been able to achieve academically before moving on to work or further studies.

We have been very fortunate to offer our Leisure and Tourism students, the opportunity of work experience in the lovely resort of Alassio, on Italy’s Ligurian Riviera. Through part-funding from the European money, the co-operation of the Salesian School in Alassio, and the kind hospitality of the Salesian Community there, this work experience is a high point of the course.

It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience a different European culture, to live with the families of Italian students and to work in hotels, travel agents, tourist offices etc in the Italian resort. It also allows us to assess the students on their language module in a real-life situation. Following our many visits, our students have an excellent reputation in the Italian seaside town and we have gained the confidence and co-operation of the Hoteliers Association. We are also very glad to have been able to welcome the Italian students to Bootle. Again, they experience our culture, and improve their English – despite the accent!

Don Bosco thought education was about preparing and equipping young people to take their rightful place in society, summed up in his phrase ‘good Christians and honest citizens’. He did everything he could to give his young people the best chance to take up the jobs available and to live purposeful lives. He wanted his young people to be treated fairly in the workplace – but he made very sure that they were properly trained and skilled in order to succeed. He had trade classes in the Oratory and supported the establishment of technical schools; indeed, whatever was available in his day to train and skill young people for adult life. It seems that GNVQ courses are one way of allowing us to do the same today.

Fr Martin Coyle SDB