The International Certificate of Christian Education was set up to give recognition to work completed over a number of years by secondary pupils using the ACE curriculum. With the appropriate ICCE certificate, ACE graduates need never return to state schools to gain college and university entrance qualifications. A board of Christian leaders and teachers control the ICCE.
The International Certificate of Christian Education (formerly National Christian Schools’ Certificate) has been available in the UK for several years and is being accepted by colleges and universities in this country and abroad, as an alternative to the usual GCSE and GCE 'A' level route.
What is the ICCE?
The International Certificate of Christian Education is a Christian alternative to secular qualifications and is recognized by a growing number of employers and universities in the UK and elsewhere. The UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) UK Qualifications Handbook includes details of the ICCE (formally NCSC). Providing formal recognition of the work completed by children on the ACE curriculum, five levels of certificate are offered.
The Basic Certificate
(Replaces the NCSC Foundation Certificate)
This course is only for pupils with special educational needs. It covers the basic curriculum including English, mathematics, science, history, geography, information technology and Bible study. It is a record of all the work achieved by the pupils, regardless of level and replaces the ‘Leaving Certificate’ previously offered by CEE Ltd. An Achievement Certificate may still be obtained from the School or TEACH.
The Foundation Certificate (A new qualification)
The Foundation is designed to meet the needs of lower attaining pupils. It may also be suitable for pupils joining the ACE programme late in their educational career, who do not have the time to complete the ICCE general certificate.
The General Certificate (Replaces the NCSC Level 1 Certificate)
The General Certificate was originally designed for those who expect to leave school at 16. However, experience has shown that many pupils are joining the ACE programme late in their educational career, often with significant educational deficiencies. As a consequence, the General Certificate is often awarded to pupils who are 17 or older. It should be noted that the ICCE programme is based on the completion of the course, not the age of the pupil.
The Intermediate Certificate (Replaces the NCSC Level 2 Certificate)
The Intermediate Certificate is intended for those who wish to follow further education or professional courses. The Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service (NMAS) has accepted the NCSC Level 2 Certificate for entry to pre-registration courses. It has also been accepted by the armed forces for entry on officer training courses.
The Advanced Certificate
(Replaces the NCSC Level 3 Certificate)
The Advanced Certificate is intended for those who wish to go into higher education or study professional courses at Christian or secular colleges and universities. |