Vocational education as preparation for university engineering mathematics

SARTOR 3 clearly states that A-levels and Advanced GNVQs are suitable preparation for accredited engineering degree courses. In this paper, a comparison is made between the mathematical competence of students with Advanced GNVQs, and those with A-levels. The basis of this comparison is the results of a mathematics diagnostic test taken during induction week at university. The test covers fundamental areas of mathematics which underpin the study of engineering in higher education. The results indicate that A-level students, of all grades, have better basic mathematical skills than those from the vocational route