BTEC
Sixth Form pupils can boost their application to leading universities and other higher education institutions with BTEC qualifications. The BTEC is a secondary school leaving and vocational qualification equivalent to A-Levels.
Whereas A-Levels are generally exam-based, the BTEC Extended Diploma and Certificate is a more career-based vocational qualification which will provide pupils with the necessary skills for university or employment.
For pupils who dream of careers in sports, leisure and fitness, business and Entrepreneurship, the BTEC is ideal.
Loretto pupils can study BTEC qualifications in Enterprise & Entrepreneurship and Sport where the usual form of assessment is of a continuous nature – coursework and practical projects. Given the emphasis on project work and practical work-related activities, the BTEC develops key soft skills such as teamwork, presentation skills and critical thinking.
- BTEC stands for Business and Technology Educational Council (which first governed the courses)
- 100,000 pupils per year apply to University with BTECs and some major employers now endorse BTECs over A-Levels as preparation for a career
- BTECs are usually taught and assessed over 2 years but there is flexibility to study more or less intensively
- It is possible to co-teach Lower and Upper Sixth BTEC classes because of the modular nature of the course
- There are many different types of BTEC and those most applicable to Loretto’s Sixth Form are:
- BTEC Extended Diploma (pupils study one subject in great depth. The Diploma is worth the equivalent of 3 A-Levels)
- BTEC Extended Certificate (pupils study a subject in similar depth to an A-Level. Pupils can study more than one subject or Extended Certificate. An Extended Certificate is worth one A-Level.
- BTECs broaden our curriculum, enabling us to offer subjects and approaches that suit the academic ability and learning styles and profiles of our pupils.
- Modular exams spread over two years rather than A-Level’s linear course framework with terminal exams (A-Levels = two years of work crammed into one exam session in Upper Sixth)
- More focus on coursework than most A-Levels
- More focus on practical, holistic and workplace skills
- Reflective practice and re-working of submitted essays which count towards the final grade
- Increasing enthusiasm from Universities, Colleges and Employers about BTEC-trained students/employees
- BTEC has an advantageous UCAS grade point system when compared with A-Levels (essentially making it easier to access the equivalent of a C grade or A grade than at A-Level)
- Somewhere between 40-60% (depending on the course) of a BTEC course is assessed by coursework and projects, some of which can be resubmitted for improved grades.
- BTEC exams are modular rather than linear, meaning a spread of exam times and no need to “cram” two years’ worth of information at the end of Upper Sixth. BTEC exams can be taken every 4-6 months, much like the older AS/A2 system (e.g. exams in January and June).
- The 1st year modular exams can be re-sat if required during the second year.
- Awards are given as Distinction or Merit.
Which BTECS does Loretto offer?
- BTEC Extended Certificate (1 x A-Level equivalent) and Diploma (2 A-Level equivalent) in Sport.
- BTEC Extended Certificate (1 x A-Level equivalent) in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. This runs alongside the A-Levels offered in Business Studies and Economics.
The course will give you a clear idea of what it is like to run a business. You will explore the mindset and traits of an entrepreneur as well as gaining a valuable understanding of what it is like to run a business. This will include learning about the activities undertaken by entrepreneurs, such as marketing, as well as gaining an understanding of the principles of accounting.
BTEC qualifications are assessed by both coursework-based assignments and written exams. Therefore, the qualification is suitable for students who are organised and prefer to be assessed over the duration of the course by a combination of both coursework and exams.
Where can it lead?
A BTEC in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship will provide you with UCAS points and enable you to progress on to higher education, an apprenticeship or to enter into the workplace.
As part of the course you will develop transferable knowledge and skills that are useful in any profession. For example, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and organisation skills.
Why Study BTEC Enterprise and Entrepreneurship?
You will learn what it is like to be an entrepreneur, exploring the risks, opportunities and constraints of starting an enterprise. The course also helps learners gain skills relating to developing a marketing campaign and the importance of personal and business finance.
- Unit 1 : Enterprise and entrepreneurship (internally assessed)
- Unit 2 : Developing a marketing campaign (externally assessed by Pearson)
- Unit 3 : Personal and Business Finance – Examination (externally assessed by Pearson)
- Unit 8 Enterprise and intrapreneurship in practice (internally assessed)
The BTEC level 3 qualification is equivalent to A Level standard and will fulfil UCAS entry requirements to study for Business related or other degrees at university.
Progression
This qualification can contribute to progression to a wide range of educational courses including higher and further education course, leading to careers in Marketing, Administration, Finance, Sales and other related areas in the Enterprise sector. It can also give learners the skills to enter the self-employment market.
Pupils have the option to choose from the BTEC Sport certificates below:
Option 1: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport
Equivalent in size to one A-Level. Four units, of which three are mandatory and two are external. Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (67%). A broad basis of study for the sport sector. This qualification is designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A-Levels.
Each class is allocated six x 55 minute lessons per week (lessons are a combination of theory and practical subject to the unit being delivered).
Option 2: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport
Equivalent in size to two A-Levels. Nine units of which six are mandatory and three are external. Mandatory content (75%). External assessment (45%). This qualification is intended as an Applied General qualification, equivalent in size to two A-Levels. It has been designed as part of a two-year programme, normally in conjunction with one or more qualifications at Level 3. This qualification is aimed at learners looking to progress to higher education in this sector.
Each class is a combination of theory and practical subject to the unit being delivered.