A Parents’ Guide to BTEC Qualifications – Does your child struggle with exams? If so, they may be better suited to a BTEC? If you’re wondering what one is, here is a brief guide we’ve created with the help of a sixth form college in London.
A Parents’ Guide to BTEC Qualifications*
What Is a BTEC?
BTECs are qualifications that can be studied from level 2 to level 7 (which is the same as a masters degree). They involve fewer exams and tend to have a coursework/practical component. At school they can be completed instead of traditional GCSEs (level 2’s) and A Levels (Level 3’s). They offer many of the same career opportunities and allow students to go on to university. Historically this was not the case as only A levels were accepted. However, universities are beginning to understand the value of vocational education, and more and more are accepting students with the qualifications.
Courses are to be studied full time, and those from level 3 onwards can be studied part time and accompany an apprenticeship.
What Can Be Studied?
There are a whole range of subjects that can be studied, from hair and beauty to travel and tourism. The type of BTEC course your child opts for negates what else they can study. Those that are offered by sixth forms and colleges are usually “BTEC Nationals”, and they as mentioned before are A level equivalents. The number of modules studied determines how many A levels they amount to. Below is a breakdown of the different BTEC Nationals and what each is worth.
· BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate – The equivalent of one A-level.
· BTEC Level 3 National Diploma – The equivalent of two A-levels.
· BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma – The equivalent of three A-levels.
How Are They Graded?
The grading system is a little different to what you may be used to. Instead of an alphabetical system, grades that are awarded to students are distinction star, distinction, merit, and pass. Anything below this threshold is a fail.
BTECs are undeniably valuable and a great choice for children to consider. It’s vital that when picking their options, your child does research to ensure that they are making the right decision for them and their career.
