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Original poster

Btech vs a-levels

41 replies

crackalackin · 01/01/2019 19:29

With a choice of a-levels at a traditional 6th form vs b-tech at a college, my Year11 daughter is struggling to make a decision! Are b-techs as accepted as a-levels when it comes to university applications or is it going to be a problem in the future? All advice and experience very welcome!

OP posts:
LIZS · 01/01/2019 19:35

It depends on the level and relevance to the degree applied for. An extended level 3 diploma at top grade would be accepted as 3 A level equivalent. Some degree courses (usually vocational) use ucas points for entry rather than specifying grades. What does she hope to study?

ApollO88 · 01/01/2019 19:36

As a person with a btec I would very much advise anyone to do A levels! I did a btec in theatre production 10 years ago..... I now work as an auditor for a manufacturing company because you know..... life happens and you end up in weird places. I've reached a ceiling in my industry as I don't have a degree and my btec has no transferable relevance to be able to get myself onto a food/science-y course that is relevant to my industry. If I want to progress, I need to go back and do science a levels.

Original poster
crackalackin · 01/01/2019 19:40

She is hoping to study computer science at university- and would do computer science b-techs. Or a-levels of computer science, geography and French. I totally get the ‘life happens’ thing!!! Which is what worries me about the btechs which seem very focussed on one area.

OP posts:
ApollO88 · 01/01/2019 19:40

I did very well in btec btw- I got DDM level which I think is transferable as 2A's and a B at a level. I had a blast doing it but academically I wish I had chosen a levels

Heyha · 01/01/2019 19:42

Depends what she wants to go on and do, and also what academic ability she is (it shouldn't matter, but it does). Do her current teachers think she is up to doing three A levels. If so, and unless she absolutely has her heart set on a particular BTEC (for example I've had kids go on to do specialist BTEC because they know can get onto vocational degrees that they are passionate about) subject then she would have more options by sticking with A level. I've loved teaching BTEC over the years but there is still a stigma attached to them unfortunately even though the new style ones are much harder and have frankly ridiculous assessment rules in some cases. 25% weighted exam but the exam score completely limits your overall grade? No thank you.

Heyha · 01/01/2019 19:43

Oh cross post- definitely A level then. You may get lucky and find a sixth form that will do a mix of BTEC and A level for a subject like computer science?

ChoudeBruxelles · 01/01/2019 19:45

Btec level 3 are the same level as a levels. An extended diploma is equivalent to 3 a levels, a diploma to 2, 90 credit 1 1/2 and subsidiary 1. Most universities accept them for vocational courses. Clearly if you want to read history or another academic subject you need to do that at a level.

I work at an fe college and spend a lot of time explaining the differences to people. One is not better than the other imo. They are just different and it depends what you want to do after. You get loads of practical experience doing btecs.

Original poster
crackalackin · 01/01/2019 19:54

She could definitely manage 3 A-levels - she is predicted 7/8 for those subjects at GCSE. But she preferred the ‘feel’ of the college to the ‘feel’ of the sixth form! (To be honest so did I!!!) But as precious posters have said, there seems to be a bit of a stigma attached to anything other than a-levels. Argh - parenting is tricky!!!!!

OP posts:
llangennith · 01/01/2019 20:00

crackalackin it's Btec not btech.

BubblesBuddy · 01/01/2019 20:02

For Computer Science, her options will be limited without A level maths. Some universities insist on it. Therefore A levels might be better if she includes maths.

BubblesBuddy · 01/01/2019 20:03

Geography and French are not really relevant.

TalbotAMan · 01/01/2019 20:03

I teach at a university, though in a different subject and I don't take the first years. My colleagues who do report that BTEC students really aren't up to it, and a large proportion wash out at the end of the first year. There is currently an ongoing battle with management about this as management think they should be passed regardless.

ps1991 · 01/01/2019 20:05

I would advise A-level as they are more transferable if she changes her mind later down the line. I went to college after my GCSEs and although it was known as a very good college and got good results etc I ended up moving back to the 6th form that was at my secondary school. From this experience I would encourage anyone to think really long and hard about moving away from familiarity. The teachers will know her/ her learning styles/ ability/ personality and will be able to support her knowing this already. I found college very lonely and hard to get to grips with.

ps1991 · 01/01/2019 20:06

I’m also now a secondary maths teacher so see students making similar choices and although they will ultimately do what they want, I always try to be honest bout my own experience :)

CraftyGin · 01/01/2019 20:07

Computer Science is a top degree. She should study A-levels, including Maths. Example, Maths, Physics, Computing.

AutoFilled · 01/01/2019 20:13

Want to say the same that if she wants to do computer science she should have A level maths.

AutoFilled · 01/01/2019 20:15

I work as a software developer and I would say most A levels are all physical sciences. There will be some leeway but please don’t go 2 humanities with maths. See
russellgroup.ac.uk/for-students/school-and-college-in-the-uk/subject-choices-at-school-and-college/

Original poster
crackalackin · 01/01/2019 20:20

Thanks for the help with correct spelling @llangennith - I will endeavour to use the correct abbreviations.
Point about the A-Level combination is a good one. She is strong in biology and chemistry - but physics is looking like a 6, as is maths.... so makes it tricky.
Also the input about the rigour of a BTEC vs A-level influencing how first year at university works out is definitely something to think about.

OP posts:
TheFirstOHN · 01/01/2019 20:42

I have a son in Y10 who really wants to study Computing or Computer Science at university. His Maths is OK, but not amazing. He should get a 7 in Maths GCSE (maybe even an 8 if the wind is blowing in the right direction) but I think Maths A-level might be a struggle.

He will probably get mostly 6s and a few 7s at GCSE, so would be looking at mid-range universities (below Russell group).

He is looking at the following options for post-GCSE:

  1. A-levels in Maths (might get a C if he works very hard) Computer Science and one other subject.
  1. A-levels in Computer Science and two other subjects he is good at.
  1. Level 3 Extended Diploma (BTEC) in Computing.
ps1991 · 01/01/2019 20:50

@TheFirstOHN as a maths teacher I feel very sorry for your Son if you only feel that getting a 7 is ‘OK’. In old terms that is the equivalent of an A. You should be very proud of this. It is not only ‘OK’ it is fantastic that he is able to work at this level, please don’t share this opinion with him as the pressure put on students (and teachers) by parents is incredible. Be happy at what your Son can achieve.

In addition to this, I gained a B in my own GCSE maths, I went on to get an A at A-level and a 2:1 Maths Degree. Please don’t limit his future choices, let him aim for the stars if he wants to!

TheFirstOHN · 01/01/2019 21:18

ps1991 you are right. It's difficult to keep perspective as he's at a school where many pupils are good at maths (25% get grade 9 at GCSE) and some are very good, so he's in set 5 (out of 8).

DS3 (the one in Y10) has two older brothers: DS1 was a similar level of ability to DS3, also in set 5, got a strong A in Maths GCSE, but couldn't cope with Maths A-level and gave it up after 6 weeks, which has affected my viewpoint. DS2 is very good at Maths, which again affects my perception of DS3's ability.

TheFirstOHN · 01/01/2019 21:22

I gained a B in my own GCSE maths, I went on to get an A at A-level and a 2:1 Maths Degree

That's really encouraging. DS3 does work reasonably hard, and he enjoys algebra, which is a good sign. He is absolutely loving Computer Science GCSE, is very enthusiastic about the subject and has taught himself several programming languages.

lucky88 · 01/01/2019 21:26

When I have taken on new staff in the past for entry level / school leaver roles I have been inclined to prefer A-levels. Depending on grade and subject.

I would encourage my own DD to do A -Levels over any alternative.

ps1991 · 01/01/2019 21:30

That’s fantastic to hear, I really didn’t want my post to come across as stroppy with you as I know sometimes it’s easy to get swept up in comparing/reaching higher. If he enjoys algebra he will do good with A-level maths. The main thing I find that will help him be successful is practise practise practise. The same goes for his GCSE next year!

It sounds a very good school, I’m sure the pressure must be on for him. Schools are full of pressure. I try everyday to keep my students’ feet on the ground and not let them get wrapped up in all the stress. At the end of the day if they want to do well and succeed then they will find a way, regardless of what success means for them :)

Parky04 · 01/01/2019 22:53

My DS did Computer BTEC. Achieved D*DD. He now studies Computer Science at University. He loved doing the BTEC.

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