BTEC

[harassingsarah]

My son is looking at studying BTECs at a specialised digital skills college. A few people have said that they are not as highly regarded as A levels and that it may jeopardise his opportunities later on. Is that true ?

Yes and no in my opinion.

My DD1 did a BTEC at college (Travel & Tourism) and at that point we had a BTEC Support thread running over on secondary.

I think with the right BTEC and good results (ie DDD) it will be OK. He will get more useful, focussed information and will be able to go on either to a related degree or into employment or even degree apprenticeship if he can find one.

However some BTECs seem to be more useful than others.
I think a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computer Science is likely to keep more opportunities open than say one specialising in 'Games Design'.

I think it partly depends how able he is. A vocational BTEC done well has got to be better than mediocre A levels. However A levels done well is likely to keep more doors open at 18. Though it depends whether he has any interest in those doors.

Depends how well he does. My teen ( now adult) did triple btech and is now doing an honours/masters at the uni of their choice. They were also offered places in all of their uni choices including London.

DD did 3 Cambridge Technicals (like BTECs). She got Distinction Star for all 3, but no way would she have done anywhere near as well in A levels (can't cope with exams due to dyslexia, Aspergers & MH problems). I do think the attitude towards BTECs has changed, but you should check with the universities he's interested in, if he wants to go.

BTEC has been brilliant for my son - he is at the end of an Engineering BTEC (worth 2 A levels) and A level Geography. His confidence has improved exponentially over the last two years now he seems to be over the stress and anxiety that GCSEs caused him. The continual assessments and coursework in the BTEC has given him positive reinforcement of the knowledge he is learning over the course and I couldn't be happier to see he progress he has made. He is not going on to University at the moment and is applying for Engineering apprenticeships. My son's done well because he is enjoying his courses - that's the key I think.

I should also add that I had a 'friend' who said it was suicide to 'allow' my DS to do BTEC instead of the 3 A levels her son was doing. Turns out he hated the A levels and has dropped one completely. What does your son want?

My sister has no A Levels only a BTEC she also has a degree and a masters, a good BTEC is just as regarded as A Levels now.

My son's IB school did not offer A Levels so he chose the Btec Extended Diploma in Engineering and also two IB subjects with are A Level equivalent. It has not held him back and he was accepted to all of his university choices. His friend with the same qualifications was even shortlisted for Cambridge.
The only niggle I had was his firm offer (a RG uni) inviting him for a kickstart to uni programme. It was offered to all those undertaking vocational subjects in order for them to learn "study skills@

Sorry posted too soon ...
Whilst I'm sure the intention of the invitation was good, it also felt a little patronising. Almost insinuating that he already may struggle.

It depends what he wants to do. I've taught the health and social care level 3 BTEC, and if you are going into nursing I'd say it is better prep than A Levels.

And I say that as someone who has a number of medical issues.

BTECs are also a vocational qualification in their own right and can lead to employment.

If you are heading for oxbridge you need A Levels, if you are want to learn more practical skills then go for BTEC.

As a teacher I love the flexibility of BTEC.

Most BTECs have some form of health and safety unit, so you can have students write an essay, not most students favorite and for marking takes time. Or. if you have the room you can set up a disaster area, so the resus doll is put in bed with an oxygen mask and a fake cigarette, drape electric cables along the floor and over the bed, put dirty bedding on the floor with a plastic turd.

Students come in one by one and have to identify the hazards, I tick them off and that is then the evidence they have identified x number of hazards.

Obviously there are other ways, if the college has a VLE / moodle then an assignment can be put on there.