BTech art or A level art

[scrumbrum12]

My daughter’s local college has a ridiculously early application deadline and only one open event which we missed and can’t get hold of anyone for help....

She is sure about two subjects : A Level fashion and textiles and dance

The only other subject that interests her is Art and she is on track for high marks for her GCSE. The options are A Level fine art and BTech art and design. Are they both given the same
merit for art college (if she decides that route over dance or fashion) ? My concern is the coursework load . Which one would work best /be more manageable with the other two options?

Thanks

I’d go BTEC in the interest of managing workload but she needs to have a look at what’s covered and what interests her most.

@scrumbrum12 Look at what’s needed for art foundation. A portfolio definitely. @PhotoDad is an expert on all things art.

Have you tried looking at the entry requirements for the art college? I'd start there.

Also are you sure that you can do 2 A Levels alongside a BTEC? A BTEC is normally a full time programme, so it's normally that or 3 A Levels (I work in a college & have done for 15 years, we haven't offered an A Level alongside a BTEC for about 7 years.)

Thanks. The Btech is the extended certificate equivalent to one a level. They can choose whatever combination they like except obviously if they are going into medicine etc. She doesn’t yet know if she wants to go onto a dance or art. I think it will come down to coursework loading.

I'd go for the BTEC personally, I teach art and also DT up to A level.

Thanks for tagging me in, @TizerorFizz! As I understand it, fashion and textiles comes under the "DT" heading rather than the "Art" heading at A level and so it involves an exam. Art A levels involve a coursework essay. The BTEC would have fewer high-stakes tests etc so might fit better?

If your DD does decide to go down the art school route eventually, there is a lot of information and advice on some other threads, especially https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/higher_education/4795276-art-and-design-at-university-for-past-present-and-future-students-and-parents - that has contributions from people involved in all parts of the process.

Good luck!

Thank you , so Very helpful. I will check those threads out. She is a naturally talented painter so my hope is that in whatever she chooses that is also nurtured. Have lovely weekends

I agree with @Mapples , the BTEC is an excellent grounding and your DD will not have to do an extended essay of between 1,500 - 3,000 words. DDs friend who did an extended BTEC in art received unconditional offers from five art schools including CSM.
There is a lot of work in whatever route she chooses to take.