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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

BTEC/T level/other vocational 25/26

991 replies

BTECnewbie · 14/08/2025 19:34

Hello all. My DS will hopefully be starting a level 3 extended diploma in September (assuming he gets the grades). I know very little about BTECs having come through the A level route myself. So I’d love to have a support thread for parents of kids taking vocational qualifications this year.

OP posts:
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6
swampwitch0 · 11/09/2025 10:24

Ds first full day today!
I absolutely agree that 16 year olds are not adults...thats been my only gripe so far with the FE college

SuperTrooper1111 · 11/09/2025 11:17

Hello everyone! It's been great to read how everyone's DC are doing so far. I'm going to go back and re-read all the comments about marking and assessments though, because I'm finding it all quite baffling. DD is being so diligent about writing up all her notes from every session and is working hard on one assessment she's been set so far – I'm going to have a look at it with her over the weekend (it's due in on Tuesday) to see if she has met the criteria, even though I'm not entirely sure what that is!

She's absolutely loving college life so far though. She loves the casual atmosphere and being allowed to wear her own clothes, also being able to leave campus in her breaks and calling the teachers by their first names. No sign of anxiety – it's like someone's stuck a pin in her and she's finally relaxed. Even the Tube strike hasn't rattled her – she's been getting up early to make sure she can hop on the Overground in time. She's also made a really good friend. We couldn't have asked for a better start, frankly. I feel quite teary just thinking about it, considering this time last year she'd just had an urgent referral to CAMHs.

OhCrumbsWhereNow · 11/09/2025 11:30

Baffling is definitely the word @SuperTrooper1111

I spent a lot of Y11 being baffled by what exactly needed to be done for the L2 stuff.

What was useful was prying examples of top grade assignments out of the teacher and off the internet. But, we were lucky that the course followed the Pearson spec and quite a few schools did it and seemed to share resources on their websites.

I'm very stuck this year as DD's college is the only one in the country doing her course (that I have found so far) and I am struggling to find a spec. I am hoping Moodle will eventually provide everything we need, or that teachers will be sympathetic to my control freaky ways and hand over the details!

SuperTrooper1111 · 11/09/2025 12:14

OhCrumbsWhereNow · 11/09/2025 11:30

Baffling is definitely the word @SuperTrooper1111

I spent a lot of Y11 being baffled by what exactly needed to be done for the L2 stuff.

What was useful was prying examples of top grade assignments out of the teacher and off the internet. But, we were lucky that the course followed the Pearson spec and quite a few schools did it and seemed to share resources on their websites.

I'm very stuck this year as DD's college is the only one in the country doing her course (that I have found so far) and I am struggling to find a spec. I am hoping Moodle will eventually provide everything we need, or that teachers will be sympathetic to my control freaky ways and hand over the details!

I hope you can get the details! I don't know if this is helpful, but I just asked ChatGPT to explain in very simple, teen-friendly terms, how to answer a Level 2 question to get a distinction mark, using an animal care topic as an example. I've copy and pasted it – it seems straightforward!

🎯 What “Distinction” Means
Getting a Distinction in your Level 2 Pearson work is like getting the top grade. It shows you haven’t just done the work, you’ve shown you really understand it, can explain your choices, and can look back and judge how well things went.

📝 What Makes a Distinction Answer?

  1. Answer everything properly
  2. Don’t skip any parts of the question.
  3. Make sure your work shows you’ve covered all the points.
  4. Explain your reasons
  5. Don’t just say what you did.
  6. Say why you did it that way, and how it helps.
👉 Example: Instead of writing “I observed the meerkats”, write “I observed the meerkats because I wanted to study their social behaviour and see how they interact with each other in the group.”
  1. Use examples or evidence
  2. Add real observations, data, or measurements to prove your point.
  3. Show that your choice wasn’t random, but based on something real.
👉 Example: “I counted the number of times each meerkat groomed another over 30 minutes. Meerkat A groomed 5 times, Meerkat B groomed 3 times, showing a pattern of social bonding.”
  1. Be clear and organised
  2. Write in order, keep it neat, use headings if it helps.
  3. Make it easy for the teacher to see you’ve done what was asked.
  4. Reflect (look back and judge)
  5. At the end, say what worked well, what didn’t, and how you’d improve it next time.
  6. Teachers love it when you show you’ve thought about your work.
👉 Example: “If I did this again, I’d observe for a longer period so I could see more interactions. I think my notes on grooming behaviour were accurate, but I could improve by recording vocalisations too.”

⭐ Distinction vs Pass Example

  • Pass answer:
  • “I watched the meerkats. Some of them groomed each other.”
  • Distinction answer:
  • “I watched the meerkats for 30 minutes to study social behaviour. I recorded how often each meerkat groomed another and noticed patterns of social bonding. Meerkat A groomed 5 times, Meerkat B 3 times. If I repeated the study, I would observe for a longer period and record vocalisations to get a fuller picture of their interactions.”

Distinction = detail + reasons + evidence + reflection.

Mini-Assignment: Observing Meerkat Behaviour (Distinction Example)
Task: Observe the social behaviour of meerkats in a zoo enclosure over a 30-minute period.
Distinction-Level Answer:
Over a 30-minute observation period, I focused on recording the grooming and interaction behaviours of the meerkats to understand social bonds within the group. I recorded the number of times each meerkat groomed another: Meerkat A groomed 5 times, Meerkat B 3 times, and Meerkat C 7 times. I also noted any chasing or playful behaviour, which occurred mainly between Meerkat B and C. I chose this method because recording frequencies allows for measurable, reliable data to identify patterns of social interaction. Using a table to log each behaviour made it easier to spot trends and compare individuals.
Reflecting on the observation, I noticed that some behaviours, such as vocal communication, were difficult to track without audio equipment. In future studies, I would include a recording device to capture these sounds and extend the observation period to one hour to gain a more complete understanding. Overall, my observations showed clear social hierarchies and frequent grooming behaviour, which supports the idea that grooming helps maintain bonds within the meerkat group.

✅ Why this hits Distinction:

  1. Covers all parts of the task – clearly records observations and identifies patterns.
  2. Explains why – justifies the method (measuring grooming frequency, using a table).
  3. Uses evidence – includes numbers for behaviours observed.
  4. Reflects and evaluates – notes limitations and suggests improvements.
  5. Clear structure – easy for the teacher to follow and see how each criterion is met.
sashh · 12/09/2025 06:44

Oh another tip. If / when you have to do some research and then analyse your results please find something you can say went wrong or was hard or could have been done better.

I can only give you so many marks and, "Everything went well" doesn't let me give you many.

Also if/when you are doing your research be realistic and focus on a particular angle. I've had students tell me they are going to research abortion for a level 2 qualification.

That is such a huge topic you could write multiple PhD theses. What you could do is ask people (and it would be interesting to include males) do you know how to access abortion should you want one?

SuperTrooper1111 · 12/09/2025 11:52

sashh · 12/09/2025 06:44

Oh another tip. If / when you have to do some research and then analyse your results please find something you can say went wrong or was hard or could have been done better.

I can only give you so many marks and, "Everything went well" doesn't let me give you many.

Also if/when you are doing your research be realistic and focus on a particular angle. I've had students tell me they are going to research abortion for a level 2 qualification.

That is such a huge topic you could write multiple PhD theses. What you could do is ask people (and it would be interesting to include males) do you know how to access abortion should you want one?

Really helpful tip, thank you!

How are everyone else's DDs and DSs getting on?

Bellyfat · 13/09/2025 10:26

Having originally felt positive about the moving to college, the wheels came off this week and it's been horrendous.
I spoke with the tutor about my daughter (diagnosed autistic) struggling with the transition into college, and apparently because T Levels are mostly self taught no reasonable adjustments can be made.
Prior to this, I actually had no idea it was a 2 year self taught course. I'm not sure what the tutors do now apart from facilitate group discussion. Even more helpful, the course book isn't due to be published until next year.
Tutor suggested moving to a level 2 course instead as a way to support transition from school 🤷‍♀️

TeenToTwenties · 13/09/2025 10:37

@Bellyfat Moving to level 2 sounds a great idea. Do something where the academics is well within ability whilst other skills catch up.

I've not heard that 'T levels are self taught' before, though I know research skills are needed.

Perhaps drop to level 2, but do the college open day rounds again and ask more detailed questions of course providers to see if some do more active teaching than others?

Borka · 13/09/2025 10:44

@Bellyfat have you been able to speak to anyone in the ALS team? They might have a better idea about reasonable adjustments. I don't think T levels are usually self-taught.

Bellyfat · 13/09/2025 10:47

TeenToTwenties · 13/09/2025 10:37

@Bellyfat Moving to level 2 sounds a great idea. Do something where the academics is well within ability whilst other skills catch up.

I've not heard that 'T levels are self taught' before, though I know research skills are needed.

Perhaps drop to level 2, but do the college open day rounds again and ask more detailed questions of course providers to see if some do more active teaching than others?

We did open days last year and asked the questions, they said they were confident they could support her. She worked hard and achieved the grades needed for the T level, she actually exceeded what she needed to get.
For me, being given the option for her to drop a level doesn't sound like a great idea. It feels like are not prepared to support a disabled learner in their classroom.
I'm so frustrated (not at you!) that in 2025 it's still not possible to have inclusive learning environments.

Bellyfat · 13/09/2025 10:50

Borka · 13/09/2025 10:44

@Bellyfat have you been able to speak to anyone in the ALS team? They might have a better idea about reasonable adjustments. I don't think T levels are usually self-taught.

I've contacted them three times in the last week and they have not yet responded. I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but I'm exhausted of having to fight for her inclusion all the time.

OhCrumbsWhereNow · 13/09/2025 11:16

Are there other colleges and courses you could look at?

Maybe a L3 Extended BTEC instead of a T Level.

My DD's is very definitely taught and there are clear defining lines between taught in-college work and guided self-study work.

Bellyfat · 13/09/2025 12:52

OhCrumbsWhereNow · 13/09/2025 11:16

Are there other colleges and courses you could look at?

Maybe a L3 Extended BTEC instead of a T Level.

My DD's is very definitely taught and there are clear defining lines between taught in-college work and guided self-study work.

There's a local school who run the same course who I've contacted. It wasn't what they wanted, but if college can't/won't make reasonable adjustments it's something that will need to be considered.
It's an early years education course, in our area the funding for these is via the T Level route now.

SuperTrooper1111 · 13/09/2025 19:06

Bellyfat · 13/09/2025 12:52

There's a local school who run the same course who I've contacted. It wasn't what they wanted, but if college can't/won't make reasonable adjustments it's something that will need to be considered.
It's an early years education course, in our area the funding for these is via the T Level route now.

Edited

What reasonable adjustments does your DD need? There's no excuse for the ALS team not responding to you after you've contacted them three times. Can you speak to your daughter's tutor directly and ask them to give the ALS team a nudge? My DD has been given a number and email address for hers.

I do understand why, when your DD achieved the grades she needs, you are reluctant to explore her dropping down to Level 2. However, FWIW, my DD, who also gets ALS, has started at Level 2 and she's already thriving because it's an excellent way to transition from GCSEs. We can see how Level 2 will help her develop the self study and research skills she needs to progress to the higher level and because it's manageable her confidence is growing by the day.

BTECnewbie · 14/09/2025 11:47

DS has had a good full first week. His course seems quite fast paced and he’s already been set 3 assignments as well as a couple of pieces of homework. The work seems quite a step up from GCSE in terms of needing to do a lot of independent research and write reports. He was expecting that though as he has gone straight in at level 3 with mainly 4s and 5s at GCSE. His course is almost entirely taught with very little practical element. He doesn’t have an official timetable on a piece of paper but he is doing 4 different units at the moment and he knows which one he is doing on which day.

OP posts:
swampwitch0 · 14/09/2025 12:38

@BTECnewbie
Dd has got 2 x work to hand in on Wednesday.
She's almost finished.

Littletreefrog · 14/09/2025 12:59

BTECnewbie · 14/09/2025 11:47

DS has had a good full first week. His course seems quite fast paced and he’s already been set 3 assignments as well as a couple of pieces of homework. The work seems quite a step up from GCSE in terms of needing to do a lot of independent research and write reports. He was expecting that though as he has gone straight in at level 3 with mainly 4s and 5s at GCSE. His course is almost entirely taught with very little practical element. He doesn’t have an official timetable on a piece of paper but he is doing 4 different units at the moment and he knows which one he is doing on which day.

Hi I'm following this thread even though DS is only in year 11 as we are trying to think of post GCSE pathways. I'm interested in what you said about going straight in at level 3 with 4s and 5s at GCSE. Is that not the norm? DS is predicted 4s and 5s and we have been looking at level 3 qualifications as most say entry requirements 5 GCSEs at 4 or above. Should we be looking at level 2 qualifications instead?

BTECnewbie · 14/09/2025 13:26

@Littletreefrog most people I know with 4s and 5s have gone straight into level 3 so I think it is generally the norm. However there are a few on here who’ve gone to level 2 first for various reasons.

My understanding is that level 3 is broadly equivalent to A levels so you would expect it to be a step up, especially for kids with 4s who only just meet the entry requirements. There are lots of people with 4s and 5s on DS's course but there are some high fliers with high grade GCSEs who could easily have done A levels and who are aiming for distinction stars on the BTEC. To be honest it’s all new to me (hence the username) so I’m finding out about it as we go.

I can only comment on DS’s course but it does seem to be a step up academically and does require them to be able to organise themselves and work quite independently.

OP posts:
Littletreefrog · 14/09/2025 13:52

BTECnewbie · 14/09/2025 13:26

@Littletreefrog most people I know with 4s and 5s have gone straight into level 3 so I think it is generally the norm. However there are a few on here who’ve gone to level 2 first for various reasons.

My understanding is that level 3 is broadly equivalent to A levels so you would expect it to be a step up, especially for kids with 4s who only just meet the entry requirements. There are lots of people with 4s and 5s on DS's course but there are some high fliers with high grade GCSEs who could easily have done A levels and who are aiming for distinction stars on the BTEC. To be honest it’s all new to me (hence the username) so I’m finding out about it as we go.

I can only comment on DS’s course but it does seem to be a step up academically and does require them to be able to organise themselves and work quite independently.

Thank you that is very helpful. I think I should look at level 2 courses as well as level 3. The ultimate aim is Uni for Paramedic Science but if it takes a little longer to get there so be it.

swampwitch0 · 14/09/2025 14:00

Dd got a 9 in her btec subject...not necessary wrt entry requirements, but I imagine she will find parts of the course easier than those who got 4s and 5s?
And if they are doing English and maths resits then that will cut into their time, too?
I'm a big fan of L2/foundation years...I did a F year prior to undergrad.

OhCrumbsWhereNow · 14/09/2025 16:54

I think it depends on the course @Littletreefrog and what you need to progress.

DD has a mix of grades from 8 to 3, but is also very SEN so exams were challenging. She was top sets for lots of subjects that she didn't get a high exam grade for.

She got a distinction for her L2 BTEC and 100% and 98% in the components. She knows that anything less than a Distinction on any module for the next 2 years will be treated as unacceptable (she is more than capable of achieving those and the issues she had that made it hard for her to do well with GCSE not longer exist), and she's aiming for the D* overall.

If she was a child where a 4/5 would have been a good reflection of her level/potential in general then she would have a lower grade as her goal.

TeenToTwenties · 14/09/2025 17:23

A quirk of attendance reporting:

This is for DD's supported internship, but it was similar though less extreme on her BTEC.

College does attendance per lesson not per day. Fine. But a 3hr lesson counts as 1 as does a 1 hr lesson.

This year DD has 2 days with 2x3hr lessons, and 1 day with 5x1hr. So if she misses this final day she has only attended for under 50% of the week, despite being present for over 66% of lesson time!

OhCrumbsWhereNow · 14/09/2025 18:52

I noticed that as well - register and attendance mark for every class.

One teacher last week hasn't marked DD present (not sure if just her or the whole class) so have told her to go and flag it tomorrow and get it fixed asap.

Sisublondie · 15/09/2025 14:19

Hey All! Playing catch up! Posted last night but was having localised WiFi problems and see it’s not here.. hey ho..😤🤔!

Had unexpected DS19 problems so been sorting that out..but! On Saturday had the best ever day with DS in months! DH was away, so I took him and his friend ( also ASD) to the cinema. Huge deal for both, in and of itself, but it’s in a shopping centre, so “ double drama”…. Well, I walked with them through the city from car park, into the mall and to the escalators to cinema…… nervously waited… and! About 2.5 hours later (new anime?), he texted, wanting to take me to this special shop he’s been dying to go to….! HMV!!!! Yep!! ( on escalator going up, I was looking round and said “ I’ve not been in one of these for ages!”…. The look in his face!! “ Like, Mother, you gave clearly never even HEARD of this place until ten minutes ago!! You’re delulu!!”
…. It’s his birthday next week, and, for once, he has been planning and deciding what he wants…. “ a vinyl turntable”!!! Yup! A record player!! Oh, I cannot express my joy at having the super cute Saturday girl Genz- splaining to me how one works!!! Pure priceless brilliance!!! Anyway!! So, that is his birthday present ticked off! And! He gave me a massive hug!! ( not in the store!?.. But, had anyone SEEN the price of “ Albums” now?!!! 🙀🙀🙀!!! A Five Guys ( HOW expensive?!) to finish the Birthday Treat off, and home to set the “ vinyl turntable” up!! It’s now Monday, and I’ve had not one cross word or arse-y tone from him! Score! I think the late night help from me, demonstrating where to place the needle, after the fact you HAVE TO TAKE THE PROTECTIVE CAP OFF!!, and the B Side is NOT in another “vin-yl”, it’s on the flip side… showed a hint of respect in his eyes! 👀..of the like I haven’t seen in about ten years!!!

So! Reality! He’s back in college today…. First assignment due tomorrow…. Something to do with circuit training. My offer to help was rebuffed so…🤷‍♀️?! Hopefully he’s done it with his team mate at lunchtime! ( tho, a new McD has opened……🙄!)..

How are you all?! 😸

Sisublondie · 15/09/2025 14:22

swampwitch0 · 14/09/2025 12:38

@BTECnewbie
Dd has got 2 x work to hand in on Wednesday.
She's almost finished.

Well done on getting it done ahead of time!! … I’m hoping it went on to be finished?! 🤞🙏🤞