Any Admissions Tutors for Nursing (Child)or Primary Education here

[BirdLandedonmyHead]

Or Parents whove supported their child through it?

DD is in Yr11, choosing courses for Post 16.
Trying to find the right balance between Alevel and Vocational.

Options list so far (not all of these!)
Biology A level OR Medical Science BTEC
Health and Social Care (Single BTEC)
Education V Level (replacement for BTEC from September)
Pyschology Alevel OR BTEC

Also considering Maths (but doesnt really love it- but is good at it, predicted 8) , Chemistry or maybe Geography, but these arent her top choices

Shes on the 4/5 Boundary for GCSE English. Prefers BTECs for coursework.
But is worried universities wont consider 3 BTECs as good as A levels. Is this worry founded?

Also... how much does the univetsity matter for Nurses/Teachers

(TLDR version... ate BTECs condudered just as good as A kevels in reality?)

I’m an admissions tutor, but not in nursing or teaching.

What I’d recommend she does is identify the courses she wants to apply to for uni and see what their admissions requirements are. It will be spelled out fairly clearly on the website. They will not necessarily be the same, so she needs to hedge her bets a bit on what course she is aiming for. Biology and Psychology would both be a good idea.

Generally speaking, A-levels over BTEC, but I say that primarily because I think A levels are a better gauge for university level work. But there may be some like Health and Social Care that might be a good balance.

If she’s not looking to go on to a higher degree, the university doesn’t matter that much, but she should be (a) happy there and it provides good quality of life for her, and (b) be strong in work experience/practical skills building. Students who go there should like their placements and feel well supported.

If she's not decided on which - nursing or teaching - I'd start by picking 6 universities and comparing entry requirements for both courses.

It sounds like you need to keep both options open?

Also if she is likely to get better results by studying BTECs than A-levels she should prioritise that.

I’m a nursing sister - the university doesn’t matter at all, as long as she had the degree we don’t look at whether a it’s from RG uni or an ex poly

Thanks for replies.
The courses we looked at so far have point scores, and all those options will give UCAS points. Obviousky too early to say she will definately medt the point scores... buts shes bright. Just not good at essays in timed conditions.

My instinct was BTECs /V Level is completely fine. Maybe 2 vocational, 1 A level. Depends on her GCSE score (especially English, some colleges want 5 in English for any A level, doesnt matter how high her Maths/Science is!

Shes looking at Yorkshire/neighbouring counties universities. But wants to keep her options open.

Hi, OP -

I am a former admissions tutor in a different subject. I think the advice above is good.

I also suggest that DD join the online forum The Student Room. There she can ask questions of current undergraduates enrolled in the programmes she is interested in. The quality of the responses is generally good.

Best wishes to DD.