BTEC Extended diploma AND an AS - too much?

[TeenAndTween]

DD has just started an extended diploma (3 A level 'equivalent') PLUS an AS in Spanish.

Our reasoning was that loads of kids do 4 ASs then after one year drop to 3, so therefore she could do the Extended diploma and AS then drop Spanish for the second year. Also if she struggles with the Spanish she can drop it mid year and still have the extended diploma.

But the BTEC tutor on enrolment and since has said it will be a lot to manage.

However, others are doing GCSE retakes which DD isn't (though I guess these stop after November if they pass).

Are we being crazy supporting her in giving Spanish a go?
Is there a time after which she can't drop it?
How long is a piece of string?

Is she doing the course at the same place she is doing the BTEC?

My DS is doing a BTEC but was also showing interest in doing Maths A Level. We thought he could do it through an online provider if he finds he has enough time available during his BTEC course, his college doesn't seem to allow a mix of BTEC and A Levels.

Yes, same place, so integrated into the timetable. 1 lesson clash so she will miss 1 BTEC lesson per week for the Spanish too which is a bit of a concern.

How will she make up for the missed lesson? I'd be a bit concerned, but it depends on how dedicated and hard-working she is.

What does the Spanish teacher say about it? Would be concerned if both tutors were saying the same thing but there may be some bias here.
If the 2 subjects are complementary to each other then it could be a good idea to continue with both (at least for now).

Need I did wonder about that. But the Spanish is the first of a double lesson so she wouldn't be able to catch up before the next lesson.

cats The 2 are complementary in my opinion as the BTEC is Travel & Tourism which I think goes rather well with a language.

thunder making up the missed lesson is what I'm wondering about too. But she is hard working (up to a point) and keen to do the Spanish, but also understands the BTEC is the 'main' thing.

It's only the first week, so I guess I'll just have to keep a close eye.

Would agree that those 2 subjects go well together teen. In fact a school in my area offers BTEC level 2 Travel and Tourism in Y10/11 and it is taught by one of the French teachers!

I would say it's ok - my son did a GCSE on the side last year but he had no clashes. I'd be very worried if there was as catching up either will make left even harder.

I can see the attraction of keeping a language going though.

Difficult one - can a language not be continued more informally through the enrichment activities?

I'd say it's a good idea because the subject does tie in very well with her main course. However, only do it if your daughter really is going to stick with it for the whole year; it's understandable that the school doesn't want to sign someone up to a class that they're already thinking of dropping out of.

The lesson clash is a big problem, though. One whole lesson a week would be quite a lot.

Spanish is one of the subjects that a lot of adult ed colleges offer as evening classes, and they often accept 16-18 year olds; it's worth having a look around to see if there are any your daughter could join instead of doing AS level. They don't always lead to a specific exam but for languages A levels are not the only alternative - there are lots of well-recognised exams that would do just as well if not better. Speaking to an adult ed college about that would definitely be helpful. The class would still be free or virtually free for your daughter btw, though you might have to pay for an exam.