Are BTECs becoming the new CSEs now that GCSEs are becoming more academic?

[lasermum]

DS2 is in year 9 and we are starting to look at options for his GCSEs or that is what I thought. However, at his recent parents evening a number of teachers said that BTECs may be more appropriate for him ( science and PE).

DS2 is not particularly academic - other teachers mentioned he was heading for a level 5 in the new grades.

So are BTECs the qualification for the less academically able now? I just want him to feel happy in his choices and be able to study something meaningful when he gets to the sixth form.

He has no real idea what he wants to do in the longer term (apart from living in a campervan spending his days coaching and being on the water, surfing, windsurfing and sailing!)

I don't know much about BTECs so any feedback much appreciated.

[cricketballs]

BTEC has always had a poor reputation however the courses are actually very challenging at level 2 &3 for the merit and distinction criteria as they need students to work independently and evidence high level analytical and evaluative skills.

The reason they have a bad reputation is mainly due to the fact that everyone thinks that is only the teacher that marks whereas in reality the teacher marks, this is then verified internally then a sample is checked by Edexcel. Students now have to sit an exam as well.

For Level 2 (GCSE), it does not stop uni offers to the top ranking institutions ; I have previous level 2 students who have gone on to Oxbridge, Durham etc.

Whilst my Level 3 students have not applied to the MN top ranking unis , they have all gone on to a decent unis, including my own DS who is at a top ranked uni for his field, a top 20 uni overall.....

This link might be of interest to some

[sablepoot]

One of my dc did a btec l3 and then l4 following excellent GCSEs. From what I saw of it the l3 standard was equivalent to a levels (though assessed differently) and the l4 is very challenging. Dc in question could have made a credible Oxbridge application from GCSE grades at least, but the btec l3 wouldn't have cut it as it was only equivalent to 2 a levels (they come in different sizes). I like to kid myself they may go to university later as a mature student, but it's actually fairly unlikely and I think there would be funding issues too. A levels keep more doors open I think, but btecs shouldn't be sneered at.

[lasermum]

Thank you for your replies. My Ds2 really isn't likely to be considering Oxbridge. He isn't sure what he wants to do in the future - today's idea was PE teacher.

BTEC PE looks like a good way to study his chosen sports now that the GCSE PS syllabus has become so restricted. Sadly no Sea Scouts around but we make sure he has lots of opportunities to take part in watersports.

[Sadik]

I know plenty of people who make their living teaching outdoor pursuits / surfing / kayaking / etc - don't dismiss it as a job! Lots of opportunity once you've got experience to run your own business, too if your DS is that way inclined :)

[lasermum]

Actually DS2 would be great at running his own business. He is quite savvy and street smart. He has great interpersonal skills too. He is the complete opposite of DS1 who is very academic ( being encouraged by school to consider Oxbridge) but not great on social skills.

I guess it would be boring if they were both the same! It also makes me thankful that we live near a very good comprehensive school which they both attend and which meets the differing needs of both of them so well.