'top' independent schools are turning towards Btecs - article in the Times

[Showandtell]

The number turning towards BTECS and apprenticeships has doubled. Universities are no longer the best choice for many as they have devalued by lowering entry standards. Interesting.

You need good A level grades or distinction Btec eg at least DDM to get into art degree at dd's uni. (And yes there will be exceptions but that is general offer) and GSA (musical theatre degree) asks for mostly A grades at A level.

What I am trying to say is in certain subjects it pays to consider the options to maximise your chances especially if you have a learner who might not suit the final exam mode or wants to explore one area in more depth or is looking for practical vocational training. This is the case for academic DC too.

robin

The college we are fairly sure dd is going to offers a mix

So i think she is planning drama btec with a level psychology and a level business. Her enrichment will be sports related

She wants to act for a living but her backup plan is owning her own gym

Rufus that sounds good! My advice is look at the spec for the Btec for each module - had all the individual modules spec on the board's website. This helped DD to ensure she covered all the requirements and I think helped get triple D* there are more modules available than they will do but ask the tutor for a list of what they have planned and have a good look with your DD as the students might be able to negotiate the modules.

Lovely robin thanks for the advice

She is taking LAMDA exams as well so i am hoping it makes for a good allround course which will be helpful for either of her chosen career

She is thinking of a stage school for 6th form which i am not too keen on as it will necessitate her leaving home as a very innocent/naive 16 year old...but will still look into it for her

She seem to be struggling with various issues including fatigue and is due to see a consultant....hoping its nothing too serious as both sport and drama can be very full on

Where my DDs went to school, Drama was taken very seriously and they did get girls into Central, Guildhall, RADA etc. However, not one of them did sport at the same time. All their time was taken up with drama, school productions etc. Either you want to be an actor, and you put your all into it, or you do not. The auditions are key. They require technique, excellent pieces and expert teaching. They do not require sport. Have you looked at what the drama schools actually want? Often drama students go to Saturday drama clubs and do prouductions at the local theatre. School qualifications may not be enough. First class teaching is the absolute key though. Not that anyone ever gets much work after graduating! it is extremely tough.

bubbles

Yes you are quite right the acting business is very hard with many knockbacks