BTEC qualifications at Loretto.

We are delighted that a new route to studying Sports and is possible with the launch of an innovative BTEC Extended in Sport and BTEC Extended Certificate in Business from September 2017.

Sixth Form pupils can boost their application to the leading universities and other institutions with BTEC qualifications. The BTEC is a secondary school leaving and vocational qualification equivalent to A-Levels.

Whereas A-levels are generally exam-based, the BTEC Extended Diploma and Certificate are a more career-based vocational qualifications which will provide pupils with the necessary skills for university or employment.

For pupils who dream of careers in sports, leisure and fitness, business and Entrepreneurship, the BTEC is ideal.

Loretto pupils will be able to study the BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport where the usual form of assessment is of a continuous nature - coursework and practical projects. Given the emphasis on project work and practical work-related activities, the BTEC develops key soft skills such as teamwork, presentation skills and critical thinking.

What are BTECs?

 BTEC stands for Business and Technology Educational Council (which first governed the courses)  100,000 pupils per year apply to University with BTECs and some major employers now endorse BTECs over A-levels as preparation for a career  BTECs are usually taught and assessed over 2 years but there is flexibility to study more or less intensively  It is possible to co-teach L6 and U6 BTEC classes because of the modular nature of the course  There are many different types of BTEC and those most applicable to Loretto’s 6th Form are: o BTEC Extended Diploma (pupils study one subject in great depth. The Diploma is worth the equivalent of 3 A-levels) o BTEC Extended Certificate (pupils study a subject to similar depth as an A-level. Pupils can study more than one subject/Extended Certificate. An Extended Certificate is worth one A-level)

Why introduce BTECs at Loretto?

 Broaden our curriculum to suit the academic ability and learning styles/profiles of some of our pupils.  Modular exams spread over 2 years rather than A-level’s linear course framework with terminal exams (A-levels = 2 years of work crammed into one exam session in the U6th)  More focus on coursework than most A-levels  More focus on practical, holistic and work-place skills  Reflective practice and re-working of submitted essays which count towards the final grade  Increasing enthusiasm from Universities, Colleges and Employers about BTEC-trained students/employees  BTEC has an advantageous UCAS grade point system when compared with A-levels (basically, it is easier to access the equivalent of a C grade or A grade than at A-level)

How is it assessed?

 Somewhere between 40-60% (depending on the course) of a BTEC course is assessed by coursework and projects (some of which can be resubmitted for improved grades).  BTEC exams are modular rather than linear, meaning a spread of exam times and no need to “cram” two years’ worth of information at the end of the U6th. BTEC exams can be taken every 4- 6 months, much like the older AS/A2 system (eg exams in January and June).  The 1st year modular exams can be re-taken if needed in the 2nd year.  Awards are given as Distinction or Merit.

What will we offer?

BTEC Extended Diploma (3 A level equivalent) in Sport. This will replace the A level in PE that is currently offered.

BTEC Extended Certificate (1 A level equivalent) in Business/Entrepreneurship. This will run alongside the A levels offered in Business Studies and Economics.

Where can I go with BTECs?

University Typical A-level entry Typical BTEC entry

Aberdeen Business: BBB Business: DDM Sport Science: BBB Sport Science: DDM

Dundee Business: BBB Business: DDM in relevant BTEC subjects Sport Science: BBB Sport Science: DDM

Edinburgh AAA Does not accept them (yet!) Edinburgh Business: BBC Business: DMM Napier Sport and Exercise Science: BBC Sport and Exercise Science: DMM

Glasgow Business: AAB Business: DDD in Business (specific subject) Physiology/Sport Exercise Science: AAB Physiology/Sport Exercise Science: DDD

Heriot-Watt Business: BBB (or ABB to enter 2nd Year) Business: Individual basis. Contact University (would need to study Business BTEC)

Robert Gordon’s Management: BCC Management and Sports Science: Most BTEC Sports Science: BCC combinations accepted – seems to be DMM but they prefer the Extended Diploma

SRUC Rural Business Management (etc): Rural Business Management (etc): Various Various qualifications accepted for qualifications accepted for different entry different entry points / courses points/courses, including BTECs Stirling Business: BBB Business: DDM Sports Science: BBB Sports Science: DDM Strathclyde Business: ABB Business: DDM St Andrew’s Management: AAA Management: Two A-levels plus D/D* in one BTEC Extended Certificate. This might not be a competitive application.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Topping (E : [email protected] T: 00 44 (0) 131 653 4430).