THE BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA at The British School Al Khubairat
Please contact Karen Collings on registrar@britishschool.sch.ae or Call the Admissions Team - 02 446 2280 www.Britishschool.sch.ae
Our School The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. From nursery to A level (3-18), our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.
Our Vision Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a worldclass British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectation.
The British School Al Khubairat was founded in 1971 under the patronage of the father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Contents
Welcome To The BTEC At BSAK
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Key Facts About The BTEC Level 3 Diploma
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Useful Links
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Sixth Form Pathways At BSAK
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The BTEC Business Studies Level 3 Diploma
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The BTEC Engineering Level 3 Diploma
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The BTEC Sport Level 3 Diploma
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Myth-Busting The BTEC
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INTRODUCTION Welcome to the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) Sixth Form and to our BTEC + Pathway The BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) Level 3 Diploma is a Sixth Form qualification and is equivalent to 2 A Levels. BSAK is the only school in Abu Dhabi to provide this qualification and pathway and we are excited to be offering three, BTEC Level 3 Diploma options, in Business Studies, Engineering and Sport, from September 2017. BTEC is a flexible qualification that focuses on the ‘real world’ application of learning and the development of skills – creating a blend of learning that draws together academic understanding and specific skill development. The nature of the qualification and learning involved makes BTEC attractive to students, universities and employers. As a highlyrespected qualification, it represents a viable route and a positive and clear path to university, with more than 1 in 4 students entering university last year, with a BTEC qualification. Our BTEC+ Pathway enables our students to take a BTEC Level 3 Diploma alongside 1 A Level subject.
This combination, in conjunction with our substantial Sixth Form enrichment programme, prepares our students exceptionally well, to go on to higher education or directly into employment. If you enjoy; applied learning through practical, work-related activities in and out of the classroom; are interested in a career or course in one of our subject areas; or looking for a qualification that is assessed through assignments rather than exams, then the BTEC may be an excellent match for you. If you’d like to learn more about the BTEC + Pathway at BSAK or to arrange a visit to the school please contact our registrar, Karen Collings on registrar@britishschool.sch.ae. We will be delighted to meet you and to discuss your Sixth Form options with us. James McBlane, Deputy Head, Secondary jmcblane@britishschool.sch.ae 02
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KEY FACTS ABOUT THE BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA • 26% of students entering UK universities last year, did so with the BTEC qualification (UCAS). • 95% of UK universities accept the BTEC Level 3 Diploma as equivalent to A Level (UCAS). • 4 out 5 students that go to university with the BTEC qualification, gain a 1st or 2nd class degree (LSE report). • The BTEC qualification gives its students an advantage in the first year of undergraduate study and they are better prepared for the demands of university (LSE report). • 1/3 of businesses prefer BTEC qualifications due to the skills and abilities they develop (CBI).
• BTEC grades with an ABB equivalent were up 18% in the last three years, at a time when A Level grades have been falling (UCAS). • The BTEC qualification enables students to become occupationally ready to take up employment in business, immediately after the qualification. • Offers a non-examination (100% coursework) pathway through the Sixth Form. • Entry requirement is a minimum of 5 C grades at GCSE and a minimum Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects.
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USEFUL LINKS The BSAK Sixth Form, A Level and BTEC courses. http://www.britishschool.sch.ae/sixthform
Why choose BTEC
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/about-us/qualificationbrands/btec/progress-with-btec.html
Case Studies of BTEC Students:
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/about-us/qualificationbrands/btec/progress-with-btec/case-studies.html
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SIXTH FORM PATHWAYS AT BSAK At BSAK we offer 3 Sixth Form Pathways
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A Level
BTEC + 1 A Level BTEC Creative Art A + 1Level A Level
Year 12 Exit
Entry Criteria
5B’s at GCSE including English Language and Maths
5C’s at GCSE including English Language and Maths
5B’s at GCSE including English Language and Maths
Additional
5 B’s at GCSE plus 2 C’s, if C in English Language and Maths
Average Effort grade of 3.75 required
AS exams taken at end of Year 12
Maths and Science A grade at GCSE
May select another A Level Must have grade required for that subject
This route must be confirmed on entry to Sixth Form
Pathway
Specific Subject Criteria
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THE BTEC BUSINESS STUDIES LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA The world of business is all around us and the BTEC Business Studies Level 3 Diploma provides practical application and insight into many aspects of business, including the study of large organisations such as Coca Cola, Apple and Google – how they began, how they operate globally and how they consistently provide customers with high quality products. Entry Criteria
Skills Required
A minimum of 5 C Grades at GCSE including Mathematics and English Language. In addition to GCSE grades, students must be able to prove a good work ethic and work independently. A minimum average Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects is a compulsory requirement.
The ability to study independently is essential. Students will be expected to undertake significant independent research beyond the classroom, in order to support their studies. All assignments are based upon existing businesses and as such the ability to undertake secondary research, make contact with and interview local businesses managers, will be integral to success. The ongoing nature of portfolio assessment means time management is also a vital skill.
Course Content The BTEC qualification is made up of 12 units of work to be completed over two years. Work is assessed continuously, linking theory with practical exercises. Students will complete a series of assignments which cover the 4 mandatory and 8 optional units. Optional units will be selected by teachers and will cover areas such as Marketing, Human Resources, Management, Administration and Retail.
Compulsory Units
How Will I Be Assessed? Students submit a portfolio of evidence for each unit of work. This is internally assessed by teachers and externally moderated by BTEC representatives. Students will also be assessed by practical observations and presentations completed over the two years.
• The Business Environment
Career Opportunities
• Business Resources
Ninety-five per cent of universities and colleges in the UK accept BTEC students, including competitive Russell Group universities. Typical career / course options include, Business, Management and Finance, as well as more specialist areas such retail management, marketing, personal management and accountancy.
• Introduction to Marketing • Business Communication All assessments for this qualification are portfolio (coursework) based and there are no final examinations. However, strict conditions apply to the award of assessment grades by teachers.
For the full specification and example assessment materials, please see the links below: BTEC Business Studies Specification Sample Assessment Materials
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THE BTEC ENGINEERING LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA The BTEC Engineering Level 3 Diploma at BSAK is ideal for those who are interested in a career as an Engineer, considering an Engineering apprenticeship or would like to study Engineering at university. Entry Criteria A minimum of 5 C grades at GCSE including English Language, grade B at Maths GCSE and a grade B in a Science subject. In addition to GCSE grades, students must be able to prove a good work ethic and work independently. A minimum average Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects is a requirement. The BTEC Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to two A levels and it is expected that you will undertake this qualification alongside one additional A Level of your choice.
vital to a student’s success on the course. A real interest in engineering, machinery or manufacturing processes is a must.
How Will I Be Assessed? Assignments are continuously assessed throughout the two-year course for each unit studied. None of the units have an externally assessed exam, but several units have internally set tests and these are part of the grading criteria.
Career Opportunities Course Content The BTEC qualification is made up of 9 units of work to be completed over two years. To complete each unit, work is assessed continuously, linking theory with practical projects. The course covers a wide range of Engineering disciplines such as Computer Aided Design, electronics, fabrication, mathematics and electrical principles. It involves a practical, hands-on application of science and maths and also a significant amount of project work.
Skills Required The ability to study independently is essential and students will be expected to undertake significant independent research beyond the classroom in order to support their studies. The ongoing nature of portfolio assessment and practical project work means time management is a skill
The course has broad scope and is an excellent basis upon which to apply for an apprenticeship in a wide variety of engineering companies, as it offers a diverse range of career pathways. Students also go on to university and read courses in a number of engineering disciplines. Ninety-five per cent of universities and colleges in the UK accept BTEC qualifications, including competitive Russell Group universities. However, it is important to plan your required destination as some universities such as Cambridge and Imperial do not offer places to BTEC qualified students. That said, it is recognised that BTEC students are often better prepared for university than their A Level counterparts due to the high level of independent study, time management and self-organisation that is required.
For the full specification and example assessment materials, please see the links below: BTEC Engineering L3 Diploma
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THE BTEC SPORT LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA The BTEC Sport Level 3 Diploma provides students with the opportunity to enter directly into employment into the professional sports industry or to progress to university, to study a degree such as Sports Science. This qualification is the equivalent of two A Levels and it is expected that it will be taken alongside one additional A Level of choice.
Entry Criteria
A minimum of 5 C grades at GCSE. In addition, students must be able to prove a good work ethic and work independently. A minimum average Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects is a compulsory requirement.
Course Content
The assessment approach for this BTEC qualification allows students to receive feedback on their progress throughout the course, as they provide evidence towards meeting the unit assessment and grading criteria. It is also important that during the course, students take on the role of being employed within the sport and active leisure industry when completing assignments and activities.
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Units Covered
• Unit 1: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport • Unit 2: The Physiology of Fitness • Unit 3: Assessing Risk in Sport • Unit 4: Fitness Training and Programming • Unit 5: Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise • Unit 6: Sports Nutrition • Unit 7: Psychology for Sports Performance • Unit 8: Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport • Unit 9: The Athlete’s Lifestyle These units will also be accompanied by optional units, which we will select based on the student’s needs. This personalised approach enables each student to obtain maximum benefits from the course.
Skills Required
The ability to study independently is essential. Students will also work collaboratively, which will require strong time management and communication skills. Assessments take place continually throughout the course and it is important that students work consistently throughout the academic year.
Assessment Criteria
Students produce a portfolio of evidence for each unit and this may come in the form of an assignment or presentation. Teachers will internally assess all work submitted as evidence and this will then be externally assessed by the examination board.
Career Opportunities
Students will be able to continue their studies to degree level and from here employment opportunities include fitness/ personal training, sports rehabilitation and coaching on many levels.
Additional Information
BSAK also provides access to the following courses. Employment opportunities or university selection is greatly increased when these are also completed. • • • •
Community Sports Leader Award Higher Sports Leader Award First Aid qualifications Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
For the full specification and example assessment materials, please see the links below: BTEC Sport Specification 09
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Myth-Busting The BTEC Here are the facts. Myth 1 You have to have A Levels if you want to go to university. Fact You can go to university whether you study the BTEC or A Levels. The BTEC Diploma offered at BSAK is equivalent to two A Levels and carries exactly the same UCAS points as A Levels. Depending on what you want to study, the BTEC may actually be preferred by some universities and courses, as it shows that you are passionate about a subject and that you can study it intensively, over a period of time. The simple facts speak for themselves: 95% of universities accept BTEC qualifications and 26% of students entering university last year, did so with a BTEC qualification.
Myth 2 BTEC is an easy option. Studying A Levels indicates greater intelligence than studying the BTEC. Fact BTEC is not an easier qualification - far from it! It is however assessed differently and this makes it more accessible, as students learn in a way that suits them. The concept of the BTEC as an ‘easy option’ is based on the fact that it is often 100% coursework, with no exams. So, in May and June when the A Level exams are taking place and exam stress levels are high, it may look as if the BTEC is easier, but in fact it is equivalent to two A levels, it is a lot of work and there is nothing easy about it!
Myth 3 You should always choose A Levels over BTEC, if you have the choice. Fact Choosing whether to take A Levels or the BTEC depends a lot on what suits you best. It is not the case that the BTEC is a 2nd rate option. A Levels are still the most common route to higher education, however the BTEC can take you to exactly the same university and course. If you enjoy the traditional academic subjects and cope well with the demands of exam only assessment, then A Levels may be the right choice for you. A BTEC course is much more practical, with a more hands-on approach to learning. It will involve plenty of practical learning opportunities, giving students direct experience of the industry they want to work in. Your choice depends upon a number of factors. Discussing this with a careers advisor or a teacher with an open mind is strongly recommended.
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Please direct enquiries to Karen Collings on Registrar@britishschool.sch.ae | call the Admissions Team on 02 446 2280
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