Frequently Asked Questions about Year 8 Options.
Q. What are BTECs?
BTEC Firsts are Level 2 or 1 qualifications that can be delivered at KS4.
BTEC qualifications are designed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a range of sectors. They have been developed to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to prepare learners for employment and/or to provide career development opportunities for those already in work. Consequently they provide a course of study for fulltime or part-time learners in schools, colleges and training centres.
On successful completion of a BTEC First qualification, learners may progress into or within employment and/or continue their study in the vocational area.
Q. Are BTECs for less academic students?
BTECs are NOT for less academic students, they are still Level 2 courses just with a vocational element to the course.
.Q. Will Universities and employers accept BTECs?
Some colleges will accept BTECs. Different colleges have different entry requirements however and we would always advise you to contact the colleges before making your choices to make sure you are on a pathway that will progress to the right course for you beyond Unity. Students wishing to progress to Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC Nationals will need a Distinction or Merit overall in the Diploma.
Employers accept BTEC as they have been specially designed to cover aspects of knowledge, understanding and competency necessary for employment within the sector.
Q. What are the core subjects?
The core subjects are Mathematics, English Language and Science.
Q. Why does everyone have to study PE, iD and ICT?
All students are required to take ICT, iD and PE as these are statutory requirements laid down by the government. The iD course is built around the statutory RE, Citizenship and PSCE provision.
Q. Will I get my first choices?
We aim to give students five of their seven chosen subjects. This is why it is important to rank your choices as we try to ensure that you get your top five choices.
Q. What happens if I don't get my chosen subjects?
On the rare occasion that we are unable to offer students their chosen subjects we would then meet with each individual student to discuss the best options available to them.
Q. I'm not sure what's best - what do I do?
Talk to your teachers and your parents, they will help you decide.
Q. Can I get a hardcopy of the Options pack?
In an attempt to be greener and speed up the processing all of the options information and the submission form are available online. If you don’t have access to the internet from home then contact the college and ask to speak to Miss Gerrard. Arrangements can be made for you to come into college and submit your application.
In extenuating circumstances we may be able to provide a printed pack, but we hope that parents and students will consider the environment and only ask for printed packs if absolutely necessary.
Q. When is the deadline to submit my choices?
The deadline is 27th February 2013
Q. Will making choices now limit my career options in the future?
The core subjects that you do, including English, Maths and Science and ICT, give you everything you need to keep nearly all career options open. Specific subject choices tend to become more important at further education level.