Are BTECs for the people who aren't smart enough to do A Levels?
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Here is a breakdown of the different levels on the NQF
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Qualifications_Framework
Notice that Level 3 includes AS levels, A levels, and various other qualifications, but it's important to remember that the higher up the list, the better the qualification, even within the separate levels.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Qualifications_Framework
Notice that Level 3 includes AS levels, A levels, and various other qualifications, but it's important to remember that the higher up the list, the better the qualification, even within the separate levels.
ak56
The choice of BTEC courses on offer appear substantially less rigerious than what is available at A Level, for example, things such as Games Development, which I can only imagine is little more than pissing around with a few 2D games and at the end of it getting a qualification that is supossedly worth 3 A Levels - what a total farce!
I suppose if you're lazy and uninterested in academics, but still want to pretend to be qualified, then the BTEC system is a dream, but if like me you are highly academic, wish to get somewhere in life and have real qualifications to go along with it, then the A Level system is the only way to go.
In fairness, I don't believe the BTEC system should be completely dropped, however I think it should be there to serve the lower academically able people, and anyone doing a Level 3 BTEC should be expected to do a least one A Level alongside it.
I suppose if you're lazy and uninterested in academics, but still want to pretend to be qualified, then the BTEC system is a dream, but if like me you are highly academic, wish to get somewhere in life and have real qualifications to go along with it, then the A Level system is the only way to go.
In fairness, I don't believe the BTEC system should be completely dropped, however I think it should be there to serve the lower academically able people, and anyone doing a Level 3 BTEC should be expected to do a least one A Level alongside it.
Ugh, you prententious, snotty, puffed-up *****. BTECs are geared towards a vocation and are more specialised than A Levels. I respect people who go onto any kind of further education; A Levels aren't the be-all and end-all. Just because you can't see further than the end of your nose, it doesn't mean everything that isn't academic is useless.
jammy66
.. My main work hopefully if i stay in this country is to do studies on foxes to finally bring an end to the vile, bloodthirsty so-called sport. It doesn't at all. Oh i do know, but i know people who got high grades in them & they are off to do science degrees, so just as an example.
Honestly?
I don't give a **** about the foxes. The natural, green environment is more important.
We can survive without foxes but we can't survive without trees.
8086
Far too many posts to read so i'll just comment on the OP having not read any others, lol.
BTECs are NOT worth less than A-levels. Well, it depends what level you take, I guess. A level 3 is technically roughly equivalent I believe.
Personally, I took AS levels but didn't do too well. Not because I wasn't smart enough, but because of personal problems. So I left the 6th form I was at, and took a BTEC HNC in electronics, which was so much better! It is level 5 too which means I haven't lost time as I am now entering the BEng Hons degree in year 2 with it.
So I think I have proven that BTECs are not for stupid people. They also are not just for plumbers and mechanics, lol.
BTECs are NOT worth less than A-levels. Well, it depends what level you take, I guess. A level 3 is technically roughly equivalent I believe.
Personally, I took AS levels but didn't do too well. Not because I wasn't smart enough, but because of personal problems. So I left the 6th form I was at, and took a BTEC HNC in electronics, which was so much better! It is level 5 too which means I haven't lost time as I am now entering the BEng Hons degree in year 2 with it.
So I think I have proven that BTECs are not for stupid people. They also are not just for plumbers and mechanics, lol.
They are worth less than A-levels, e.g. many of the top universities do not accept them.
Btw, your opinion isn't worth that much as you're obviously biased - at least I'm impartial.
I'm going to dive in again here and ask people to consider this theory.
BTECs are social engineering tools. They are there to give mobility to those from less privileged backgrounds. Those from wealthier backgrounds are always going to be encouraged to take A levels by their parents, who are well versed with academia themselves and may scoff at the idea of their child doing what is seen as a second-rate qualification. Those from poorer backgrounds are much more likely to take BTECs, and are thus given an easier ride to university. There is nothing to stop exceptions, but it is always likely to be this way.
BTECs are social engineering tools. They are there to give mobility to those from less privileged backgrounds. Those from wealthier backgrounds are always going to be encouraged to take A levels by their parents, who are well versed with academia themselves and may scoff at the idea of their child doing what is seen as a second-rate qualification. Those from poorer backgrounds are much more likely to take BTECs, and are thus given an easier ride to university. There is nothing to stop exceptions, but it is always likely to be this way.
I am not sure if I am qualified to answer this question as I am doing just A-levels and never experienced learning BTEC course before. However, I wouldn't say BTEC is only for those who aren't smart enough to do A-levels. Eveyrthing is there for a purpose. I admit that often people who go do BTEC are those who would not be able to do as well at A-levels - my boyfriend for example. But I believe that it is pretty much about personal preference. My boyfriend didn't have much choice of what he could study as he didn't do well at his GCSEs so he has to go to a college and does vocational course. Right now he found out he wants to be an architect but it's not very possible for him to go to 6th form and do Physics, Maths or whatever that students who have the same dream as him would do. So, he goes for BTEC in Construction and he loves it. Some people prefer study to be more practical and not like exams and exams. He also gets to do some work experience with professional architecs in local area.
I agree that some unis might not pay enough attention to his qualification and not regard it as qualified as A-levels, however, ********* of people still got into GOOD unis with BTEC. and after their degree they got good jobs.
Different people have different way to go. Different course also gives diffferent learning experience. It's not much about what qualification you have, it's more about what you do with it and how do you have in your head at the end of the day.
I agree that some unis might not pay enough attention to his qualification and not regard it as qualified as A-levels, however, ********* of people still got into GOOD unis with BTEC. and after their degree they got good jobs.
Different people have different way to go. Different course also gives diffferent learning experience. It's not much about what qualification you have, it's more about what you do with it and how do you have in your head at the end of the day.
8086
No, it's called personal experience. A BTEC meant that I could get onto a degree course that I would otherwise have had to use A-levels for. Simple as that really.
Edit: I'm guessing you took A-levels? Perhaps you are a bigot?
Edit: I'm guessing you took A-levels? Perhaps you are a bigot?
No, I'm not a bigot.
And no, I haven't started A-levels yet.
The fact is, if a person wanted to get into Imperial, a BTEC would be worthless to them.
Hence A-levels > BTECs.
If BTECs were so amazing, Oxbridge and all the top universities would accept them. Alas, they don't.
im so academic
No, I'm not a bigot.
And no, I haven't started A-levels yet.
The fact is, if a person wanted to get into Imperial, a BTEC would be worthless to them.
Hence A-levels > BTECs.
If BTECs were so amazing, Oxbridge and all the top universities would accept them. Alas, they don't.
And no, I haven't started A-levels yet.
The fact is, if a person wanted to get into Imperial, a BTEC would be worthless to them.
Hence A-levels > BTECs.
If BTECs were so amazing, Oxbridge and all the top universities would accept them. Alas, they don't.
Not everyone wants to go to Oxbridge/Imperial though, the idea of BTECs is for people who don't want to take the academic route. Don't you start your GCSEs next week?
im so academic
No, I'm not a bigot.
And no, I haven't started A-levels yet.
The fact is, if a person wanted to get into Imperial, a BTEC would be worthless to them.
Hence A-levels > BTECs.
If BTECs were so amazing, Oxbridge and all the top universities would accept them. Alas, they don't.
And no, I haven't started A-levels yet.
The fact is, if a person wanted to get into Imperial, a BTEC would be worthless to them.
Hence A-levels > BTECs.
If BTECs were so amazing, Oxbridge and all the top universities would accept them. Alas, they don't.
Ah, perhaps bigot is too strong a word then. Ignorant maybe?
There's more than three universities in this country, several of which would be happy to let someone use a BTEC (dependant on level!) to gain access to an academic degree course. The 'top' universities can afford to be picky, and with the mindset that you and many other people have about BTECs, this is not going to change any time soon.
Anyway, the whole premise of this thread is that BTECs are for less academic people who aren't bright enough to do A-levels. A point that I have disproven with the fact that I'm now entering an academic degree course (in year 2, no less), using a BTEC at level 5.
You have a lot to learn. There is more to life than academia.
Xavi06
I wouldn't recommend any1 who is smart to do BTEC
I'm smart and I got where I wanted to
I'm going to university on Saturday SilverDoe21
Ugh, you prententious, snotty, puffed-up *****. BTECs are geared towards a vocation and are more specialised than A Levels. I respect people who go onto any kind of further education; A Levels aren't the be-all and end-all. Just because you can't see further than the end of your nose, it doesn't mean everything that isn't academic is useless.
Couldn't agree more! My friend and I studied health and social care at level 3, which she's gone onto to study early year at uni and I'm studying Nursing. H&SC was really helpful for me as I understand the basics of care. It has massively increased my confidence and skills which I thought I would never gained. It also influenced my choice in career.
8086
Ah, perhaps bigot is too strong a word then. Ignorant maybe?
There's more than three universities in this country, several of which would be happy to let someone use a BTEC (dependant on level!) to gain access to an academic degree course. The 'top' universities can afford to be picky, and with the mindset that you and many other people have about BTECs, this is not going to change any time soon.
Anyway, the whole premise of this thread is that BTECs are for less academic people who aren't bright enough to do A-levels. A point that I have disproven with the fact that I'm now entering an academic degree course (in year 2, no less), using a BTEC at level 5.
You have a lot to learn. There is more to life than academia.
There's more than three universities in this country, several of which would be happy to let someone use a BTEC (dependant on level!) to gain access to an academic degree course. The 'top' universities can afford to be picky, and with the mindset that you and many other people have about BTECs, this is not going to change any time soon.
Anyway, the whole premise of this thread is that BTECs are for less academic people who aren't bright enough to do A-levels. A point that I have disproven with the fact that I'm now entering an academic degree course (in year 2, no less), using a BTEC at level 5.
You have a lot to learn. There is more to life than academia.
Still the fact that the top universities prefer A-levels than BTECs shows that A-levels are better than BTECs.
im so academic
Still the fact that the top universities prefer A-levels than BTECs shows that A-levels are better than BTECs.
I think it really shows that the top universities are aware of their position and feel that they can have entry requirements that exclude all but those who took the normal route.
It's more a reflection on the university than on the qualification.
They fail to see the person behind the qualification, as taking a BTEC doesn't mean that the applicant is any less capable than one that took A-levels!
The point is, BTEC does not equal stupid, and A-level does not equal clever.
8086
I think it really shows that the top universities are aware of their position and feel that they can have entry requirements that exclude all but those who took the normal route.
It's more a reflection on the university than on the qualification.
They fail to see the person behind the qualification, as taking a BTEC doesn't mean that the applicant is any less capable than one that took A-levels!
The point is, BTEC does not equal stupid, and A-level does not equal clever.
It's more a reflection on the university than on the qualification.
They fail to see the person behind the qualification, as taking a BTEC doesn't mean that the applicant is any less capable than one that took A-levels!
The point is, BTEC does not equal stupid, and A-level does not equal clever.
Universities believe that *certain* A-levels are only suitable for their courses. If a BTEC applicant isn't any less capable than one that took A-levels, they would accept BTECs, wouldn't they?
No, top universities want applicants that have done certain A-levels; hence the lesser universities get the worst of the pile in terms of qualifications.
You would NOT see a person who did A*A*A* In Maths, Further Maths and Physics at Thames Valley, honestly?
8086
Ah, perhaps bigot is too strong a word then. Ignorant maybe?
Nope, bigot works just fine. Considering the way that im so academic has gone through this thread just ignoring what others have said and refused to listen, basing her knowledge on one simple fact, I'd use bigot as the correct word.
im so academic
Still the fact that the top universities prefer A-levels than BTECs shows that A-levels are better than BTECs.
Bullsh*t. You say you're unbiased, but you very much are. You might not have a vested interest, but your posts are so very much biased in the favour of elitist universities (ie the mindset that the best universities are the ones that everyone wants to get into).
You seem to forget that getting an education in a natural science or a humanities degree does not make the world go round. Whilst Cambridge might be one of the best universities in what it teaches, the reason it gives as to why it doesn't accept BTECs is that they're more vocational, thus meaning that the back-to-basics education that most Cambridge courses give requires advanced knowledge of the basics, whilst BTECs tend not to teach these. It doesn't make BTECs less valid - just that they don't suit the Cambridge teaching style.
If you want to hear why I might be more unbiased than yourself - I started my A levels today and will be applying for Cambridge. Unlike yourself, I see BTECs as useful qualifications for those who are less academically minded - there are something like 30 million working people in the UK at the moment, and a very large proportion of them are doing jobs that are essential for the economy, yet would not be covered by Cambridge courses. They aren't the be all and end all, and for many people (who would be able to go to Cambridge should they tried) BTECs are a far more rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Personally, I have no worries about whether they are 'better' or 'worse' than A levels - they're certainly a lot less academic than A levels but they have similar workloads. Neither qualification is about raw intelligence - that's what IQ tests are for, and for the most part A levels are just about properly learning what's in the syllabus - and if you think they're intrinsically harder or better than BTECs you're severely misguided. Top universities don't accept BTECs because they don't fit with the teaching style, and would leave students at a massive disadvantage. Does that make the qualification more or less worthwhile? Of course not.
im so academic
Universities believe that *certain* A-levels are only suitable for their courses.
Ta-dah.
im so academic
If a BTEC applicant isn't any less capable than one that took A-levels, they would accept BTECs, wouldn't they?
If a BTEC applicant isn't any less capable than one that took A-levels, they would accept BTECs, wouldn't they?
It makes no difference what the unis accept, you can't say that someone is less capable because they took a BTEC and not A-levels.
im so academic
No, top universities want applicants that have done certain A-levels; hence the lesser universities get the worst of the pile in terms of qualifications.
No, top universities want applicants that have done certain A-levels; hence the lesser universities get the worst of the pile in terms of qualifications.
Lesser universities? You know that when you have a degree, nobody actually cares where it's from. Unless you go shouting about how you went to Oxbridge, which I can totally see you doing, by the way.
im so academic
You would NOT see a person who did A*A*A* In Maths, Further Maths and Physics at Thames Valley, honestly?
You would NOT see a person who did A*A*A* In Maths, Further Maths and Physics at Thames Valley, honestly?
Why not? Maybe they like the course structure? Perhaps they know other people who are going there? Maybe it's just more convenient?
How about looking at the individual instead of making sweeping judgements? This is what the 'top' universities do, and seeing as you're so in love with Oxbridge from your other posts, I can understand why you might see things the same. And you have the cheek to say i'm biased. lol.
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