‘Soft’ subjects – teachers POV and the truth about BTECS
Hi,
I am going to do a levels in approximately a year and my maths teacher told us this if we wanted to go to a good university we shouldn’t do btecs (I am in the top set in maths so that might be the reason for our teacher saying this). This did not make people very surprised because it is very likely that older people like their older brothers and sisters have already warned them about the dreaded ‘BTEC’.
People say that only stupid people take btecs, this is 99% true this is because 99% of people who take btecs take them because they do badly in exams and if a student does badly in exams they are considered ‘stupid’ which isn’t true but it is true because of how our school system works. The other 1% of students who take btecs take them because they want a vocational career when they are older.
The point is that if you want to go to a good university you should not just take btecs - this is true because how well you do in university is done on exams and as there are, no exams in btecs this shows that these type of people are not the most suitable for high-level university education. Some people may say that btecs do not stop you getting into a good university but it is true there are very few courses in high-level universities that except btecs.
Back on topic of ‘soft’ subjects.
Do you think that teachers should tell students that their subjects are 'soft' (I am not just talking about btecs, I am taking about things like business studies and law, things that students think look good but are not). For example, how my maths teacher told us. The problem about this is that no one will be taking subjects like law and this is unfair for law teachers and the like and very disrespectful for the subject as well because it isn't considered to be a good enough subject.
Alternatively, the teachers can just tell straight A and A* students but this is unfair because not everyone will know but this happened to me because apparently we are aiming to do well in education.
The thing is that students MOSTLY think about when taking subjects is that they want a well-paid job when they are older so they usually take subjects like law and all the sciences and end up after the first year with lots of low grades. For example 1 of friends wants to take law and economics for a level without maths or other essay subjects or other respected subjects because they are aiming for the 2 well-made jobs of either to be a lawyer (very well known for being a well-paying job) and economics for banking. This thing is that my friend is not the smartest and both subjects are very competitive especially without respected subjects and subjects like maths and English lit, (I do not even think he likes those subjects). He is just going for well-paying jobs and does not know the correct subjects anyway.
I only know about respected subjects because of TSR I would be like my friend if I had not found this website.
So what do you think teachers should do about the 'soft' subjects?
I am going to do a levels in approximately a year and my maths teacher told us this if we wanted to go to a good university we shouldn’t do btecs (I am in the top set in maths so that might be the reason for our teacher saying this). This did not make people very surprised because it is very likely that older people like their older brothers and sisters have already warned them about the dreaded ‘BTEC’.
People say that only stupid people take btecs, this is 99% true this is because 99% of people who take btecs take them because they do badly in exams and if a student does badly in exams they are considered ‘stupid’ which isn’t true but it is true because of how our school system works. The other 1% of students who take btecs take them because they want a vocational career when they are older.
The point is that if you want to go to a good university you should not just take btecs - this is true because how well you do in university is done on exams and as there are, no exams in btecs this shows that these type of people are not the most suitable for high-level university education. Some people may say that btecs do not stop you getting into a good university but it is true there are very few courses in high-level universities that except btecs.
Back on topic of ‘soft’ subjects.
Do you think that teachers should tell students that their subjects are 'soft' (I am not just talking about btecs, I am taking about things like business studies and law, things that students think look good but are not). For example, how my maths teacher told us. The problem about this is that no one will be taking subjects like law and this is unfair for law teachers and the like and very disrespectful for the subject as well because it isn't considered to be a good enough subject.
Alternatively, the teachers can just tell straight A and A* students but this is unfair because not everyone will know but this happened to me because apparently we are aiming to do well in education.
The thing is that students MOSTLY think about when taking subjects is that they want a well-paid job when they are older so they usually take subjects like law and all the sciences and end up after the first year with lots of low grades. For example 1 of friends wants to take law and economics for a level without maths or other essay subjects or other respected subjects because they are aiming for the 2 well-made jobs of either to be a lawyer (very well known for being a well-paying job) and economics for banking. This thing is that my friend is not the smartest and both subjects are very competitive especially without respected subjects and subjects like maths and English lit, (I do not even think he likes those subjects). He is just going for well-paying jobs and does not know the correct subjects anyway.
I only know about respected subjects because of TSR I would be like my friend if I had not found this website.
So what do you think teachers should do about the 'soft' subjects?
(edited 12 years ago)
Scroll to see replies
*Looks at her soft A level certificates... Media.... Art... Sociology"
*Looks at her delicious scholarship*
*Decides to ignore GCSE student's opinion*
There are hundreds of threads about BTecs and soft subjects already. In the real world, your subjects mean very little. People with soft subjects and Btecs have gone on to earn lots of money and be successful in life. Please use the search function before creating a new thread.
*Looks at her delicious scholarship*
*Decides to ignore GCSE student's opinion*
There are hundreds of threads about BTecs and soft subjects already. In the real world, your subjects mean very little. People with soft subjects and Btecs have gone on to earn lots of money and be successful in life. Please use the search function before creating a new thread.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Jed123
The thing that students MOSTLY think about when taking subjects is that they want a well-paid job when they are older so they usually take subjects like law and all the sciences and end up the first year with lots of low grades. For example 1 of friends wants to take law and economics without maths or other essay subjects or other respected subjects because they are aiming for the 2 well made jobs of either be a lawyer (very well know for being a well paying job) and economics for banking. This thing is that my friend isn’t the cleverest and both subjects are very competitive especially without respected subjects and subjects like maths and English lit (I don’t even think he likes those subjects). He is just going for well paying jobs and doesn’t know the correct subjects anyway.
The thing that students MOSTLY think about when taking subjects is that they want a well-paid job when they are older so they usually take subjects like law and all the sciences and end up the first year with lots of low grades. For example 1 of friends wants to take law and economics without maths or other essay subjects or other respected subjects because they are aiming for the 2 well made jobs of either be a lawyer (very well know for being a well paying job) and economics for banking. This thing is that my friend isn’t the cleverest and both subjects are very competitive especially without respected subjects and subjects like maths and English lit (I don’t even think he likes those subjects). He is just going for well paying jobs and doesn’t know the correct subjects anyway.
I completely disagree with the part I have bolded.
Also, your writing style is akin to drivel
Original post by Clip
I think there are several ways of looking at this, from a number of perspectives.
I think the primary point I want to make is that you are a clueless GCSE schoolie going on about things which you know nothing about.
I think the primary point I want to make is that you are a clueless GCSE schoolie going on about things which you know nothing about.
this, pure and simple. and the same goes for your mates.
Original post by NW86
Original post by NW86
I completely disagree with the part I have bolded.
Also, your writing style is akin to drivel
Also, your writing style is akin to drivel
if you don't think that younger students want a job that is well paid when they are older then you are obviously wrong because they definitely do
I stopped reading after the third paragraph because you don't even know what you're trying to say, you can't say 'this is true but this isn't true'. Which you say at least 3 times.
i.e
'this is 99% true this is because 99% of people who take btecs take them because they do badly in exams and if a student does badly in exams they are considered ‘stupid’ which isn’t true but it is true because of how our school system works'
So decide on the point you're trying to make here and back it up instead of switching between the two. I can see the point you're trying to make but overall your argument is incoherent and inconcise, which does little to help you.
i.e
'this is 99% true this is because 99% of people who take btecs take them because they do badly in exams and if a student does badly in exams they are considered ‘stupid’ which isn’t true but it is true because of how our school system works'
So decide on the point you're trying to make here and back it up instead of switching between the two. I can see the point you're trying to make but overall your argument is incoherent and inconcise, which does little to help you.
(edited 12 years ago)
Sure, if you want to go to a Russel group uni to do history, it's probably not worth your while doing a Btec. But even if you do decide to do one it probably won't stand in your way, provided you have other, traditional A levels.
If you want to do a technical or vocational degree, or HND, or something like Art or theatre, the respective Btecs are probably the best and most relevant pre-university courses you could do.
It really is that simple.
Don't denigrate other people's life choices. I want to do Classics at uni - a "respected degree", but chances are there are people doing IT Btecs going into Comp Sci degrees who are probably going to be earning more than me in four years.
but at the end of the day, who the hell are you to tell people what to do with their lives?
If you want to do a technical or vocational degree, or HND, or something like Art or theatre, the respective Btecs are probably the best and most relevant pre-university courses you could do.
It really is that simple.
Don't denigrate other people's life choices. I want to do Classics at uni - a "respected degree", but chances are there are people doing IT Btecs going into Comp Sci degrees who are probably going to be earning more than me in four years. but at the end of the day, who the hell are you to tell people what to do with their lives?
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Existentialistic
Original post by Existentialistic
I did a BTEC certificate in engineering along side physics, maths and further maths at A level. The result? AAA with a Distinction in the BTEC, and I'm now studying a very respectable subject at a very respectable university. I must admit though, I'm terrible at exams... Oh wait.
i'm talking about people who only do btecs
Original post by Jed123
if you don't think that younger students want a job that is well paid when they are older then you are obviously wrong because they definitely do
I've never wanted a well paid job, just one that I will enjoy and earn enough to live on.
Original post by Jed123
Hi,
I am going to do my a levels in approximately a year and my maths teacher told us this if we wanted to go to a good university we shouldn’t do btecs (I am in the top set in maths so that might be the reason for our teacher saying this). This didn’t make people very surprised because it is very likely that older people like their older brothers and sisters have already warned them about the dreaded ‘BTEC’.
People say that only stupid people take btecs, this is 99% true this is because 99% of people who take btecs take them because they do badly in exams and if a student does badly in exams they are considered ‘stupid’ which isn’t true but it is true because of how our school system works. The other 1% of student who do btecs take them because they want a vocational career when they are older.
The point of if is that if you want to go to a good university you shouldn’t take btecs - this is true because: how well you do in university is done on exams and as there are no exams in btecs this shows that these type of people aren’t the most suitable for high level university education. Some people may say that btecs don’t stop you getting into a good university but it is true there are very few courses in high level universities that except btecs.
Back on topic of ‘soft’ subjects.
Do you think that teachers should tell students that their subjects are 'soft' (I’m not just talking about btecs, I am taking about things like business studies and law, things that students think look good but aren't). For example, how my maths teacher told us. The problem about this is that no one will be taking subjects like law and this is unfair for law teachers and the like and very disrespectful for the subject as well because it isn't considered to be a good enough subject.
Or just tell straight A and A* students but this is unfair because not everyone will know but this happened to me because apperently we are aiming to do well in education.
The thing is that students MOSTLY think about when taking subjects is that they want a well-paid job when they are older so they usually take subjects like law and all the sciences and end up after the first year with lots of low grades. For example 1 of friends wants to take law and economics for a level without maths or other essay subjects or other respected subjects because they are aiming for the 2 well made jobs of either to be a lawyer (very well know for being a well paying job) and economics for banking. This thing is that my friend isn’t the cleverest and both subjects are very competitive especially without respected subjects and subjects like maths and English lit (I don’t even think he likes those subjects). He is just going for well paying jobs and doesn’t know the correct subjects anyway.
I only know about respected subjects because of tsr i would be like my friend if i hadn't foud this website.
So what do you think teachers should do about the 'soft' subjects?
I am going to do my a levels in approximately a year and my maths teacher told us this if we wanted to go to a good university we shouldn’t do btecs (I am in the top set in maths so that might be the reason for our teacher saying this). This didn’t make people very surprised because it is very likely that older people like their older brothers and sisters have already warned them about the dreaded ‘BTEC’.
People say that only stupid people take btecs, this is 99% true this is because 99% of people who take btecs take them because they do badly in exams and if a student does badly in exams they are considered ‘stupid’ which isn’t true but it is true because of how our school system works. The other 1% of student who do btecs take them because they want a vocational career when they are older.
The point of if is that if you want to go to a good university you shouldn’t take btecs - this is true because: how well you do in university is done on exams and as there are no exams in btecs this shows that these type of people aren’t the most suitable for high level university education. Some people may say that btecs don’t stop you getting into a good university but it is true there are very few courses in high level universities that except btecs.
Back on topic of ‘soft’ subjects.
Do you think that teachers should tell students that their subjects are 'soft' (I’m not just talking about btecs, I am taking about things like business studies and law, things that students think look good but aren't). For example, how my maths teacher told us. The problem about this is that no one will be taking subjects like law and this is unfair for law teachers and the like and very disrespectful for the subject as well because it isn't considered to be a good enough subject.
Or just tell straight A and A* students but this is unfair because not everyone will know but this happened to me because apperently we are aiming to do well in education.
The thing is that students MOSTLY think about when taking subjects is that they want a well-paid job when they are older so they usually take subjects like law and all the sciences and end up after the first year with lots of low grades. For example 1 of friends wants to take law and economics for a level without maths or other essay subjects or other respected subjects because they are aiming for the 2 well made jobs of either to be a lawyer (very well know for being a well paying job) and economics for banking. This thing is that my friend isn’t the cleverest and both subjects are very competitive especially without respected subjects and subjects like maths and English lit (I don’t even think he likes those subjects). He is just going for well paying jobs and doesn’t know the correct subjects anyway.
I only know about respected subjects because of tsr i would be like my friend if i hadn't foud this website.
So what do you think teachers should do about the 'soft' subjects?
Economics is a very well regarded subject. Don't know about Law.
If you want to do Econ at uni, you need Maths A Level.
This is the problem with specialising too early tbh. I didn't know till late last year (currently in year 13) that Economics needed maths A Level because it wasnt until then that I decided what I wanted to do with life (fair enough, I was barely 17). Luckily, I was taking maths A Level, but if I hadn't, I would've been screwed.
American system ftw.
Original post by Jed123
H
So what do you think teachers should do about the 'soft' subjects?
So what do you think teachers should do about the 'soft' subjects?
You need some help.
How can you talk about something when you neither have done it or understand it?Just for some extra information some BTEC do have exams.
PS if you didn't know University of Oxford accept them
Original post by Jed123
I only know about respected subjects because of tsr i would be like my friend if i hadn't foud this website.
So what do you think teachers should do about the 'soft' subjects?
I only know about respected subjects because of tsr i would be like my friend if i hadn't foud this website.
So what do you think teachers should do about the 'soft' subjects?
You are missing one crucial piece of information.
That 99% of what is said on TSR is total nonsense.
Original post by NightWatch
Original post by NightWatch
I stopped reading after the third paragraph because you don't even know what you're trying to say, you can't say 'this is true but this isn't true'. Which you say at least 3 times.
i.e
'this is 99% true this is because 99% of people who take btecs take them because they do badly in exams and if a student does badly in exams they are considered ‘stupid’ which isn’t true but it is true because of how our school system works'
So decide on the point you're trying to make here and back it up instead of switching between the two. I can see the point you're trying to make but overall your argument is incoherent and inconcise, which does little to help you.
i.e
'this is 99% true this is because 99% of people who take btecs take them because they do badly in exams and if a student does badly in exams they are considered ‘stupid’ which isn’t true but it is true because of how our school system works'
So decide on the point you're trying to make here and back it up instead of switching between the two. I can see the point you're trying to make but overall your argument is incoherent and inconcise, which does little to help you.
i'm not exactly a good essay writer
A Level subjects: Double Art, Health and Social Care and History
University: University of Leeds, BA History
I fail to see your point. 'Soft' subjects are not the be all and end all.
University: University of Leeds, BA History
I fail to see your point. 'Soft' subjects are not the be all and end all.
Original post by Jed123
i'm talking about people who only do btecs
Then it's even clearer that you have no idea what you are talking about. Some of the people I went to college with (who did a BTEC national diploma, ie the full 3 A-level equivalent) were far more suited to studying technical degrees than the people in my A-level maths class.
I'm not going to try and defend certain areas of subjects that, understandably, have a certain stigma to them. But making sweeping statements such as "99% of people who study BTEC's are stupid" and "there are no exams in btecs this shows that these type of people aren’t the most suitable for high level university education" makes you look very ignorant and extremely arrogant. You are, after all, still in high school.
Original post by Silkysam
I've never wanted a well paid job, just one that I will enjoy and earn enough to live on.
ok you may not be like that but think about it why do so many people apply for law and things like medicine and dentistry, they may like the subjects but it's mainly for the money. but they won't admit this.
Original post by Jed123
things like medicine and dentistry, they may like the subjects but it's mainly for the money. but they won't admit this.
A prestigious and well respected career tha is about helping people?!
I don't think you realise that many many people aren't just chasing a paycheck
Original post by Existentialistic
Then it's even clearer that you have no idea what you are talking about. Some of the people I went to college with (who did a BTEC national diploma, ie the full 3 A-level equivalent) were far more suited to studying technical degrees than the people in my A-level maths class.
I'm not going to try and defend certain areas of subjects that, understandably, have a certain stigma to them. But making sweeping statements such as "99% of people who study BTEC's are stupid" and "there are no exams in btecs this shows that these type of people aren’t the most suitable for high level university education" makes you look very ignorant and extremely arrogant. You are, after all, still in high school.
I'm not going to try and defend certain areas of subjects that, understandably, have a certain stigma to them. But making sweeping statements such as "99% of people who study BTEC's are stupid" and "there are no exams in btecs this shows that these type of people aren’t the most suitable for high level university education" makes you look very ignorant and extremely arrogant. You are, after all, still in high school.
i didn't mean to say that people who take btecs are stupid i mean that if someone does badly in exams they are considered stupid but they are not. this is just how our education systems works its done on exams not coursework
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Jed123
ok you may not be like that but think about it why do so many people apply for law and things like medicine and dentistry, they may like the subjects but it's mainly for the money. but they won't admit this.
What do you want to do at uni?
If you say medicine or dentistry I will facepalm.
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