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BTEC/A-Level options

Hi

Is it wise to do both a Level 3 extended diploma AND a maths a level?

I want to do both, and I'm going to be doing them both over 3 years instead of the standard 2.

Thanks!
Reply 1
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Compost
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The equivalent of 4 A levels over 3 years ought to be perfectly achievable - is this plan something you've discussed with your college?

Alternately, you could do the lot in 2 years or do a 2 A level sized BTEC plus Maths A level in 2 years
Reply 2
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15977emily
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Original post by Compost
The equivalent of 4 A levels over 3 years ought to be perfectly achievable - is this plan something you've discussed with your college?

Alternately, you could do the lot in 2 years or do a 2 A level sized BTEC plus Maths A level in 2 years

I have an EHCP (right to education for free until 25) hence why I want do do it over 3 years! The BTEC is completely course work and I want to do it as an extended diploma so I can go to uni if I want. I'm only taking maths as I love it! Exams aren't really a priority as I just want to study it!

I'm planning on going to 2 colleges (under my EHCP I'm allowed), so I think they'd be on board?
One word of caution as an admissions tutor if you want to go to university.

I sometimes see applicants with mixtures of BTECs and A levels. This is fine, in theory. However, UK university offers are usually based on 3 A levels or equivalent. So a level 3 BTEC is equivalent, but then your A level grade may not count towards your offer as you are doing the total equivalent of 4 A levels. In other words, your A level may be wasted effort in terms of university offers.

There are still good reasons to study maths A level, but just be aware of this potential issue.
(edited 2 years ago)
Reply 4
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Original post by 15977emily
I have an EHCP (right to education for free until 25) hence why I want do do it over 3 years! The BTEC is completely course work and I want to do it as an extended diploma so I can go to uni if I want. I'm only taking maths as I love it! Exams aren't really a priority as I just want to study it!

I'm planning on going to 2 colleges (under my EHCP I'm allowed), so I think they'd be on board?

You might be allowed to attend 2 colleges but it doesn't mean that what you want to do will timetable - you can't be in 2 places at once. Be aware this may be an issue.

BTECs aren't my specialist area but I thought they were now all required to include some from of external assessment. Again, it's no big deal, it's just that one of the units might involve an exam.
Reply 5
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15977emily
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Original post by Compost
You might be allowed to attend 2 colleges but it doesn't mean that what you want to do will timetable - you can't be in 2 places at once. Be aware this may be an issue.

BTECs aren't my specialist area but I thought they were now all required to include some from of external assessment. Again, it's no big deal, it's just that one of the units might involve an exam.

Thank you! I believe it will timetable (1place Mon/Tues and another Wedns/Thurs/Fri).
I will be attending a specialist autism school, so the exam board actually swap the exam to externally assessed coursework. (Thankfully!)
Reply 6
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15977emily
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Original post by chazwomaq
One word of caution as an admissions tutor if you want to go to university.

I sometimes see applicants with mixtures of BTECs and A levels. This is fine, in theory. However, UK university offers are usually based on 3 A levels or equivalent. So a level 3 BTEC is equivalent, but then your A level grade may not count towards your offer as you are doing the total equivalent of 4 A levels. In other words, your A level may be wasted effort in terms of university offers.

There are still good reasons to study maths A level, but just be aware of this potential issue.

Thank you!
Would a uni look down if I did the A-Level as well? Like not offer me a place because I did an A-Level as well?
I might not take the final exam, but I planning on taking the course as I have a specialist interest in maths!
Original post by 15977emily
Would a uni look down if I did the A-Level as well? Like not offer me a place because I did an A-Level as well?

No, not at all. It's just that any offer might not involve the A level.
Reply 8
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15977emily
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Original post by chazwomaq
No, not at all. It's just that any offer might not involve the A level.

Oh ok! That's completely fine then! I'm only taking the course because I love the exam, and might not even take the final exam.

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