What is BTEC?
The BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) Level 3 Diploma is a further education and vocational qualifications taken in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These qualifications are recognized and awarded by Pearson within the BTEC brand and are equivalent to A-levels. Pearson is a global leader in education, working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives by providing learning materials, technologies, assessments and services.
The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology (IT) and Business qualifications are designed to provide highly specialist, work-related courses in a range of vocational sectors. They give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. The qualifications provide career development opportunities for those already in work, and progression opportunities to higher education, degree and professional development programmes within the same or related areas of study, within universities and other institutions.
On successful completion of a BTEC level 3 qualification, a learner can progress to or within employment and/or continue their study in the same, or related vocational area.
Why BTEC?
BTEC qualifications have been developed to provide specialized work-related qualifications in a range of areas. The courses offered are practical (hands-on) which provide the opportunity for learners to complete examinable assignments/assessments and activities on realistic situations linked to related working environments. These qualifications give learners a good feel of what it’s like to be in the real field, developing communications skills, numeric, time management and teamwork skills. There is no formal examination for these qualifications.
It’s important to note that, 74% of employers want new hires with practical knowledge and skills combined, 90% of BTEC students are employed full-time after graduating and 1 in 4 students who went to university in 2017 had a BTEC. You can’t argue with numbers like these. It’s an effective path into the career you’ve always wanted. So choose BTEC – because BTEC Works. (source: London Economics 10 May 2013 report)
BTEC Assessments
BTEC courses give credits for work completed based on units covered. Each unit has a specified number of credits. These credits are transferrable to other schools offering the same qualifications and are achieved after successful completion of project-based assignments at Distinction, Merit or Pass grade. All course units are to be completed within a period of 2 years.
Mode of assessment vary according to the type and level of course. Assessments can be through a variety of methods and will reflect what has been achieved during the course (diary notes, reports, videos clips, presentations, photographs, etc)
A large proportion, if not all of the course, is internally assessed but externally verified by external verifiers from UK. Each BTEC qualification (IT and Business) is verified twice a year. It is therefore essential that learners keep a portfolio of assessment evidences for external verification. These evidences demonstrate what learners have learnt to be looked at during both internal and external verification.
Benefits of BTEC qualifications
Pearson’s BTEC qualifications are recognized by leading universities, recognized professional bodies and international employers. Whatever your career aspirations, BTEC can help you achieve them. By choosing BTEC you will:
- Benefit from a flexible course structure that blends subject theory with practical application.
- Develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in a 21st century global ICT and business environment.
- Gain an internationally recognized qualification that is accepted by leading universities in the world and employers.
- Gain improved study skills and have a wide range of optional practical units to choose from.
- Experience specialised studies directly relevant to your individual vocations and professions in which you are working or intend to seek employment.
- Acquire an educational foundation for a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
Who is this qualification for?
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT and Business qualifications areas intended to be offered based on learners’ interests in IT or Business. These qualifications are equivalent in size to 2 A- levels, to be completed in a period of 2 years on full-time basis.
BTEC entry and selection criteria
Students who wish to take BTEC at Light International School need to have achieved a Grade C or above in English and Mathematics and in the subject/s they intend to study.
BTEC Level 3 Information Technology (IT)
Active learning that builds confidence, competence, motivation and hands-on experience in the field of Information Technology.
BTEC Level 3 IT enables students to develop a range of specialist technical skills in computer repair/maintenance, web design, graphic design, computer networking, 3D animation and systems development (programming), relevant to the current requirements of the IT industry. The programme covers a broad range of computing principles and applications that may be encountered in modern businesses.
BTEC Level 3 Business
A combination of practical course that empower learners with skill-based qualifications in business studies.