Live Life Team
Although it is not for a couple of years, you will be aware that your compulsory education finishes at the end of year 11. After that you are going to have to decide where to go next, so being aware of your options now is advisable as it gives you more time to decide.
You may well have heard the term BTEC, but not be quite sure what it means and whether it could be a good choice for you. In fact, BTEC is a qualification that was introduced so that you can be formally assessed and given a recognised qualification in subjects that are not offered in the form of ‘A’ levels. ‘A’ levels generally include what we call academic subjects, such as English, Mathematics, Sciences etc. However this is not the best choice for everyone and some of us prefer to learn more vocational subjects. These tend to be taught in a practical way, actually doing the job as you learn. For example, childcare, animal management and forestry are all offered at the moment.
Offered by the exam body, EDEXCEL, you can work through various levels of BTEC and provide evidence to lead to being awarded the BTEC ND (National Diploma), which is the same level as an ‘A’ level. Thanks largely to the length of time the BTEC has been around and the amount of press the qualification has been given, it is recognised by employers countrywide.
