What is BTEC vocational study?

BTEC Vocational qualifications are linked directly to the world of work. They are designed as a preparation for employment but are also recognised by most universities. Vocational courses at Coombe are offered at two different levels. Level 2 qualifications are one year courses and Level 3, two year courses. Students choose from the range of subjects detailed overleaf.

How is BTEC vocational study different from studying A Levels or the IB Diploma Programme?

BTEC Vocational study requires students to focus on one main area of study as opposed to the IB Diploma or A Level programmes. Whilst these courses are directly linked to the world of work they also allow students to progress on to further study in the same way as A Levels or the IB Diploma Programme. For example, Level 3 National Certificate courses are an equivalent value to two A Level courses and can be combined with a further A Level to enable students to progress to university should they wish to do so.

Advantages of BTEC vocational study

The ability to focus on a single subject area in a work-related way is very attractive to some students.The BTEC vocational qualifications that are available at Coombe are widely recognised and have a very high reputation with employers. It is also easy for students to continue their education at higher levels with these qualifications, progressing into foundation and honours degrees if they wish.A very important advantage for many students is that these courses are assessed in a modular coursework orientated way. This means that students can measure
their progress as they study and there are no exams as there would be with A level courses or the IB Diploma Programme.

What sorts of students are suited to BTEC vocational study?

These courses are ideal for students who have a sense of direction about the area of employment or further study that they would like to go into. This sort of student might not be attracted to studying the more abstract subjects that are available at A Level or within the IB Diploma Programme or simply might not want to study the range of subjects that is necessary with those qualifications. This type of study also suits students who are not confident in examinations and know that they perform better when assessed through coursework tasks.

What BTEC vocational courses are available at Coombe?

Level 2 courses
Art & Design
Business
Information Technology
Travel & Tourism
Media Studies

Level 3 courses
Media Studies
Travel and Tourism
Business Studies
Performing Arts