BTEC Versus GCSE

Sp!ke · 3 Mar 2006 at 12:56

No not a who would win in a fight thread.......

well not exactly.

How are BTEC's looked apon by employers and universities in comparison to GCSE? My son is at the stage where he needs to make the choice what to study for the next 2 years and tbh although the school is great their guidance is a little lacking on this.

Is a BTEC really the equivalent of 2 GCSE's?

And what about Media BTEC? is it worthwhile?

Its changed so much since I was at school I'm a little lost how to help him. Googling brings loads of info but I'm after opinion from students as well, rather than the percieved wisdom of some of the so called experts who seem to conflict with each other :rolleyes:

Goodie · 3 Mar 2006 at 12:59

Do you mean Btec against A-level mate?

Personally I did a btec in sports science a few years back an i got straight into the uni that i wanted doing the course that i wanted. No problems

Personally i would say it depends more what you are wanting to study at uni, compared to which is the best.

VeNT · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:00

Btec is = 2 Alevels but its not that straightforward for employers
I'd rather employ someone who'ed done a C&G or Btec in somthing than one A Level in that and another 3 in unrelated areas

Lt. Manlove · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:03

I think it depends on what your son ultimately wants to do in the end.

Sp!ke · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:06

Goodie said:
Do you mean Btec against A-level mate?

Personally I did a btec in sports science a few years back an i got straight into the uni that i wanted doing the course that i wanted. No problems

Personally i would say it depends more what you are wanting to study at uni, compared to which is the best.

Nope GCSE, my son has the choice of picking 4 GCSE's (in addition to the core subjects) or 2 GCSE's and a BTEC.

(He want's to go on to study for an audio technology degree, one of his choices is Music and technology, first at GCSE then A Level)

VeNT · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:06

go for GCSEs at that level. leaves more options open

Sp!ke · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:07

VeNT said:
Btec is = 2 Alevels but its not that straightforward for employers
I'd rather employ someone who'ed done a C&G or Btec in somthing than one A Level in that and another 3 in unrelated areas

Hmm thanks VeNT, that's the way I was leaning as well......

LynnieLeigh · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:08

Sp!ke said:
Nope GCSE, my son has the choice of picking 4 GCSE's (in addition to the core subjects) or 2 GCSE's and a BTEC.

(He want's to go on to study for an audio technology degree, one of his choices is Music and technology, first at GCSE then A Level)

It will depend on the subject. Some subjects that are more practical prefer BTEC, where as other prefer GCSE.

VeNT · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:11

Sp!ke said:
Hmm thanks VeNT, that's the way I was leaning as well......

if he wants to progress higher up its EASYER with A levels tho, sadly some UNIs don't take people who did Btecs or put them lower down the list compaired to A level students

Phantom · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:12

VTEC > BTEC

VeNT · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:14

tbh
go for music etc with GCSEs, then go do Music, Music Tech + another at college with A Levels, the Music/tech crossover is good cos you have to be able to play for both, get him to learn piano atleast to grade 2 and he'll be laughing

Sp!ke · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:27

VeNT said:
if he wants to progress higher up its EASYER with A levels tho, sadly some UNIs don't take people who did Btecs or put them lower down the list compaired to A level students

This is choice for year 10 and at he's intending to stay on for 6th form and A levels so it looks like the best of both worlds then.

VeNT said:
tbh
go for music etc with GCSEs, then go do Music, Music Tech + another at college with A Levels, the Music/tech crossover is good cos you have to be able to play for both, get him to learn piano atleast to grade 2 and he'll be laughing

The only choice he has made so far is Music and Technology (combined)

which he wants to do as an A level at sixth form later on (with music as you said!) His keyboard standard is fair, certainly not grade 2 but that shouldn't be a problem to get himself up to speed.

Thanks for the input

Sp!ke · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:32

Phantom said:
VTEC > BTEC

Rotter... I almost googled that before I twigged

S

Rich1988 · 3 Mar 2006 at 13:36

Im going with a levels and btec ^^ doing 3 as levels atm next year doing 1 a level and two as then doing a btec in computing if im not to old