BTEC Booklet 2021

THE BRITISH SCHOOL AL KHUBAIRAT

HANDBOOK 2020/2021

BTEC

RATED OUTSTANDING BY ADEK AND BRITISH SCHOOLS OVERSEAS

OUR SCHOOL The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. From Nursery to A Level (3 – 18) our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.

OUR VISION Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a world-class British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectations.

OUR VALUES Empathy and Care | Respect and Inclusivity Honesty and Integrity | Endeavour and Resilience

CONTENTS Our School, Our Vision Welcome From The Head of BTEC Key Facts 2020 Results Useful LInks Summary of Pathways and Entry Criteria Supporting Our Students Summary Of Subject Entry Criteria

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA

FURTHER INFORMATION

BTEC Business BTEC Engineering BTEC Sport

Myth-Busting the BTEC Results and Destinations 2020

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF BTEC Welcome to the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) Sixth Form and to our Award-winning BTEC + Pathway.

The BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) Level 3 Diploma is a Sixth Form qualification, that has been a huge success at BSAK since its introduction 5 years ago to our Sixth Form choices. BSAK is a recognised Bronze International BTEC Centre and we currently offer the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business, Engineering and Sport, (equivalent to 2 A Levels).

BTEC is an applied learning, flexible qualification in which knowledge, skills and understanding are acquired through practical work-related activities in a real-life context. It does not involve exams but is assessed through a coursework-based portfolio system where evidence is gathered for each unit of study.

The nature of the qualification and learning involved makes the BTEC attractive to students, universities and employers; and as a highly-respected qualification, it represents a viable and clear path to higher education, with more than 1 in 4 students entering university last year doing so with a BTEC qualification.

Our BTEC + Pathway enables our Sixth Form students to combine the BTEC Level 3 Diploma and A Levels, subject to meeting subject entry criteria.This combination, in conjunction with our substantial Sixth Form enrichment programme, prepares our students exceptionally well to go on to higher education or directly into employment.

If you enjoy applied learning through practical, work-related activities in and out of the classroom; are interested in a career or course in one of our subject areas; or are looking for a qualification that is assessed through assignments rather than exams; then the BTEC may be an excellent match for you.

If you would like to learn more about the the BSAK Sixth Form BTEC + Pathway, please join one of our open events or arrange a visit to the School through our registrar Mrs Karen Collings on registrar@britishschool.sch.ae.

We will be delighted to meet you and to discuss your Sixth Form options with us.

Mr Mehboob Choudhury Head of BTEC | mchoudhury@britishschool.sch.ae

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA Percentages are approximate 26% of students entering UK universities last year, did so with the BTEC qualification (UCAS).

BTEC grades with an ABB equivalent were up 18% in the last three years, at a time when A Level grades have been falling (UCAS).

95% of UK universities accept the BTEC Level 3 Diploma as equivalent to A Level (UCAS).

The BTEC qualification enables students to become occupationally ready to take up employment in business, immediately after the qualification.

4 out 5 students that go to university with the BTEC qualification, gain a 1st or 2nd class degree (LSE report).

Offers a non-examination (100% coursework) pathway through the Sixth Form.

The BTEC qualification gives its students an advantage in the first year of undergraduate study and they are better prepared for the demands of university (LSE report).

Entry requirement is a minimum of 5 Grade 4/C at GCSE and a minimum Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects.

1/3 of businesses prefer BTEC qualifications due to the skills and abilities they develop (CBI).

The BTEC Sport Course has enabled me to focus on and specialise in a subject that I am passionate about. It has not only progressed my academic understanding but it has also given me an advantage in sporting co-curricular activities, due to the advanced information that we are taught in the classroom.

Joey Brammer - BTEC Sport

BTEC 2020 RESULTS AT BSAK In 2020, all BTEC students completing their BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business, Engineering and Sport achieved a clean sweep of Distinction* and Distinction Grades equivalent to A*/A at A Level. Each one has secured a clear path to university or exciting employment opportunities through the BTEC route.

SUBJECT

D*/D*

D*/D

D/D

Business

7

0

1

Engineering

7

1

0

Sport

5

0

0

DISTINCTION OR ABOVE. EQUIVALENT TO 2 A LEVELS AT GRADE A 19 out of 21 students achieved the highest grade of D*D*, equivalent to 2 x A* s at A Level

USEFUL LINKS The BSAK Sixth Form, A Level and BTEC courses https://www.britishschool.sch.ae/sixth-form/overview The BSAK Future Leaders Diploma https://issuu.com/bsakabudhabi/docs/future_leaders_diploma_ Applying to University with International BTEC Qualifications https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/news-policy/qualifications/international-btec-le vel-3/general-news/btec-international-l3-applying-via-ucas-to-uk-universities.html BTEC International Qualifications https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-international-level-3.html

SUMMARY OF PATHWAYS AND ENTRY CRITERIA AT BSAK WE OFFER 3 SIXTH FORM PATHWAYS

1

2

3

A Level

A Level Creative Arts

BTEC + 1 A Level

Entry Criteria

5 Grade 6/B’s At GCSE

5 Grade 4/C’s at GCSE (including English Language and Mathematics)

5 Grades 4s at GCSE (including English Language and Mathematics

Additional

All students must have attained at least a Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics

Average effort Grade of 3.75 required

Average effort Grade of 3.75 required

Please refer to the A Level subject criteria page for specific subject requirements

Subjects available: Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Communication Drama, Media Studies, Product Design and Textiles

Each student must select another A Level but must have attained the Grade required for that subject. (See BTEC page for specific subject requirements)

Pathway

Specific Subject Criteria

BUSINESS BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA Course title: Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Business Course weighting: Equivalent to 2 A Levels in the UCAS tariff point system The world of business is all around us. Do you ever wonder how large businesses such as Coca Cola, Apple and Google began? How they operate globally and continue to provide customers with high quality products?

Course Content The BTEC qualification is made up of around 10 units. To complete each unit, work is assessed continuously, linking theory with practical exercises. You will complete a series of projects that cover 5 compulsory and 5 optional units. Optional units will be selected by teachers and will include areas such as: ● Marketing ● Human Resources ● Management ● Administration ● Finance and Retail Compulsory Units 1.

Exploring Business 2.

Research and Plan a Marketing Campaign 3.

Business Finance 4.

Managing an Event 5.

Principles of Management All assessments for this qualification are portfolio (coursework) based and there are no final examinations.

However, strict conditions apply to the award of assessment grades by teachers and Pearson checks the quality and grading of assessment activities through school visits and sampling of work.

Skills Required The ability to study independently is essential; students will be expected to undertake significant independent research beyond the classroom in order to support their studies. All assignments are based upon existing businesses and as such the ability to undertake secondary research, make contact with and interview managers of local businesses will be integral to students’ success. The ongoing nature of portfolio assessment means time management is a skill vital to a student’s success on the course.

Assessment Criteria Students submit a portfolio of evidence for each unit of work. This is internally assessed by teachers and externally moderated by BTEC representatives. Students will also be assessed by practical observations and presentations completed over the two years.

BUSINESS BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA Career Opportunities Ninety-five per cent of universities and colleges in the UK accept BTEC students, including competitive Russell Group universities. BTEC students are often better prepared for university than their A Level counterparts due to the high level of independent study that is required. The time management and self-organisation skills developed often give BTEC students a competitive edge.

Typical career / course options include: ● Business ● Management ● Finance ● Retail Management ● Marketing ● Personal Management ● Accountancy

Additional Information The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business helps students become occupationally ready to take up employment in business. This can follow either directly after achieving the qualification, or via the stepping stone of Higher Education. At its heart, BTEC seeks to develop the key attributes of self-management, business and customer awareness, team-working and problem-solving.

The BTEC Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels and it is expected you will undertake this qualification alongside one additional A Level or Subsidiary BTEC of your choice. Upon completion of the course this will allow you to progress into Higher Education on a degree course.

For the full specification and example assessment materials, please see the links below: BTEC Business Studies Sample Assessment Materials

ENTRY CRITERIA A minimum of 5 4/C Grades at GCSE (including Mathematics and English Language). In addition to GCSE grades, you must be able to prove a good work ethic and that you are able to work independently. A minimum average Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects is a requirement.

ENGINEERING BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA Course title: Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Course weighting: Equivalent to 2 A Levels in the UCAS tariff point system Are you interested in a career as an Engineer? Are you considering an Engineering apprenticeship or perhaps thinking about going on to study Engineering at university? Maybe you love maths and science but are looking for a more practical hands-on application of your learning in these subjects. If so this might be the right course for you.

Course Content The BTEC qualification is made up of 11 units of work to be completed over two years. To complete each unit, students’ work is assessed continuously, linking theory with practical projects. The course covers a wide range of Engineering disciplines such as Computer Aided Design, Mechanical Principles and, Fabrication and Workshop skills, Mathematics and Electrical principles.

Skills Required The ability to study independently is essential; students will be expected to undertake significant independent research beyond the classroom in order to support their studies. The ongoing nature of portfolio assessment and practical project work means time management is a skill vital to a student’s success on the course. A real interest in engineering, machinery or manufacturing processes is a must.

Assessment Criteria Assignments are continuously assessed throughout the two year course for each unit studied. The majority of units have internally set assessments which are part of the grading criteria. These are accompanied by 2 units in Mechanical Principles and Electronics which are assessed by BTEC with an assessment sat in exam style conditions (for approximately 17% of the total grade).

Assessment is carried out through a number of different methods, from very hands on methods such as manufacture of products and producing technical drawings, to reports and mathematical assessments. This allows students to demonstrate their abilities away from the exam hall. Please find more information in this Engineering Student Handbook 20-21.pdf BTEC Engineering is one of the few cross curricular subjects available here at BSAK. The majority of the subject is delivered by the Design Technology Department, but the Physics and Mathematics departments also contribute significantly to the delivery of the program.

ENGINEERING BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA Career Opportunities Students who achieve well on the BTEC course are well placed to apply for university courses in a number of engineering disciplines, including, Mechanical, Civil and Electrical Engineering, as well as in related disciplines such as Motorsport, Construction, Robotics and Architecture. Ninety-five per cent of universities and colleges in the UK accept BTEC students, including competitive Russell Group universities. For Engineering undergraduate courses, a large number of universities will happily accept BTEC Engineering.

BTEC students are often better prepared for university than their A Level counterparts due to the high level of independent studying that is required. The time management and self organisation skills developed often give BTEC students a competitive edge.

Additional Information A BTEC is an applied learning qualification in which students acquire knowledge, skills and understanding through practical, work-related activities in a real-life context. The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering helps students become occupationally ready to take up employment in engineering through university or through apprenticeship. The BTEC Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels and it is expected you will undertake this qualification alongside one one additional A Level of your choice. Upon completion of the course this will allow you to progress into Higher Education on a degree course.

For the full specification and example assessment materials, please see the link below:

BTEC 2019 Specification BTEC Engineering International Website, with Sample Assessments

ENTRY CRITERIA A minimum of 5 Grade 4/C at GCSE including English Language. For BTEC Engineering, students will need a Grade 6/B and a Grade 6/B in a science subject. In addition to GCSE Grades, students must be able to prove a good work ethic and that they are able to work independently. ` A minimum average Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects is a requirement.

SPORT BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA Course title: Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualification in Sport (Diploma) 2020 Course weighting: Equivalent to 2 A Levels in the UCAS tariff point system This qualification which is endorsed by Liverpool Football Club will provide students with the opportunity to enter employment in the Sports industry or to progress to higher education qualifications such as a degree in Sports Science. If you would like to work with elite athletes or pursue a career in professional sport, this course will provide a pathway at the highest level.

There is also the potential to improve your chances of employment or being selected by a university by completing courses such as: ● ● ● ●

Community Sports Leader Award Higher Sports Leader Award First Aid qualifications Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Course Content 720 GLH Equivalent in size to two International A Levels. At least 11 units, of which five are mandatory and assessed by Pearson Set Assignment. Mandatory content (25%).

This qualification is designed to support learners who want to study sport as the main element alongside another area of complementary or contrasting study as part of a two-year, full-time study programme.

Units Covered: ● Mandatory units – learners complete and achieve all units ● Health, Wellbeing and Sport ● Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry

● ● ●

Applied Sports Anatomy and Physiology Sport Development Practical Sports Performance

These units will also be accompanied by optional units, which we will select based on the student’s needs.

This will mean the course is personalised to the students and they will be able to get maximum benefits from the course.

SPORT BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA Skills Required ● ● ●

cognitive and problem-solving skills – using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems, applying expert and creative solutions, using systems and technology interpersonal skills – communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation intrapersonal skills – self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development

Assessment Criteria Assessment is designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. All assessment is internal but some mandatory units have extra controls on assessment and are assessed using Pearson Set Assignments.

Career Opportunities Students will be able to access universities and continue their studies to degree level. Many universities will accept BTEC students as they are aware that the study skills they have developed over the last two years will greatly enhance their ability to complete a degree qualification. Also this qualification creates a a number of pathways into employment including fitness/personal training, sports rehabilitation and coaching.

Additional Information The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport is equivalent to two A Levels and it is expected you will undertake this qualification alongside one additional A Level or subsidiary BTEC. A BTEC is an applied learning qualification in which students acquire knowledge, skills and understanding through practical, work related activities as this is the 2020 qualification it is full of current innovative sports science concepts.

For the full specification and example assessment materials, please see the link below: SPECIFICATION LINK

ENTRY CRITERIA A minimum of 5 Grade 4/C at GCSE including English Language. In addition to GCSE Grades, students must be able to prove a good work ethic and that they are able to work independently.

A minimum average Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects is a requirement.

MYTH-BUSTING THE BTEC HERE ARE THE FACTS MYTH 1 You have to have A Levels if you want to go to university.

FACT You can go to university whether you study the BTEC or A Levels. The BTEC Level 3 Diploma offered at BSAK is equivalent to two A Levels and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is equal to one A Level. They carry exactly the same UCAS points as A Levels. Depending on what you want to study, the BTEC may actually be preferred by some universities and courses, as it shows that you are passionate about a subject and that you can study it intensively, over a period of time. The simple facts speak for themselves: 95% of UK universities accept BTEC qualifications and 26% of students entering University last year, did so with a BTEC qualification.

MYTH 2 BTEC is an easy option. Studying A Levels indicates greater intelligence than studying the BTEC. FACT BTEC is not an easier qualification - far from it! It is however assessed differently and this makes it more accessible, as students learn in a way that suits them. The concept of the BTEC as an ‘easy option’ is based on the fact that it is often 100% coursework, with no exams. So, in May and June when the A Level exams are taking place and exam stress levels are high, it may look as if the BTEC is easier, but in fact it is equivalent to two A levels, it is a lot of work and there is nothing easy about it!

MYTH 3 You should always choose A Levels over BTEC, if you have the choice.

FACT Choosing whether to take A Levels or the BTEC depends a lot on what suits you best.

It is not the case that the BTEC is a 2nd rate option. A Levels are still the most common route to higher education, however the BTEC can take you to exactly the same university and course. If you enjoy the traditional academic subjects and cope well with the demands of exam only assessment, then A Levels may be the right choice for you. A BTEC course is much more practical, with a more hands-on approach to learning. It will involve plenty of practical learning opportunities, giving students direct experience of the industry they want to work in. Your choice depends upon a number of factors. Discussing this with a careers advisor or a teacher with an open mind is strongly recommended.

RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS 2020 STUDENT PROFILES BTEC BUSINESS FAISAL ALDANDASHI Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Accounting & Financing, Exeter University ABDULLA AL MUBARAK Results: D*D* Destination: Military Service CURTIS BYRNE Results: D*D* Destination: Gap Year FARRIS MUBAYDEEN Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Business & Events Management, Bristol University FARIS SHARAF Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Business Management, Newcastle University

BTEC ENGINEERING ABDULLA AL DARMAKI Results: D*D* Destination: Military Service ZAYED AL-HAMELI Results: D*D* Destination: Military Service JOHNATHAN GREENWOOD Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Architecture at Leeds Beckett University JESSICA PRIESTLEY Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University KARIM SHERIDAN Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Architecture at Leeds Beckett University RICHARD TOMLINS Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Civil Engineering at University of Leeds

RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS 2020 STUDENT PROFILES BTEC SPORT LAYAN ASKAR Results: D*D* Destination: Degree at Concordia University, Canada METTA DEN HAESE Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Physiotherapy in Belgium MURRAY LEPPARD Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Sports & Exercise Science at University of Leeds MEGAN REES Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Physiotherapy at York St John University MONTY SCOTT Results: D*D* Destination: Degree in Sport & Exercise Science at Swansea University