Sixth Form Pathways: A Levels, IB and BTEC - Advantages and Disadvantages
2 likes1,871 views
The document outlines the advantages and disadvantages of A-levels, IB, and BTEC qualifications, focusing on their structure, grading systems, and recognition. A-levels are noted for subject specialization but require supplementary education for breadth, while IB emphasizes a broad education with additional projects, and BTEC provides flexibility and vocational links but lacks global recognition. The comparison of UCAS points for these qualifications reveals varying levels of academic achievement and their implications for university admissions.
Sixth Form Pathways: A Levels, IB and BTEC - Advantages and Disadvantages
- 1. Sixth Form Pathways: ALevels,IBandBTEC AdvantagesandDisadvantages Mark S. Steed, MA (Cambridge), MA (Nottingham) Director, JESS, Dubai @JESSDubai @JESS_Director @IndependentHead Education and Childcare Show, Dubai Friday 20th January 2017
- 2. MarkS.SteedMA(Cambridge), MA(Nottingham) DirectorofJESSDubai Headmaster Kelly College UK A-level and BTEC Principal Berkhamsted School, UK A-level + Mini-MBA Director JESS, Dubai, UAE IBDP, IB Courses, BTEC
- 3. A-level International Baccalaureate Diploma BTEC National Extended Diploma Level 3
- 5. Structure The norm in UK state schools is to study for three A-levels. UK University offers are based on three A-levels. A-level is now a two year linear course. Most schools offer a free choice of subjects.
- 6. Grading Structure andUCAS Tariff Grade UCAS Points A* 56 A 48 B 40 C 32 D 24 E 16
- 7. Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths Internationally recognized qualification Allows for subject specialization at age 16 Highest level qualification at 18 in the world Weaknesses Need to supplement the curriculum to give a breadth of education Extended Project Qualification Mini MBA Allows for subject specialization at age 16 Can opt out of English and Mathematics UK Government Interference and Grade Inflation
- 9. Structure Students study three subjects at Higher Level three subjects at Standard Level Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge Creativity, Activity, Service
- 10. Grading Structure Higher Level (x3) Standard Level (x3) Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge 7 7 A A 6 6 B B 5 5 C C 4 4 D D 3 3 E E 2 2 1 1 Maximum Score is 45 points Pass Mark for IBDP is 24 points IBDP Grading Structure
- 11. UCASTariff Higher Level (x3) Standard Level (x3) Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge 56 28 12 12 48 24 10 10 32 16 8 8 24 12 6 6 12 6 4 4 0 0 0 0 Maximum Score is 45 points Pass Mark for IBDP is 24 points IBDP UCASTariff
- 12. Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths Internationally recognized qualification Truly broad education Required Breadth of Subjects Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge Creativity,Activity, Service Skills for university and life Presentation Skills Weaknesses Required breadth of subject knowledge Mathematics Languages Can’t study three sciences.
- 14. Structure Students study one subject. BTEC is designed to allow students to show the best that they can do. There are no examinations. There is flexible assessment, but most is coursework based, which can be resubmitted along the way.
- 16. Grading Structure andUCAS Tariff Grades UCASTariff D*D*D* 168 D*D*D 160 D*DD 152 DDD 144 DDM 128 DMM 112 MMM 96 MMP 80 MPP 64 PPP 48
- 17. Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths Flexibility of the Modular Course No final examinations Vocational Links with Industry Weaknesses Less globally recognized qualification Very specialized - one subject
- 19. UCAS POINTS A-level IBDP BTEC 276 A*A*A*A*A* 45 pts - 224 A*A*A*A* 37 pts - 168 A*A*A* 32 pts D*D*D* 144 AAA 28 pts DDD 120 BBB 24 pts DMM/DDM 96 CCC - MMM JESS, Dubai IBDP Average is 35.3 points
- 22. Business BTEC + CISI Diploma in Financial Risk and Assessment Art BTEC + Art History Sport BTEC + Coaching Qualifications JESS, Dubai Specialist Courses
- 23. MarkS.SteedMA(Cambridge), MA(Nottingham) DirectorofJESSDubai Email: Director@jess.sch.ae Twitter: @JESS_Director @independenthead LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/independenthead Blog: http://independenthead.blogspot.com SlideShare: http://www.slideshare.net/independenthead