INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
The International Baccalaureate ( IB ) is a widely recognised academic programme , taught in 143 countries worldwide . It is regarded as a good alternative to A levels , with two levels of study for students aged 16 to 19 .
• The IB Diploma Programme – this involves studying a choice of subjects from different groupings , including two languages , social sciences , experimental sciences and maths . It also includes activities that engage students in the arts and creative thinking , physical activity and service in the community .
• The IB Career-related Programme – this combines the study of up to four academic subjects with hands-on learning related to a particular career path .
Is it right for your child ?
• The IB is recognised by universities in the UK and worldwide , so could be an advantage if your child is interested in studying or working overseas in the future .
• The Diploma Programme offers a breadth of subject options , so could appeal to young people who want to continue studying a wider range of subjects .
• The Career-related Programme might suit your child if they want to combine work-related and academic study .
BTECs
BTECs are specialist vocational ( work-related ) qualifications that combine practical and written work . There are 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 different business and industry sectors , from childcare to construction and from engineering to travel and tourism . They can be studied at entry level through to Level 7 ( equivalent to postgraduate study ).
With lots of different BTEC qualifications available , it ’ s important for you and your child to do plenty of research to find the right one for them . If they are thinking of applying to university , it ’ s also important that they understand how the BTEC ( s ) they choose are weighted in terms of university entry requirements .
• At Level 3 , the qualifications are called BTEC Nationals , and are roughly equivalent to A levels .
• They can be taken alongside ( or instead of ) A levels .
• They are usually studied full time , either in college or jointly between a school and a college .
Are they right for your child ?
• A BTEC might suit your child if they are keen to learn more about a particular sector or industry but don ’ t want to rule out going to university .
• If your child definitely wants to go to university , they should check that the courses they are interested in accept BTECs . Some universities may recommend that BTEC students complete a foundation year before moving on to degree-level studies .
• Entry requirements vary , but your child may need up to five GCSEs at 9 to 4 ( A * to C ) grade to do a BTEC National .
In 2015 , one in four students who got into university in the UK did so with a BTEC . UCAS , Progression Pathways , January 2016
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