Students should be achieving at least B grades and Merits at GCSE especially in English and Maths. A Business qualification of some description at GCSE/BTEC level 2 is preferable but not essential. Students must have very good attendance; have good ICT skills and have an excellent attitude towards working hard.
BTEC Nationals are level 3 courses i.e. equivalent to A-Levels. They are practical, work related courses. Students achieve by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.
It introduces learners to particular areas of employment and provides a good basis to go onto higher education or straight into work in a variety of Business related careers. A key component of this course is contacting local businesses and listening to guest speakers.
A BTEC National is divided into 3 awards depending on the number of units you take. The examination body for this course is Edexcel.
BTEC National Award is equivalent to 1 A-Level A – E (6 units of work)
BTEC National Certificate is equivalent to 2 A- Levels A- E (12 units of work)
BTEC National Diploma is equivalent to 3 A-Levels A-E (18 units of work)
For each course there are 4 compulsory core units and these are the same for each BTEC National in Business course.
Compulsory Units
Unit 1 – Exploring Business Activity
Unit 2 – Investigating Business Resources
Unit 3 – Introduction to Marketing
Unit 4 – Effective People – Communication and Information
Once the four core units have been completed the required number of optional units are then taken and these will cover the major areas of study for Business e.g. marketing, law and employment, human resources and finance
Students present their units of work in the form of portfolios. All units are assessed and graded by course teachers whose marking is then moderated by an external assessor. An overall grade for the qualification is awarded to all learners who successfully complete all units. Grades awarded are Pass, Merit or Distinction.
BTEC Nationals have been developed to include a wide but detailed range of business-related areas of understanding and practice. The key areas are focused on:
* Enterprise, Sales, Finance, Accounts, Customer Services, Human Resources, Resource Management, Employment and Business Law , Online Business and Marketing
* Developing detailed knowledge, understanding and skills for learners from the viewpoint of the business decision maker
* BTEC Nationals aim to provide opportunities for learners to develop a wide range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in their working life.
* It provides practical experience that will provide a relevant qualification for employment, higher education, training or an apprenticeship.
If you are interested in this course then see Mr Smith, Mr Fisher, Mr Zia to see whether or not BTEC Nationals in Business are for you.