BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies

BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies

What is BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies?
BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies is a one year programme of study offering you the opportunity to investigate different vocational areas. The vocational areas that you can study may include Retail, Sport, Health and Social Care and Information Technology for example. Through studying a variety of vocational options it is hoped that you will widen you knowledge enabling you to make informed career choices.

The vocational units are at the heart of the programme. Alongside the vocational units you will have the chance to improve your functional skills in Maths, English and ICT skills, usually going to a work placement for 1 day per week.

You will take part in our work experience programme. This has been a very successful area of the course and enables you to apply knowledge gained on placement to your vocational studies.

You will be suited to this course if you are enthusiastic and keen to gain further qualifications. You also need to be willing to take on a course which requires a commitment to regular attendance and punctuality.

Is the BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies suitable for me?
Students following the BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies course enjoy meeting new friends from other schools. They are taught in small groups and list this as an important factor in achieving excellent results. Current students have particularly enjoyed taking part in trips and visits. In the past students have been on trips to Disneyland Paris and Alton Towers. They feel this enabled them to get to know their peers and members of staff well.

Alongside this students believe that work experience has been an invaluable resource in helping them to collect the information required to complete their coursework. It has also helped them to make informed choices about future career options. Many students have gained part time work whilst at college, or full time employment on leaving college from their work experience placements.

Initially, students find organising themselves difficult; however with support these difficulties are overcome quite quickly. At college students have more responsibility in managing their time effectively and meeting coursework deadlines. This has posed problems to some students but, again with support, you will quickly adapt to the situation and enjoy the success that self-organisation brings.

How will I learn?
In the classroom you will be taught using various different methods. You will work both in groups and individually. There will be some formal note taking as well as role-play, group discussions and visiting speakers. There are in built study support classes but there is also an expectation that you will study for up to 10 hours per week in your own time completing classwork, producing coursework or doing lesson preparation.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: 100%. During the course you will assessed through coursework. All units are assessed at Pass, Merit or Distinction level.

The coursework is assessed in various ways including oral presentations, video films, audio tapes, written work and field trips.

Progression
Having successfully completed the BTEC Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies you will be able to make further choices about which direction you wish to take. Having gained a Merit overall, some students decide to progress onto a BTEC First course. This course also provides you with a sound foundation for employment.

Kirstie gained a Merit and progressed onto a BTEC First Diploma in Information Technology. She gained a Merit on that course then completed an BTEC National Information Technology course.

Christine passed her course with Distinction. She was so successful on her work experience placement at a local travel agent that she gained full time employment on leaving the course.

Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements, although you will normally have followed a GCSE programme of study at school.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbook, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate). Any further costs are outlined below:

Advisable: Cost of residential field trip (approximately £100)
The catering module requests a financial contribution of £2.00 weekly

If the cost of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: BTEC