BTec Nationals: Who are the students who didn't just do A-levels?
BTec Nationals: Who are the students who didn't just do A-levels?
The summer ritual of A-level results day is so well known it's easy to forget the thousands of students receiving their BTec National results.
So, who is studying for the qualification and why do they take what is often seen as an alternative to A-levels?
Who takes BTecs and why?
Provisional figures suggest just under 250,000 students completed BTec Nationals in 2019, compared with about 300,000 who sat A-levels in 2018.
BTec Nationals can be sat by any age group - in fact, most are taken by those over the age of 22, as they develop practical skills for their careers.
The most popular subjects in 2019 were business, sport and health and social care.
About 20% of university students in England are accepted after studying only BTec Nationals. Another 10% are accepted into higher education with a combination of A-levels and BTecs.
BTec Nationals are particularly popular among white working class students, acco...
How to break into the elite?
Elvis, from Dagenham, is a working class lad who had his sights set on becoming a trader in the City.
During his time at Birmingham University, he got a 2:1 in political economy, becoming the first member of his family to get a degree.
His mother, who used to clean the Morgan Stanley offices, wanted her son to get a job there. But despite doing well at university he discovered that many top companies look for candidates with a certain "polish".
According to research by the London School of Economics, if you’re a working class graduate with a first class degree you’re less likely to land an elite job than a middle class graduate with a 2:2.
And even if you do succeed in getting the position, you'll earn on average 16% less than your middle class counterparts. Why?
Amol Rajan, BBC Media Editor, investigates.
The Character of Success - Let's do it together!
A short video that reminds you of what you should already know.
But knowing doesn't always lead to becoming.
And before you can become anything ...
You have to believe that not only it is possible,
... it is probable.
In the face of all manner of obstacles and challenges,
all the haters and doubters, chief among them
the little devil within who ceaselessly whispers that you aren't good enough.
Myrrh Tree - dedicated to reminding you that all good destinations are arrived at via a journey of steps and stumbles. And if we do what we have set out to achieve, you will go forth with steely resolve towards your targets and goals, reminding others along the way!
Why don't you share with us your thoughts on this video, and any other characteristics that we might have missed!
