Stutwo Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 I work in an Arts College, and we were sent infomation recently on BTEC courses, which include lighting and sound operation. We have all the facilities to offer these courses, but we're unsure on whether it's worthwhile. Has anyone any experience with how BTEC rates alongside GCSE and A-levels in terms of being an equivalent? Also, how does the BTEC stand on a CV? Is it valued? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OB2 Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 I studied on a BTEC, and its equivalent to I think 3 Alevels but dont qoute me on that! rather than you do a number of differnt a levels what it is is a full time vocational course - great way to prepare yourself for theatre school! its more practical than theatre studies alevel and you learn a lot more about it as a career (as you would in a vocational course!!) I just came out of theatre school and I think either half or over came from btec in technical theatre (me bieng one of them!) I think its a great course for people wanting to go into theatre as a career, but I would also say it would be difficult as a stand alone on a cv. it would be something to carry on to theatre school but thats my opinon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Davies Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 I also did a BTEC National Diploma in Technical Theatre. It is equivalent to two A-levels (or was when I did it 5 years ago) Having completed the course I went on to do an HND in Tech Theatre. Both the courses are on my CV and I would say that they are valued courses within the industry. The biggest thing that employers are looking for however is people that can actually do the job they are employed to do. Therefore being able to make the course as varied as possible is a must for the students. I personally would not say that you need to go on to drama school after a BTEC - many people do though. If you want any further info PM me CHRIS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cazmoir Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 Me too! I was told it was equivelent to two a levels. I'd say a BTEC is definately a better course within the industry than an a level...but as they say its not what you know its who you know, I think contacts and work experience are much more important on your CV. I'm not an employer though so I can't really say! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Coker Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 UCAS Tariff Table Try this. Spelling is quite valued too. Ken (Still grumpy even after a weekend of sailing!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulears Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 The old BTEC National Diploma was the official equivalent of two A levels - now it is 3. (and has been since the new spec has been running (2002 for most places) This has been done by increasing the number of units that learners take to 18. A levels (AS and A2) are delivered in 6 unit chunks - making 18 in total studied over two years. So now BTEC and A level have the same time taken, and the same official level - most unis (apart from those ending on 'ford or 'bridge) seem quite happy with this parity - and UCAS points are equal. So, for once, the system works! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Lewis Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 most unis seem quite happy with this parity Most Unis recognise that vocational and "traditional" approaches may not demonstrate academic parity, but accept the UCAS system. My 2p! Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek W Posted May 25, 2006 Share Posted May 25, 2006 I taught the BTEC National Diploma in Acting and have always felt it is a great way for the non- academic students to get a rung onto the uni ladder. Over 75% of my students completed and went on to Drama School or Uni. Many are now actors or theatre technicians. It's a great course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulears Posted May 25, 2006 Share Posted May 25, 2006 By careful selection of the units within each pathway, centre can introduce more research, and anaysis units if they want to - but most don't - keeping it as 'real world' as they can. Employee wise - I'd rather have a BTEC student, than an A level one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamchristuffin Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 For the BTEC Nationals, an Award is worth one A-level (UCAS points-wise), a Cetificate is worth two, and a Diploma is worth three There are also the BTEC Firsts, but I don't think that there are any in Tech Theatre (but I could be wrong) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattn Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 For the BTEC Nationals, an Award is worth one A-level (UCAS points-wise), a Cetificate is worth two, and a Diploma is worth three There are also the BTEC Firsts, but I don't think that there are any in Tech Theatre (but I could be wrong) National Award is 120 UCAS Points (One A at A Level)National Certificates is 240 UCAS Points Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tregilibob Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 I did the BTEC and now have a decent job because of it. The area's of teaching will vary from college to college, as what the tutors know, they will teach, i.e. we did 4 lots of design as we had 2 design teachers, but no make up modules. I think it is a good course to start out on, as it give you the basic's in each area, and according to your tutors, a higher level skill in a few of those as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulears Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 If makeup is your thing - there are lots of different varieties in the 'new' version that starts in September. Lots of quite 'odd' units that are great supporting a particluar production - so if you're doing a dance programme, and are doing Cats style material, there is a unit called fullbody makeup - that would allow the huge amount of work that would be needed, makeup wise to be done preprly and best of all, get grades. Same thing if you are doing Shop of Horrors or Forbidden Planet - the weird hairstyles typical of the era can also be covered by dedicated units. The idea being that they may only run for the single year - the next year, they may not be needed. If you do historic/classical material, then there's even a period wigs unit! It's doubtful if schools wold run these as they need rather specialised staff to teach them - colleges often have these people available - even if attached to a different department. The intricacies of some of the components are a bit scary for the general style teacher. Most people have worked out I'm very pro BTEC, so make no bones about it - The new nationals are really very good - loads of choice, and the content is very suitable for people who want to go straight into work, or go to uni. For those people at places with really good technical kit, some units are quite specialist, while others tackle things in a more general manner. As an example - if you have plenty of moving lights and a decent control, then there is a great unit that allows this to be explored. If you are stuck in a place with a handful of ancient Fresnels and profiles, then there is still a unit available. Probably not of much interest to the general reader - but feel free to pm me if anybody needs specifics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trunker Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 We teach technical theatre at Merthyr College at BTEC First and National Diploma. To be honest the facilities we have are very good. On Lighting Side we have Strand lanterns profiles, fresnels and codas, CCT lanterns as well. also got 2 movers and 2 scrollers and 16 '64' parcans.we have LD90 dimmers and a Fat Frog Board. Sound, Behringer 2442FX RCF speakers and loads of mics (mostly SM58's) and 12 radio lapel mic's we also run stage management modules set design modules and make-up if there is call for it. It is a good course and students can get alot out of it if they want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svincent Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 a btec first is GCSE level and is worth three GCSE's so if you get distinction you get 3 A's if you get merit its 3 B's and a pass is 3 C's An average BTEC (not a BTEC first) is worth three A levels as has already been said be carful of the units you choose to do and doing extra units is allowed and credited there is only a minimum amount of units no maximum (well until you run out of unit to do) my advise on passing a BTEC as I'm now on my second is to photograph, film, record, evaluate as much as possible it is best to keep a camera handy (thank god for camera phones) taking pictures and filming means less writing in the long run nd allot less evaluative work so its worth it (always make copy's of everything) also keep programs fliers bits of set props that can be used to evaluate that is the way to pass a BTEC without too much work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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