About Pearson BTEC
BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council) is the most widely accepted vocational qualification in the UK. It helps students around the world to improve their academic and vocational skills through practical and inspiring learning content. The BTEC qualifications are equivalent to GCSE and A Level.
BTEC is a strategic provider for IBCP CRS (career related study), and is accepted by many universities worldwide. Pearson is the 3rd biggest strategic partner chosen by IBO. This year, two IBCP students with BTEC performing arts are admitted by Cambridge University, majoring in Theatre Education!
Benefits of studying BTEC
BTEC courses are recognised by authorities around the world.
The BTEC courses are operated and managed by EdExcel, the UK’s largest examination and certification organisation. BTEC courses are offered at over 400 colleges and universities in the UK. BTEC courses are available in over 120 countries at more than 7,000 centers around the world, covering 150 major subjects.
Comprehensive assessment
Students will not be judged by the results of a single exam, but are assessed continuously. Technical skills and ability are assessed through classroom assignment, practical projects and theoretical reflections. BTEC qualifications are assessed using a combination of internal assessments, which are set and marked by teachers and internal verifier, and Pearson Set Assignments, which are set by Pearson and marked by teachers and an internal verifier.
Practical approach to cultivate professional skills.
BTEC courses are highly practical and combine practical skills with theoretical skills and business preparation units. It will not only focus on technical skills, but also on developing life-long skills such as communication, time-management, team work and building confidence that are necessary to enter the workplace in the future.
Widely accepted by prestigious schools and universities- application advantages
The BTEC certificate is favoured by more than 95% of schools and universities in the UK, including Oxford University, University of Cambridge, University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins and other well-known universities. BTEC international Levels 2 is equivalent to 2 IGCSE, BTEC international Levels 3 subsidiary Diploma is equivalent to 1 A-level, obtaining a BTEC preparatory certificate in China is equivalent to the preparatory courses provided by these universities.
Who can join BTEC course?
1) Musical Theater Advances Students: BTEC courses are an excellent preparation for continuous study in higher education. Students receive comprehensive training that is as close to professional training as you can get. Students create an excellent portfolio, accumulate audition experience, and gain stronger practical experience through BTEC courses to help apply them for top international musical theater colleges and universities.
2) Zero foundation to major in musical theater (need to take preparatory courses first): Suitable for students who do not have a deep foundation in musical theater, but hope to major in musical theater.
3) Adapt to foreign course formats: BTEC course settings are unified around the world, and help students to receive top-level training based on the international requirements for Musical Theatre performers.
4) Non-“examination-oriented” students: Suitable for students who usually perform well but become nervous when taking exams. Comprehensive evaluation of students’ performance based on daily tasks and skill performance, rather than taking “examination” as the final admission criterion.
5) Students who are interested in a practical course that prepares them for continued studies or employment: The course is suitable for those students that want to prepare for a career in musical theatre in a highly practical manner. Students create a toolbox full of practical skills that can be helpful for future performances and auditions. The course is suitable for regular students, students currently studying in junior college, and freshmen switching majors.
How is BTEC assessed?
There are no exams, each unit is entirely coursework based, reducing the pressure on students from final exams or single exams. For each unit of work, students will be given a series of tasks to complete and an assessment grid that will identify what they have to do to achieve a particular grade. Throughout the process, suggestions will be made to help you achieve the minimum Pass standard and then, the Merit and Distinction grades.
BTEC’s performance assessment model is similar to that of university, encouraging students to make full use of the resources around them instead of memorising, laying a solid foundation for their future careers.
Why choose iStage’s BTEC course?
-iStage Academy is China’s first and only musical theater education and examination certification teaching center officially certified by BTEC.
-We have domestic and foreign professional teachers that meet international teaching standards and qualifications, with an extensive experience in teaching Performing Arts. All classes are taught in English.
-iStage Academy has been providing strong musical theatre education programs for eight consecutive years. With an extensive musical theatre curriculum, rich large-scale performances, and commercial performance opportunities, we can provide students with plenty of performance opportunities.
-iStage Academy has an extensive network of professionals and professional organisations that we work with in Asia, Europe and the United States.
What programs will iStage offer?
iStage Academy will offer BTEC qualifications in Performing Arts for students age 14 and above. Both programs run over the course of two years.
> BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Performing Arts (pathway Musical Theater) (age 14-19)
> BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts (pathway Musical Theater) (age 16-19)
For students that don’t meet the age requirement, iStage will offer a BTEC Young program. This program will not yet lead to an official qualification, but students get the same professional training opportunities as their BTEC peers.
