Guest Post – Sports Science BTEC Tips

In this featured guest post, Andrew Dowell of SportsStudies.net shares his top tips for BTEC sucess.

The key to BTEC courses is to break it down. Here, Andrew runs through the key aspects of the course and how to get the best out of your studies.

How does the course work…

BTEC Sport courses are mainly theory based however students do get a chance to carry out practical activities. Success in these areas provides valuable advantages in the working world.

Find out the course units you will be studying early into undertaking the course and find out the relevant information needed to complete each unit.

How are you assessed and graded…

Your learning will be assessed by assignments, set by tutors. These are to be completed throughout the course, using different assessment methods; such as case studies, projects, presentations and written assignments. These assignments can be work based or carried out under a time constraint. These assignments are based upon learning outcomes set by Edexcel. These are listed in the Unit Specification.
◾To achieve a ‘Pass’ a learner must have completed and met all the Pass assessment criteria
◾To achieve a ‘Merit’ a learner must additionally have completed and met all the Merit grading criteria
◾To achieve a ‘Distinction’ a learner must additionally have completed and met all the Distinction grading criteria.

Use your time wisely…

Time management is a fundamental aspect of completing a BTEC course. This involves planning what to do and when to do it to prevent panics about unexpected deadlines. As the course progresses this will become more important. Students must learn to prioritise work, especially since they won’t be set deadlines to work towards.

Make the most of  your resources…

Students have a wealth of resources available to them which can make them successful on a BTEC Sport course.  If students wish to achieve the higher grades they must do their own research. Students have access to essential resources, such as a library with appropriate books, electronic reference sources and internet access.

Understand your assessment…

Students will be asked to complete 16 assignments over the course of the 2 year course, these will take the form of a research based essay, which shows your understanding  of the topic content in addition to your reseach and anyalyis skills. Students must ensure that when given an assignment they read the assignment brief and make the most of any feedback given to them from tutors.

Image Credit – The Finishing Line