It’s a common misconception that you need to have successfully completed your A-levels in order to get accepted in to a university, however the reality is that students with good BTEC grades are as much in demand as those with A-level
qualifications.
Your Rockley BTEC teachers can offer you plenty of advice if university is the direction you wish to take, so make sure you ask them plenty of questions. In the meantime, here are just a few things for you to consider:
- Shout about your experience – the Rockley BTEC Level 3 Sport (Outdoor Adventure) course is not just about sitting in a classroom and absorbing information. Make sure your personal statement includes all the practical experience you have gained and how this has positively impacted on your education
- Your course does not restrict your options – doing a BTEC Level 3 Sport course does not mean that outdoor adventure is the only subject you can study at university. Many of our students want to take a more practical approach to learning and experience something different in a completely new setting. Many of our students have gone on to university and have chosen very different subjects
- Ensure you are fully aware of the entry requirements of the university you wish to go to. Fully research and ensure you obtain as much advice as possible
Shannon's story
We spoke to 2017 BTEC graduate Shannon about how her BTEC journey has lead het to applying for a place at university:
What lead you to the Rockley BTEC Level 3 Sport course?
Being a very outdoors kind of person I knew without doubt that I didn’t want to sit in a classroom and pursue with my A-levels. The Rockley BTEC course seemed to offer a good balance between classroom work and being outdoors, and I was absolutely right. It was a fantastic course which gave me so much experience and many qualifications.
What practical qualifications did you gain through Rockley?
I have gained my RYA Windsurf Instructor, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA First Aid and Assistant Dinghy Instructor.
What was your first job role after graduating?
I worked at Le Lac Mimizan in France as a Windsurf Instructor which I absolutely loved. Using your qualifications in a real job environment gave me so much confidence. I loved teaching school children especially those who had never experienced watersports before. The smiles on their faces when they knew they could achieve something new was the best kind of job satisfaction.
What would you say to someone looking to get involved in the watersports industry?
I would highly recommend getting involved in the watersports industry. You gain a massive amount of experience and make lifelong memories, especially if you work for Rockley!
What are your future plans?
I have just applied for university to do a BA Hons in Physical Education at Southampton Solent. The fact that I didn’t have to sit through two years of A-levels and had the option of choosing the BTEC course as an alternative, is the reason I have been able get this far. I’ve got my fingers crossed that I will be accepted.
How do you feel you’ve changed since doing the course?
The course really pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me beyond my expectations. As a result, I’ve developed massively as an instructor but also as an individual. I’ve come a long way since my first day on my course and am confident in the direction I want to take in my career.