Vocational courses – the route to university
John Ruskin College leads the way
18th February 2009
'I have the world in my hands' said Haya Ali, a 17-year-old student currently studying BTEC National Diploma in Business at John Ruskin College following her acceptance of a place at Queen Mary University for a Business Management degree.
Haya, previously a student at Addington high school, began her studies at John Ruskin College by doing A Levels for two months but soon changed to the BTEC National Diploma. She found the BTEC National Diploma Business more exciting because of the coursework, the support of her teachers and the work experience that the course incorporated.
She added: ‘Most people said I would not be able to get into university unless I did A Levels. My family wanted me to do A Levels so I wanted to make them proud. But I believe I made the better choice because I have achieved more than I would have if I did A Levels.’
Haya explained that she had chosen John Ruskin College because of the good reputation and the high achievement rates it is known for. She described her experience at John Ruskin College as being an extremely pleasant one especially because of the support she has received from her teachers and the friendly, safe environment she was able to study in.
She said: 'Their support is what motivates me. They explain every task well until we all understand it. We are all treated equally and no one feels left out.'
BTEC qualifications combine theory and practice and are delivered by teachers who have industrial and business experience. BTEC courses are assessed throughout the year (just like many university courses) and not through final exams.
In 2008 the college sent 150 BTEC students to university.
Haya Ali will begin her studies in Business Management at Queen Mary University in September 2009. She aspires to work in a bank or estate agency when she graduates.