Page 9 - Education Supplement August 2025

BTEC Q&A — For Families
QUICK FACTS: Pearson BTEC International Level 3 in IT
Who Are Wondering:
Offered by: EDU360 (in partnership with SwitchedOn Education)
Delivered: In-person and fully facilitated at EDU360, Rivonia Q: Is this accepted by
Duration: 2 years (portfolio-based learning, no exams) universities?
A: Yes. BTEC Level 3 is
Level: Equivalent to UK A-levels / SA NQF Level 4–5
internationally recognised,
Subjects include: Programming, Cybersecurity, Data, Emerging Tech, Project Work
including by many SA institutions.
Assessment: Continuous coursework
Perfect for: Tech-minded students, visual thinkers, hands-on learners, GED or Q: Is this only for kids with
NSC-alternative seekers learning differences?
A: Not at all. It’s for anyone who
Note: Entry into Level 3 can follow a BTEC Level 2 qualification or a Grade 10 pass. learns better through action,
structure, and relevance.

ALSO OFFERED: Pearson BTEC International Level 2 in IT Q: How is it taught?
For learners earlier on their path — or looking for a solid foundation — EDU360 also A: In person, at EDU360’s campus,
facilitates the BTEC Level 2 qualification. It’s equivalent in size to two UK GCSEs with structured weekly facilitation.
and provides an excellent springboard for further study or vocational training. While SwitchedOn Education
provides the content platform,
Offered by: EDU360, in partnership with SwitchedOn Education
EDU360 handles the full learner
Delivered: In-person and fully facilitated at EDU360, Rivonia
experience.
Duration: 1–2 years (flexible pace)
Level: UK GCSEs / SA NQF Level 2–3 Q: What kind of student thrives
Subjects include: IT Fundamentals, Digital Communication, Website Development, here?
Data Handling, Project Work A: Someone who wants to do
Assessment: 100% coursework-based things, not just study them.
Someone who is tech-curious,
Perfect for:
project-oriented, and tired of
• Learners seeking an alternative to traditional Year 10–11 pathways
cramming for tests.
• Those preparing for Level 3 or digital careers
Q: What next after BTEC?
A: University, college, freelance
Another student, who’d struggled And it’s recognised — by over 50
work, job placements — whatever
with motivation in the past, began countries, by growing numbers of
fits your story. You’ll finish with
producing work with incredible universities, and by the real world.
real digital skills and a portfolio to
precision. “She was iterating her Students can continue to higher
prove it.
designs, refining them — not education, go freelance, enter the job
because we asked, but because market, or start building the digital
Q: How do we sign up?
she cared. That’s when you know it’s solutions their future needs.
A: Visit edu360school.com or
working.”
email hello@edu360school.com
“We’ve got students building apps,
to chat with our team.
Who’s it for? troubleshooting code, writing
(Hint: Not just who you think) proposals, analysing data,” says
This isn’t only for neurodivergent Tonderai. “These are real skills. And Because the finish line isn’t the same
learners. It’s for the kids who: they’re building them now — in for every learner.
• Dread final exams school, not someday.” But the right map changes
• Think better in diagrams than in everything.
essays This isn’t EDU360 changing track — it’s
• Light up when they’re solving us doubling down on our purpose: to
something, not reciting it create new futures for learners who
• Are bright, but burnt out were never meant to be boxed in.
• Need a path to somewhere, not
just through something “We’ve always believed education
should reflect the learner, not force
“We keep saying this, but it matters the learner to reflect the system,”
— not every child needs to be forced says Justin. “That’s what makes BTEC
through the same door,” says Jacqui such a powerful offering. It’s not
McKelvey. “BTEC gives them another just alternative. It’s appropriate. It’s
one. And that choice changes lives.” better.”

Education | August 2025 | 7