Applied Science BTEC

Applied Science

BTEC

It’s fab to be in the lab. Join us for an experiment you’ll never forget...

The course begins with an exciting introduction into everyone’s favourite aspect of science, practicals! 

We’ll introduce you to laboratory equipment and techniques, you’ll be doing lots of experimenting and researching while developing your skills as a scientist.

By doing loads of problem solving and analysis and get a sense of what it’s like to be a trainee laboratory technician in fields such as biochemistry, forensic science and environmental science.

You’ll follow written scientific procedures making sure that all your equipment is calibrated correctly and that all research is conducted in a safe manner.

What follows will be an exciting and inspiring introduction to the sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. After studying Science at GCSE you’ll recognise and be familiar with many of the core concepts. Gaining this solid grounding in Biology, Chemistry and Physics will give you a great appreciation of the different fields of science – and where you might be headed in your career.

We’ll learn about cells and tissues, atomic structure and bonding, substances’ chemical and physical properties, and how waves have changed our world.

  • Without understanding cells, we couldn’t heal bodies. Viruses couldn’t be cured. And we couldn’t produce crops resistant to pests and drought.
  • Understanding atomic structure is vital to understand how substances will interact and react.
  • Imagine you’re building skyscrapers. Knowing the physical properties of concrete and metal is essential so they don’t fall down.
  • Knowing how waves work made mobile phones possible.

The Year One external assessment will demonstrate your science knowledge and project management skills. In this test you’ll work as a research scientist, conducting an investigation before analysing the results and drawing conclusions.

Choose the Diploma or Extended Diploma and you’ll:

  • Dive deeper into lab techniques, sampling and testing substances using sophisticated instruments and sensors 
  • Develop an extended understanding of key science concepts relating to chemicals, the human body, behaviour of materials in different conditions, and how energy is transferred to develop machines and engines
  • Research contemporary issues in science, such as how the bee population is threatened by the use of pesticides

Science facilities at Xaverian are excellent. But you’ll work way beyond the realms of your classroom.

There will be trips to a number of different types of laboratories to show how scientists work in a range of environments.

You’ll visit a University of Manchester laboratory where DNA is analysed using genetic engineering techniques.

Second year students spend a day at a local blood transfusion centre learning about lab safety and information management.

And if you’re studying towards the Extended Diploma, you’ll also enjoy a week’s work placement in a lab or medical practice putting into practice what you’ve learned, in a real-life scientific environment.

Why BTEC?

A-levels are assessed mainly through exams at the end of your second year at Xaverian. BTECs are assessed throughout your course through coursework, projects and externally marked tests.

Consider a BTEC qualification if you prefer to show your progress through regular practical work rather than exams.

If you’re considering higher education…

  • Remember BTECs focus on a specific area. If you’re considering the National Diploma, be sure this subject is the focus of your degree ambitions.
  • BTECs are very hands-on. While we cover plenty of theory on this course, you’ll need to spend time independently levelling up on advanced study and research skills, such as essay writing, that don’t form part of the BTEC syllabus – so you’re ready for a very different way of learning at university.

LESSON TIME!

We’ll first talk you through the BTEC Applied Science course options and the units you’ll study.

One of the units focuses on disease and infection. On today’s lesson we’ll conduct biochemical tests that form part of this unit, analysing urine samples for different medical conditions.

Urine analysis can identify a wide range of medical conditions, including kidney infection and diabetes.

Watch as Xaverian students take you through this research and deliver their findings.

Play Video

What’s next?

Accordion Content

Thanks to the breadth of knowledge you’ll acquire on this course, a wide range of science-based careers will be available to you following further study.

You might wish to work in the commercial sector – with chemical, pharmaceutical, materials, aerospace and automotive organisations.

Or if you’re looking to enter healthcare, compatible roles include:

  • Registered nurse
  • Physical therapy assistant
  • Occupational therapy assistant
  • Dental hygienist
  • Medical assistant
  • Radiology technologist
  • Medical laboratory technician

Set your heart on life as a lab technician? Maybe you want to earn as you learn, a degree apprenticeship in Laboratory Science might be the right choice for you.

Or you may wish to specialise at degree level in other directions, after your BTEC Applied Science course piques interest in areas such as:

  • Applied chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Environmental science
  • Forensic science
Extended Certificate (1 A Level equivalent)

You will complete 4 units of study: 3 mandatory, 1 optional

Extended Diploma (3 A Level equivalent)

You will complete all the above units – plus extra units over the two year period.

Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 5 from Maths
5 from Science recommended.
4 in English

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

Coursework and exams

Course type:

BTEC Advanced

Exam board:

Edexcel

The work involves a degree of taught input from the teacher. Guidance and practice for examined component will be given for unit 1. The bulk of the work is based on the student working independently to complete a number of tasks in each unit.

This will involve tasks such as independent research, presentation of information, practical write-ups and data analysis. There is a heavy practical bias and students will be exposed to a wide range of experimental techniques and equipment. IT will be used extensively during the course.

I chose to come to Xaverian as it’s a good college that provides you with insights into possible career paths you might want to take. As well as enjoying my science course, I also love the extracurricular activities provided, because it’s an opportunity to learn new skills, and I made many new friends.

Ayesha Naeem, Science BTEC

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Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

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Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

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Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

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Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

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Business BTEC

Business

BTEC

We’re in the business of moulding the next generation of entrepreneurs

We’ll get you started by introducing business basics. Then we’ll move straight into marketing – a cornerstone of successful businesses. 

We’ll investigate development, including market research and identifying the right audience, and product fit, making sure what you’re offering is what your customers need. 

You’ll find out much more about marketing and promotion in the lesson further down this page.

Then we’ll move into how businesses make money and staying on top of your accounts and budgets.

Events management comes next, before we talk about trading across the globe – an ever more integral part of entrepreneurship for many companies in the 21st century.

Managing organisations and teams is next on the list, followed by your responsibilities as a business – both to your customers as well as ethically and environmentally.

Then we’ll look at winning ways with customer service. Delivering exemplary experiences is what every organisation strives for – and we’ll work together on some practical ways to exceed expectations.

There are loads of differences between the BTEC and A-level Business courses and they’re discussed below. You’ll be doing a lot of practical assignments on this course and may even get your chance to try out what you’ve learned on work experience.

You’ll be learning by doing on this course, addressing challenges regularly faced by businesses. While you overcome these hurdles, you’ll be learning skills crucial to your career’s success.

Your task-based assessments may see you researching how to launch a product, including conducting market research. You might be designing some advertising – as if you were working in a marketing department.

One thing’s for sure. You’ll always be inspired and getting ready for a rewarding career on this BTEC Business course.

What makes this course different from a Business A-level?

This course is a lot more practical. Much of the A-level is theory based. Both courses give you a solid grounding in the art and science of building a business.

BTEC choices

Depending on your GCSE results, you might choose one of three BTEC Business options:

  • Extended Certificate (one-year course) – equivalent to one A-level 
  • Diploma (two-year course) – two A-levels
  • Extended Diploma (two-year course) – three A-levels

Diploma and Extended Diploma students have the chance to enjoy a week’s work experience to see their lessons in action.

How you’re assessed

On your BTEC Business course, assessment is by coursework, set tasks, and an exam at the end of each year.

Coursework is assessed by your teachers.

LESSON TIME!

Heard of the PS5? Do you have one? Ever thought about the marketing strategy behind releasing the console?

The PS5 has sold nearly 8 million units compared to the Xbox Series X and S, which have sold less than 5 million units (May 2021)

In this lesson, Mrs Holt takes you through the Marketing Mix using the PS5 as an example, what do companies need to think about before launching a new product:

  • How much should it cost? What is too cheap?
  • What should it look like?
  • Where can people buy it from?
  • How/where should it be promoted?

Over the course of 20 minutes you will join Mrs Holt in considering who is the target audience for the PS5 and how you should advertise to them…is there anything you would have done differently? We bet you can’t guess how much a primetime TV ad costs!

Play Video
What’s a set task?

Set tasks are three hours each and assessed by the awarding body.

You’ll complete them in a test environment on a computer – but to give you every chance to achieve the grades you deserve you’ll be given two weeks before the assessment to do all your research and prepare notes.

You’ll have six hours with your teacher to conduct in-depth research.

You can take up to six sides of A4 notes into the test, including facts and figures. It’s not like an exam where you don’t know the questions.

RESITS

Didn’t get the grades you expected? You can resubmit your coursework or resit set tasks. This means by the time you get to your exam; you should have a really good idea of your final grades to take the pressure off and help you shine.

What’s next?

Accordion Content

The variety of skills you’ll gain on your BTEC Business course will prepare you to either jump straight into the job market or get additional experience studying towards a degree.

If you want to get started right away on your career, you’ll be able to choose from many different roles.

You might even want to explore opportunities in higher or degree apprenticeships.

Diploma and Extended Diploma students regularly choose to continue their studies on finance, accounting, marketing or business-related degrees.

Extended Certificate (1 A Level equivalent)

You will complete 4 units – 2 externally assessed and 2 coursework units.

Extended Diploma (3 A Level equivalent)

You will complete 13 units – 4 externally assessed and 9 coursework units.

 
Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 4 from English and Maths recommended

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

Coursework assignments and exams

Course type:

BTEC Advanced

Exam board:

Pearson

The BTEC National is a practical course – you will learn by ‘doing’. We focus on the types of problems that any business person would face on a daily basis and teach you the ways that you may solve those problems. Your challenge is to prove your knowledge and understanding of business through the coursework, task or exam as appropriate.

For example, the Marketing unit has a ‘task’ based assessment. In that task there may be a business launching a new product and the business wants to make sure that customers will buy the new product to increase profit. The task may require you to complete some market research to find out more about the potential customers, and then suggest and design some advertising, promotion and special offers that may convince the customers to buy the product – just as you may have to do if you worked in the Marketing Department of a real business.

Throughout my time at Xaverian, I have enjoyed the freedom of independent study. The teachers are really fun and friendly and I’m excited to come here every day.

Chester King, Business

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If you’re considering BUSINESS BTEC you might also want to check out:

Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

Find out more

Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

Find out more

Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

Find out more

Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

Find out more

Criminology

Criminology

APPLIED DIPLOMA

It’d be a crime to miss this course.

If it’s not enough just to say you’ve delved deep into the science of deviant behaviour, Criminology is a subject that also provides you with a solid appreciation of the application of psychological, sociological and even biological theories.

Why do people do bad things? And what even is bad? Criminology isn’t just about decoding what’s bad. It’s about who’s bad, and why, and how we can rehabilitate offenders or even prevent them in the first place from committing nefarious acts.

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal justice. It considers a broad range of topics related to offending and victimisation, including their causes, social impact and prevention.

Just like in Line of Duty, the police have a history of corruption, incompetence and discrimination. Investigate how this occurs, what is done about it in Criminology and whether you could be the next Ted Hastings. 

Highlights of this course are trips to London and New York to explore different justice systems, an integral component of this wide-ranging, always-electrifying curriculum.

LESSON TIME!

Throughout this course you’ll learn about different types of crime and how organisations and individuals have campaigned for law or policy change. You’ll find out why crime must happen in order for laws to change.

We’ll examine why people become criminals and look into a variety of theories including Durkheim’s theory of social structure, and social learning, through the lens a detailed study of children behaving differently based on the treatment of role models bullying Bozo the inflatable clown. Is it the environment, or wider society that creates criminality – or are people born to offend? 

Criminology students then take on the justice system – institutions responsible for administering justice.

We’ll round off the lesson looking at the purpose of criminal justice systems, created over centuries by a succession of lawmakers. Should we punish – or rehabilitate? What deters others from committing crime?

What you’ve learned in today’s lesson will be put to the test as we evaluate Eddie, through his persecution by educators and acting up to stereotypes and preconceptions. spirals behaviourally out of control.

Play Video

What’s next?

Accordion Content

Criminology students have a wide range of career options ahead.

You might move into policing, working on the beat and rising up the ranks to become a detective.

Alternatively you could use your sociology education to become a community development worker.

You could develop the next generation of criminologists as a lecturer.

Or maybe you’d like to help rehabilitate offenders as a prison or probation officer.

A great many Criminology students also go on to work in policy roles, such as social researcher.

The variety of subjects and sciences covered in this course will give you a wide range of choices at degree level. Students regularly go on to study Sociology, Psychology, Law, Biology or Forensic Science. 

Unit 1:

Changing awareness of crime

Unit 2:

Criminological theories

Unit 3:

Crime scene to courtroom

Unit 4:

Crime and punishment

Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 4 in English

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

50% exams, 50% controlled assessment

Course type:

Level 3 Applied Diploma

Exam board:

Eduqas

All of the Criminology teachers are experienced, well qualified and have a track record of excellence. A wide variety of teaching methods are used to ensure all our students learn effectively. Students will be rigorously assessed throughout the course, with debate and discussion in class encouraged. Students are helped to develop independent learning and revision strategies, and additional support out of class is encouraged.

I chose Xaverian as I was immediately drawn to the diverse community they have. Since being here, I have organised a fundraising event that raised £1000 for the MS Society and came second in the national finals in the Great British Care Awards for the Covid Hero Award. All of these things have helped me to gain independence and taught me how to use my time wisely.

Zaara Sharif, Criminology

RELATED COURSES

If you’re considering CRIMINOLOGY you might also want to check out:

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING COURSES ALONGSIDE CRIMINOLOGY:

Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

Find out more

Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

Find out more

Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

Find out more

Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

Find out more

Health and Social Care CTEC

Health and Social Care

CTEC

There’s more to public health than PPE.

The health and social care sector plays a vital role in the support of our local communities and society as a whole. The sector is constantly evolving, developing new strategies, care and support for all individuals who may need to use its services.

The course will prepare you by helping you to develop skills, knowledge and the understanding relevant to what happens in a health, childcare or social care setting.

There will be the opportunity to undertake a work experience placement to put into practice the skills and knowledge you have learned in the classroom and how these are applied in real-life health and social care settings.

While studying towards your BTEC Health and Social Care qualification you’ll gain a thorough understanding of how to work, safely, with everyone – from sector professionals to those relying on your expertise to survive.

The knowledge you’ll gain on this course will be assessed through both coursework and exams.

You’ll study:

  • Building positive relationships in health and social care (assessed by coursework).
  • Equality, diversity and rights in health and social care (assessed by exam). 
  • Health, safety and security in health and social care (exam). 
  • Anatomy and physiology for health and social care (exam). 
  • Infection control (coursework). 
  • Public health (coursework).

To make full use of what you’ve learned, it’s important that you go on a work placement. If you can’t secure your own placement, our experts will help you find one.

This course is heavy in both practical experience and learning the theory you need to flourish in your future role as a health practitioner.

This course does not just focus on the signs and symptoms of illnesses but their social, financial and psychological impacts on people living with those conditions.

You’ll also gain an extensive understanding of legislation and guidance so you can not only advise patients on care and support but also protect yourself from any harm at work.

On completion of this course you’ll be ready to offer person-centred care and build positive relationships across teams and with your patients.

LESSON TIME!

As health professionals our job is to make sure we don’t put patients or ourselves at risk.

Infection control is part of our training.

During this session you’ll learn the basics of hand hygiene – and why it’s the single most important thing anyone can do to prevent the spread of infection.

The most common way to transmit germs is via unwashed hands.

You’ll learn about the development of infections such as the flu or food poisoning through bugs on our skin, back of our nose, throat, and in our digestive tract.

By the end of this session you’ll know all about infectious agents – microorganisms with the potential to cause harm) and where they live, known as a reservoir. We’ll review the portal of exit – how these germs move from home to host, and their mode of transmission.

We’ll then look at the portal of entry – how bad bacteria gets into your body. And we’ll discuss the susceptible host, the final link in the chain of infection.

Preventing infection is an essential part of life for a health and social care professional. It all starts with effective hand hygiene.

Play Video

What’s next?

Accordion Content

You’ll be ready to consider roles across various care settings, including hospitals and residential homes.

Your job may include working in health promotion, social policy, administration, research, support agencies, housing, or the uniformed services.

Or there are plenty of opportunities to gain skills, experience and friends to last a lifetime through overseas voluntary work, working with non-governmental agencies such as Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières).

Many Xaverian students choose degrees in nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work or allied professions.

Or you might consider a totally unrelated degree – such as Performing Arts.

To give you the best possible chance of success, Oxford Cambridge and RSA – the awarding body for this Cambridge Technicals in Health and Social Care qualification worked closely with higher education and sector partners to devise a curriculum ideally matched to higher education and employer needs.

Partners include:

  • Birmingham City University 
  • Coventry University 
  • London South Bank University 
  • University of Central Lancashire 
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Lincoln 
  • Alzheimer’s Society
  • Association of British Healthcare Institutes
  • (ABHI)
  • Care Quality Commission
  • Care UK
  • Nuffield
  • Skills for Care
Extended Certificate:

(1 A-level equivalent)
You will complete 6 units – 3 externally assessed and 3 coursework units.

Extended Diploma:

(3 A-levels equivalent)
You will complete 18 units – 6 externally assessed and 12 coursework units.

Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 4 from English Language and Science recommended

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

Coursework assignments & exams

Course type:

Cambridge Technical

Exam board:

OCR

All the Health & Social Care teachers at the college are experienced, well qualified and have a track record of excellent results. They use a wide range of teaching methods to ensure that all students learn effectively. These methods include presentations, group and individual work, independent learning, research assignments, internet, video case studies and activities in work experience.

I’ve enjoyed the Anatomy and Physiology module of the course because, as I do triple Health and Social Care, it gave me the chance to have an insight into the biology side of health and social care, which is an area I enjoy along with learning about the body.

Abigail Kiwewa, Health and Social Care

RELATED COURSES

If you’re considering BUSINESS BTEC you might also want to check out:

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING COURSES ALONGSIDE CRIMINOLOGY:

English Language/Literature

Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

Find out more

Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

Find out more

Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

Find out more

Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

Find out more

Information Technology CTEC

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CTEC

Ready for an exciting and rewarding future? This is IT!

There are few faster-paced or more exciting courses in further education than Information Technology.

The world is abuzz with technology. Everything you watch, read or hear is produced by computers. Virtual reality, augmented reality, the internet, your phone – they all depend on a complex network of servers.

As you’d expect, there’s never been a greater demand for qualified IT professionals.

Which is where you come in.

On this wide-ranging course you’ll learn how networks work. How computers are built. And how messages are relayed across networks, using computers.

All students will power through these five modules during the coursae, with progress assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams:

  • Fundamentals of IT
  • Global Information
  • Computer Networks
  • Product Development
  • System Analysis and Design

LESSON TIME!

In today’s session we’ll be covering cyber security – one of the greatest threats to modern times.

You’ll doubtless have heard about more than one high-profile data breach, conducted by a nefarious code warrior.

Watch this lesson to find out:

  • What’s a cyber attack
  • Who commits cyber attacks
  • How they happen

We’ll give you a sneak peek. Cyber attacks expose, disable, alter, steal or destroy information – or assume control of computers or networks.

There are three kinds of cyber attacker. Cyber criminals – anyone who commits crime using computers. Hacktivists are cyber criminals, but bring down servers or destroy information under the veil of a just cause. And script kiddies use others’ code to commit online crime.

Cyber crime happens in many different ways. A virus might bring down your network after you forgot to update your security application. The Wannacry malware attack of 2017 brought down many parts of the NHS’ digital systems after exploiting out-of-date software.

Cyber Security is one module you’ll study during your first year of Information Technology at Xaverian College.

Play Video

What’s next?

Accordion Content

There are endless opportunities for anyone with a passion for problem-solving – the bedrock skill of Information Technology.

Here are just a few ideas to help you firm up your ambitions of what you might strive to accomplish beyond Xaverian College:

  • Animator
  • AutoCAD officer
  • Chief information officer
  • Computer programmer
  • Cloud engineer
  • Data scientist
  • DevOps engineer
  • Graphic designer
  • Hardware engineer
  • IT security officer
  • Network architect
  • Project manager
  • Robotics engineer
  • Software engineer
  • Systems analyst
  • User interface developer

You might want to either spend all your time studying at university, or consider applying for a higher or degree apprenticeship – getting straight into work and earning while you’re learning.

On an apprenticeship you’ll spend 80% of your time in the workplace, and 20% studying towards a degree-level qualification. This means it will take longer to complete a course of study.

If you want the full university experience you’ll be more inclined to sign up for an undergraduate degree.

Your Pastoral Manager and the Careers team here at Xaverian can help you make the right decision.

Fundamentals of IT: 

External Exam

Global Information: 

External Exam

Computer Networks

Internally Assessed

Product Development

Internally Assessed

System Analysis and Design

Internally Assessed

Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 4 from English Language recommended

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

Coursework and exams

Course type:

Cambridge Technical

Exam board:

OCR

Information Technology is a practical course. You will learn by completing different tasks and pieces of coursework – plus exams, which are based on realistic workplace situations and activities. You will focus on specific topics in turn and develop a range of specialist skills and knowledge in those areas.

You will work with a number of teachers in parallel, meaning you will be working on one, two or three assignments at any one time. The course is taken alongside other qualifications such as A-levels or BTECs.

Xaverian is the perfect place for the diversity of cultures there are here and all the different views and opinions. The professional atmosphere fills everyone with success and comfort.

Cristian Lupascu, ICT CTEC

RELATED COURSES

If you’re considering ENGLISH COMBINED you might also want to check out:

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING COURSES ALONGSIDE ENGLISH COMBINED:

Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

Find out more

Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

Find out more

Mathematics students multiply Results Day celebrations with impressive grades

Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

Find out more

Results Day yields impressive academic victories

Eight students from Xaverian College secured places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge and more are off to study medicine in …

Find out more

Xaverian College students gain first-choice destinations with excellent results

Staff and students at Xaverian College are celebrating today as the College enjoys yet another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results. A Level …

Find out more
Music Technology

Music Technology

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

BTEC

We’ll show you the DAW to an exciting career.

This is a highly hands-on course designed to get you right at home with the latest technology powering recording studios across the world.

This course has been developed in consultation with influential members of the music industry to make sure students get all the experience required by their future employers.

It’s also a highly regarded qualification among universities and conservatoires.

Skills you’ll learn on this course will be indispensable as you enter your musical career.

We don’t expect you to know how to use all the professional software that’s commonplace on this course – but as you build your portfolio of projects you’ll get right at home with the technology that will likely become an indispensable part of your future career

You won’t just be working with computers. You’ll collaborate closely with Music students to produce recordings of their performances.

You’ll find many Music A-level students joining you on this course.

Music Technology is the perfect complement to the Music A-level, which focuses on the theory of music, works of celebrated artists and composers through the centuries, and students’ own compositions and performances.

On this Music Technology course you’ll learn how to produce your own music using the very latest technology. You’ll be assigned your own Apple Mac to use for the duration of this course, where you’ll be working on state-of-the-art applications used widely across industry.

Modules studied by Music Technology students include:

  • Music and Sound for Media
    Learn how to make music for games, films and apps
  • DAW Production
    Explore how the features of a DAW (digital audio workstation) can be used to create and develop your own music
  • Creative Synthesis and Sampling
    Learn how to use synthesisers and samplers along with the language used to describe sound
  • Remixing and Reworking
    Create a portfolio of contrasting remixes and reworks using a wide range of creative audio and musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) sequencing techniques.
  • Mixing and Mastering Techniques
    Record audio, and mix down and master multitrack digital audio workstation (DAW) projects. Realise a sonic vision for a DAW project to achieve a desired sound.

LESSON TIME!

We’re big fans of Hans Zimmer here at Xaverian.

Today and inspired by the great German musical maestro we’re going to put our musical skills to the test by composing music for a James Bond movie.

To deliver that energetic, dramatic, action-fuelled vibe we’re pulling in the sounds of a string orchestra.

Using a MIDI keyboard and Logic Pro X your teacher will show you how to develop music from scratch.

And we’ll pop into one of Xaverian’s recording studios to lay down some live samples to be mixed into the final production.

On this lesson we’ll be working with chord themes, percussion, bass lines and melody to build up a soundtrack worthy of 007.

You’ll also enjoy a fantastic step-by-step guide to the music technology we use constantly throughout this immersive and inspiring course.

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What’s next?

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Many of our Music Technology alumni work in digital media, and music and film production. Suitable roles include:

  • Broadcast engineer
  • Choreographer
  • Music producer
  • Music therapist
  • Musician
  • Sound designer
  • Sound engineer
  • Teacher
  • Theatre stage manager

As an undergraduate you might consider one of these courses:

  • Audio Recording
  • Creative Music Technology at the University of Salford
  • Electronic Music Production (British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) in Manchester)
  • Music and Sound Production (BIMM)
  • Music Industry Studies
  • Music Performance
Music and Sound for Media
 
DAW Production
 
Creative Synthesis and Sampling
 
Remixing and Reworking
 
Mixing and Mastering Techniques
 
Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 4 from GCSE Music. Ability to play and read music at Grade 4

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

Internal assessment and one externally assessed timed production project (15 hrs)

Course type:

BTEC Advanced

Exam board:

Pearson

The BTEC in Music Technology is an exciting, industry specific course that is highly regarded by universities, conservatoires and apprenticeship providers such as the BBC; focusing on the skills needed for progression into a professional career in music. The BTEC especially supports those studying A-level Music. This course is equivalent to one A-level.

The Music Technology course is so much more than you expect it to be. You learn what it’s like to think like the composers themselves. You learn what it is in the music and what specific features that make the Composer innovative and special. You learn about all of these rules about compositions that really help to develop you as a Musician.

Maisie Ellul, Music Technology BTEC

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COMPLEMENTARY COURSES

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING COURSES ALONGSIDE BUSINESS:

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Results Day at Xaverian College was filled with excitement and pride as students studying A Level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics showcased their exceptional achievements in …

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Results Day yields impressive academic victories

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Sport

SPORT

BTEC

On this course we’ll help you get fit for a fantastic future.

Fanatical about football? Crave climbing? Crazy about kayaking? Vibe for volleyball? Gloomy without the gym?

The sports and leisure industry has bounced back since the pandemic. Personal trainers are now more in demand than ever. And there’s nothing greater than the great outdoors to restore spirits and ready us for whatever challenges come our way.

This BTEC Sport qualification will give you everything required to be a smash hit in health and fitness.

Already know what you want to do as a career? Here are some jobs you might already be considering:

  • Sports coach
  • Sports psychologist
  • Events organiser
  • Gym instructor
  • Referee
  • Outdoor activities instructor
  • PE teacher

On this BTEC Sport course you’ll first learn the basics about anatomy. You’ll find out what it takes to be a rockstar fitness trainer, and then test yourself as a football manager.

In your first year we’ll also take a long look at career development.

While we learn, we’ll also bring those lessons to life with challenges and projects giving you real-world experience.

If you’re not thrilled by the idea of spending your college life in classrooms, BTECs may be perfect for you. They sit between A-levels and apprenticeships in giving you the lowdown on your subject and then developing teamwork, presenting and problem-solving in practical scenarios.

Students on the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport two-year course will also enjoy a week’s work experience to support career ambitions.

If you’ve always wanted to teach windsurfing, or coach football teams, or motivate people to lose weight and feel great in the gym, we’ll help you find a placement to make that dream a reality.

You’ll spend a lot of your time in the Fitness Suite in Xaverian College’s Birtles building. But you might also help out with coaching local sports teams.

Whatever you need to get ready for the world of work – that’s what you’ll get from your BTEC Sport course.

Why BTEC?

BTEC Sport is assessed continually throughout the two years of the course, via exams, coursework, controlled assessments and on your leadership and coaching skills in a practical setting. If you are also studying two subjects alongside your single BTEC Award in Sport, this allows you to focus on exams for these subjects at the end of Year 13. 

Our BTEC Sports students progress onto a wide range of university courses and careers. Many go onto careers in Sport, but you are not restricted in your options after College. If you are solely focused on a career in Sport, we recommend you study the Extended Diploma, which is equivalent to three A Levels.

On the BTEC Sport course, we firmly believe in helping students develop into confident adults who are ready to take the next step in their lives and careers. During your coursework-based units, you will develop a range of attributes that will effectively prepare you for university life. This is particularly relevant in the development of essay-writing skills, which for many university courses is the primary form of assessment. We also focus on developing students’ interpersonal skills, presentation skills, leadership skills, coaching and outdoor and adventure/activity skills.

LESSON TIME!

Fitness training is an important part of this BTEC Sport course.

Today you’re a personal trainer and assessing a fictional client profile to make five recommendations for lifestyle improvement on a six-week coaching plan.

We diagnose based on scientific research and recommendations from healthcare organisations such as the NHS.

You’ll learn on this course why things like sleep, diet, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and increasing exercise lessen the likelihood of contracting serious medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

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What’s next?

Accordion Content

If you’re looking to get into the health and fitness industry, this is the course for you.

You might choose to train as a teacher, or work in sport rehabilitation, sport management, sport coaching, or Leisure and Facility Management.

If you want to get straight into the world of work after completing your BTEC Sport qualification, you can expect to be successful in being recruited to a supervisory role.

As a Sports degree student you’ll be expected to have a good knowledge of science and anatomy – so make sure to choose science-based modules as part of your BTEC course. 

If you want to study a different subject in higher education, choose a National Diploma or National Extended Certificate and other courses.

Remember that degree-level study is much different to how you learn on a BTEC course. You might want to spend some extra time on advanced study skills like essay writing – which will play a big part in your university life.

Single Sport has 4 units overall: 

66% external assessment (1 Exam , 1 Controlled assessment) 34% Internal Assessment (2 Coursework)

Triple Sport has 14 units overall:

42% external assessment (1 Exam , 3 Controlled assessment) 58% Internal Assessment ( 11 Coursework)

 
Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 4 from English and Science recommended

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

Exam, controlled assessments & coursework

Exam board:

Pearson

Course type:

BTEC Advanced

As this is an applied course the mode of study will be a mixture of theory and practice. Therefore, your learning will not always take place in the classroom.

You will be required to gather information, using primary and secondary research. This will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of theoretical models and that you are capable of demonstrating the required industry skills.

I wanted to go to a basketball academy regardless, plus I wanted to study certain A Levels to get on the course I wanted at university, so I found Xaverian had a perfect balance between being able to study basketball but also being able to study the subjects I needed to further my career in Physiotherapy.

Mo Al Khatib, Sport BTEC

Manchester Giants Academy

Basketball fanatic? Hoping to play professionally?

If you’re already playing basketball at a high level, apply to combine Xaverian study and training with League One title hopefuls, Manchester Giants.

Our Manchester Giants Academy gives you time both on campus and court. So you’ll leave Xaverian with both qualifications and the chance to shoot hoops on the pro-basketball circuit.

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