TRAVEL & TOURISM

The Travel and Tourism department at Sheffield Springs Academy is still in its early stages of development and has growing interest throughout Key stage 4.

Employing approximately 5% of all the UK's workforce, ‘The world's largest industry’ is the term frequently used to describe the travel and tourism industry.  At Sheffield Springs Academy we offer the Level 2 BTEC First qualification at both Key Stages  4 & 5 along with the Level 3 BTEC National at Key Stage 5, both of which are vocational courses and practical in content to ensure students obtain the basic skills to either continue into further/higher education or enter into employment within the industry. 

Students participate in traditional study and carry out activities linked to the industry, whilst developing their independent study skills, research skills and communication skills.

We have enthusiastic and experienced teachers who are able to pass down their experiences of the industry whilst making time spent at Sheffield Springs Academy interesting, fun, informative, as well as preparing students for this ever-expanding industry.

The department uses a range of resources in its training-from text books, maps, and up-to-date trade press releases to laptops for researching electronic resources and access to the web.  There are also opportunities to escape the classroom environment and experience the industry through trips to the Local Tourist Information Centre, Theme Parks, Travel Agents and prospective UK and overseas residential visits.

Level 2 BTEC First Extended Diploma in Travel & Tourism - KS4

What is the course about?
The New BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in KS4 consists of a credit weighted format introducing students to the travel and tourism industry.  Combined with the students investigating UK, European and Worldwide destinations, exploring customer services and holiday planning, learners are equipped with a variety of skills that can be applied in a range of related occupations. 

Duration
Three Years (Typically the GCSE Option Years 9-11)

Who is the course for?
Anyone who is interested in gaining an insight into the travel and tourism industry.

What will I study?
The BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate is a 30 credit course, with units worth 4 or 5 credits, the extended certificate consists of three mandatory units plus optional units that provide for a combined total of 30 credits.

Mandatory Units	Optional Units
1. The UK Travel and Tourism Sector	6. UK Tourism Destinations
2. Understanding Customer Service in     Travel and Tourism	7. European Holiday Destinations
3. Understanding the Nature and Effects of      World Travel	9. Holiday Planning

 

How is the course assessed?
Study will combine independent research, group activities, display work, presentations and discussion.  The course develops a solid understanding of the travel and tourism industry, with students producing assignments, presentations, display materials and reports to evidence their knowledge. During teaching and assessment, industry specific scenarios and practical applications are used to strengthen  comprehension of the industry expanding an application and analysis of the particular learning outcome stipulated in the specification.

What will I achieve?
On completion of the course students will gain a BTEC Level 2 qualification equivalent to 2 GCSE’s Grades A-C.

Where will this lead?
It provides a stepping stone to continue in education, progressing to a Level 3 BTEC National in Travel and Tourism, or a lead into employment with junior roles within the travel and tourism industry.  Students should aim for a merit or distinction grade at the end of the course to ensure progression to the National Diploma.