TIS BTEC Policy

1. The BTEC Leader has overall responsibility for the management and effective delivery of BTEC qualifications within Totnes Independent School (Totnes Independent School).
2. With the support of the Principal, the BTEC Leader will ensure that systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the quality of delivery and assessment by the teachers of BTEC qualifications within Totnes Independent School and make changes if necessary.
3. With the support of the Exams’ Officer, the BTEC Leader will ensure that all staff involved in the delivery of BTEC qualifications within Totnes Independent School are kept up to date with Pearson’s policies and procedures.
4. The BTEC Leader will oversee the Internal Verification and Assessment of students’ coursework and ensure that those who are entitled to, receive exemptions in recognition of Prior Learning, including the transfer of credits.
5. The BTEC Leader will ensure that all staff involved in the assessment of BTEC qualifications fully understand the process, that assignments are planned using a range of appropriate assessment methods, and that proper records are kept.
6. The BTEC Leader will review  this data with teachers to enhance future assessment practice
7. The BTEC Leader will liaise with the SENDCo to ensure that those students who are entitled to, receive: learning support, special consideration and reasonable adjustments, including Exam Access arrangements, in line with the Totnes Independent School SEND Policy. This might include seeking specialist support from other agencies and/or providing appropriate specialist equipment.
8. Each student will receive a learner handbook containing accurate information about the expectations of the qualification(s) they are undertaking, how the courses will be delivered at Totnes Independent School, and how feedback will be given following assessments.
9. Routes of progression will be identified and made clear to all students.
10. Subject teachers will give clear guidance, explaining Unit Certification, advising students of any technical needs and stating what support they will be given.
11. Students will have access to essential and sufficient equipment, reference material and other resources including ICT: the BTEC Leader will regularly review these resources with subject teachers to ensure that equipment is maintained and updated as necessary.
12. The Exams Officer will transmit details of assessment outcomes to Pearson.
13. The BTEC Leader will ensure that there are systems in place for the ongoing tracking of student progress, achievement, accumulation of credits (including any exemptions and transfers of credit).
14. Only staff designated by the Exams Officer will have access to Edexcel Online.
15. Assessment and verification records will be retained by the Exams Officer in the secure Exams Cabinet for three years following certification.
16. The IT Leader will ensure that active learner portfolios are kept secure, confidential and comply with Data Protection Acts.
17. The IT Leader will ensure that the delivery of BTEC qualifications is supported by: the Totnes Independent School computer system being maintained; adequate and appropriate back-up systems: all staff and students having access to compatible hard and software.

Totnes Independent School will revise and review this policy regularly.

Review date: Sept 2026

Signed:

Ross Robens, Director