I agree in theory but I think the problem is that not all BTECS are equal. As JayLou indicates, a Foundation at a reputable college will be of a much higher standard than many BTECs in Further Education colleges, particularly in dance disciplines.kzgirl wrote:Hello Everyone
I am a little confused about doing a foundation course at aged 16yrs. These courses cost around £7500 per year plus living expenses on top. I guess it must work out around £15,000 for the year. Okay this will prepare your child for the next stage which could be the level 6 diploma or the degree. I am reading all the time that it is so difficult to get work in the industry because it is also about the look body shape size etc even if you are good. At 16 there are plenty of local colleges/schools whereby your child can obtain the BTEC level 3 for free as part of the education system. This puts your child at aged 18 in a position for the next stage, whether it be a college or a Uni. If you have already spent out around £15,000 at aged 16 to 17 on a foundation surely this money would be better spent after obtaining the BTEC level 3 under the state education system. Am I interpreting this wrong but in my opinion there is no need for a foundation course at 16. I could understand paying at 16 for the level 6 diploma as this is higher education but the foundation courses aren't. Maybe I think this way as our finances wouldn't support a foundation course.
At 16 DD had Diploma offers from Laine, Performers and Urdang, but no funding so we couldn't afford it. We were lucky that we have a local privately run performing arts college, linked to a dance school, offering a fully state funded BTEC at a much higher standard than the local FE colleges, so DD did that (plus continued with CAT and Advanced Ballet + Modern). After the BTEC she got both degree and DaDA funded offers. I don't think any of the other local FE colleges would have given her the extra polish she needed to secure funding. However a Foundation wouldn't have given her the UCAS points to secure a degree place...
So if there is a good BTEC and you can continue with higher level dance classes then yes, a Foundation seems economically questionable, but in the absence of a good BTEC, and if family finances allow, then it may be the best option. Many students are offered Foundation after they have done BTEC anyway so it might not be a case of either/or, rather a case of gaining UCAS points in preparation for a degree once they are ready performance wise.