Latest news with #BTEC
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Future-focused: Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai expands IB Career-related Programme
Dubai: Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD) is placing renewed emphasis on the value of its International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), following the outstanding results of the Class of 2025. Offering a compelling alternative to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or A-Level pathways, the IBCP is designed to support students who wish to engage in career-related learning, whilst gaining transferable and lifelong skills. The IBCP combines academic rigour with real-world experience, providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage directly with industry and develop practical skills. SISD's IBCP programme features globally recognised BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Business and Hospitality and the newly launched BTEC in Sport, Business and Management. These qualifications provide students with focused, practical knowledge across these industries. In addition, students study three IBDP subjects alongside a core of personal and professional development. SISD's IBCP students have continuously exceeded global averages in their Diploma subjects, and achieved an impressive 100% Distinction level in their BTEC Diplomas this year - the highest possible grade - reflecting outstanding academic excellence. Principal Ruth Burke says 'The IBCP offers a unique advantage for ambitious students who thrive in applied learning environments and gaining places at great universities.' In addition to SISD's BTEC Diploma in Business and Hospitality, the innovative BTEC Diploma in Sport, Business and Management launches in August, providing students with the opportunity to explore business fundamentals alongside subjects such as; Sports Psychology, Applied Anatomy and Physiology, and Sports Performance Analysis. By combining the principles of Business Management with an in-depth exploration of the key elements of sport, students will be prepared to access top universities around the world. The Business and Hospitality BTEC diploma is delivered in partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, a world-renowned hospitality management institution. This collaboration allows SISD students to gain highly valuable sector-specific experience that's rare within the UAE's secondary education landscape, while aligning them with some of the most prestigious hospitality schools and employers globally. A Grade 12 SISD graduate says: 'The IBCP programme, combined with a BTEC qualification, has completely redefined what success in education can look like. It gave me the chance to study what I'm passionate about, hospitality and business, while also gaining real-world experience through internships and projects. The mix of academic learning and practical, career-focused study prepared me not just for university, but for life beyond the classroom. I didn't just learn theory - I learned how to apply it. I am excited to be heading to EHL, one of the world's leading Hospitality universities this year." One of the standout features of our IBCP programme is the exclusive student placement programme, offering learners the opportunity to gain practical, industry-level experience in world-renowned hotels. SISD students have completed placements at iconic locations such as the Burj Al Arab, gaining firsthand insight into the high standards and professionalism that define hospitality. Dr Lisa Bardin, IBCP Coordinator at SISD, says: 'The IBCP is increasingly recognised by leading universities for its academic integrity and the practical competencies it develops. At SISD, we are proud to offer a pathway that not only meets the high standards of the IB framework but also prepares students for the challenges of both higher education and industry.' The strength of the IBCP offering is further reflected in the diverse and impressive range of university acceptances achieved by SISD students. These include EHL (EHL Hospitality Business School), University of Birmingham, City St George's, University of London, Heriot Watt University, École de management de Normandie , HULT International Business School, Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM), Queen Mary University of London, Regents University London, The American University of Paris, Murdoch University, SOAS University of London and the American University of Rome. Rhiana Courlander, University Guidance Counsellor at SISD, adds: 'Our IBCP students are gaining entry into some of the most respected institutions across Europe and beyond. The combination of BTEC qualifications, IB academic standards and SISD's tailored guidance means they are well-positioned to succeed both at university and in their chosen careers.' The IBCP is a powerful option for students who are motivated by a specific career direction and want to access a pathway that merges academic achievement with applied, purposeful learning. SISD's commitment to excellence in this area positions it as one of the few schools in the UAE offering such a comprehensive and future-ready programme. Grade 11 applications are being accepted for the IBCP, with limited spaces available for the new BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, Business and Management. SISD encourages early applications as interest in the IBCP continues to grow. The school is also preparing new enhancements to its secondary provision over the summer, reinforcing its commitment to offering innovative, high-quality education pathways that reflect the evolving aspirations of its student community. For more information about the IB Career-related Programme and the new BTEC pathways, visit SISD's website. About Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school that blends a global outlook, bilingual approach, and Swiss culture, all while remaining firmly rooted in the Dubai community. Opened in 2015, SISD is the largest Swiss school outside of Switzerland, with over 2,600 students from more than 100 nationalities. With a mission to inspire confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, SISD offers unique bilingual and STEAM programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class education for students aged 3 to 18. Media contact: Ananda Shakespeare Shakespeare Communications ananda@
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
King's Trust Award for teens after incredible gesture - 'people were struggling'
After the loneliness of lockdown, two 14-year-olds pledged to bring people together. The result is a King's Trust Awards-winning hub that has become the heart of their community When Nathan Campbell and Ronnie Walters entered Year 7 at their high school, Dixons Unity Academy in Leeds, secondary education was very different to how they pictured it. It was 2020 and as the country was placed on lockdown they, and the rest of the school, were sent home where they were stuck trying to continue their education, make new friends and adjust to their new environment. The experience was so unnerving and isolating that when they were challenged to devise an ethical business as part of their business studies BTEC in Year 9, when they were 14, the pair knew what to do: they needed to create a place that brings people together. Unity Community was born, initially in their school's unused woodworking room, and as it outgrew that space, in the old library. Two years on, it's a thriving hub that opens its doors every Friday to people in the community, mothers and babies, fellow students, and anyone who's looking for some company. Tea and coffee are on offer, along with free food donated by nearby supermarkets Aldi and Morrisons, while Greggs also contributes pastries. There are toys for little ones to play with and a uniform and clothes swap. In short, it's the kind of place that every community needs, and it was conceived by two young men with a sense of empathy and awareness that is far beyond their, now, 16 years. 'One of the main issues after Covid was isolation,' says Ronnie. 'People were struggling - they were at home, by themselves and separate. The community needed something that could bring them back together but somewhere they could also get what they needed.' Their memories of lockdown are still fresh. 'The transition from Year 6 to 7 was non-existent,' says Nathan. 'We were thrown in the deep end. It was chaos - separate classrooms, bubbles and isolation.' With two parents working on the NHS frontline who then had to self-isolate at home to reduce the risk of infection, Nathan felt the loneliness of Covid keenly. 'I was so desperate because I was stuck doing homeschooling and wondering, 'why can't I see my mum and dad? Why do they have to be in their rooms for a solid two hours?' I thought that if I'm feeling like that, other people will be feeling it too.' Meanwhile, Ronnie's lockdown started earlier than his peers. 'I have asthma so I had to be off school for longer. I was sent home three or four weeks before everyone else.' The friends took part in the 2023 inter-school competition, the King's Trust Enterprise Challenge, and although they didn't win, they continued on with the hub and have seen it grow into a weekly fixture, largely thanks to word of mouth. 'We started out being part of the then Princes' Trust Enterprise Challenge,' Nathan says. 'We had to set up a sustainable business and it had to be ethical at the same time. We came up with this idea for a community place, so people could come together and support each other.' The result is that they have won the 2025 The King's Trust JD Foundation Community Impact Award, which has partnered with the Mirror this year. The duo attended an awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall which was attended by stars including George Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, Kate Garraway, Tasha Ghouri, Sam Thompson and Jamie Laing. A teacher at the Unity Academy, Angie Germain, takes care of the day-to-day running of the hub since Nathan and Ronnie are in lessons, but they still take whatever time they can to attend. Open to the community, a representative from the DWP is there every week to help people with form filling; recently 50 Hub-goers joined a litter pick, and there's now a timetable of events including one of the regulars, who's a sushi chef, giving a sushi masterclass. Ronnie got his first taste of business negotiation when he sat in meetings with Greggs and Morrisons, who donate fruit and veg to reduce the impact of food waste in Leeds. While Nathan, who was inspired by a Second World War poster with the phrase, 'Make do and mend', brought the school's old sewing machines out of storage and put them to good use. 'People can bring any sort of damaged clothing in for repairs. People do bag repairs too, so if your school bag is torn they'll help mend it,' he says. 'I thought, why waste something perfectly useful when it will cost something when it's bought completely new?' They've enjoyed their partnership. Ronnie says: 'We were looking at the overarching problems and we built on each other's ideas. We always get along and don't seem to say anything that goes against each other.' What's next for Unity Community? 'A big push is getting a kitchen area to try and teach cooking skills,' says Ronnie, who hopes to become a teacher. And even though the youngsters are coming to the end of their time at the high school, they still pledge to remain involved in the Hub. Ronnie, who will be doing teaching work experience at his old school and lives close by, says, 'I'll stay as connected as possible. Nathan, who sees a future career in history or politics, adds: 'I want to be a part of it for as long as possible, for the long term. I couldn't predict that it would go as far as it has already. It could keep growing and growing.'
North Wales Chronicle
29-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Young woman from Gwynedd lands senior manager role
Ellie Granton, 29, from Y Felinheli, is a senior manager at Hays, leading a team of consultants across the north west of England. She attributes her career success to the foundation she received at Coleg Menai. Ellie's career began when she studied Level 3 Business at Coleg Menai in Bangor from 2012 to 2014. Since then, she has gained a Masters in Human Resource Management, joined Hays as a graduate consultant, and has been promoted five times in just a few years to her current role. Ellie said of her time in college: "My favourite thing about the course was the variation of modules and all the different assignment topics. "The way of teaching at college was different from school, as you were allowed more autonomy. "Also, it gave me the opportunity to meet a whole new group of people who I'd never met had it not been for the course." Ellie added: "One semester we had the opportunity to go to Brussels for a few days and visit the European Parliament. "It was such an amazing time, and it was one of my first times being in a country that isn't first-language English, without my family, so it definitely developed my confidence and ability to navigate situations and scenarios on my own. "It's times like this that are the foundation for later on in life, like moving to uni and solo travelling." Ellie said her time at Coleg Menai gave her the perfect grounding to move on to university, adding: "The BTEC business course definitely helped me in uni. "Firstly, from the UCAS points and also giving me a good understanding of the subject area and what the core modules would be. "Going to college felt like the right next step - moving out of school but still supporting my education and future career. "I'd highly recommend this course and Coleg Menai."
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Tinker, tailor, carpenter, spy: MI5 seeks woodworker for top-secret missions
MI5 is hiring a carpenter to help protect the country from terrorism and hostile-state threats. The successful candidate will be deployed in the field to help carry out intelligence-gathering operations around the UK and 'directly contribute to the security of our nation'. The new recruit will have to sign the Official Secrets Act and must have a 'meticulous' attention to detail and 'sound problem-solving skills'. The role has a starting salary of £43,000, is being advertised on MI5's website and on its official Instagram account. A video promoting the vacancy features footage of a person chiselling, sawing and planing a piece of wood with the caption: 'POV [point of view]: you're a carpenter and you want to be a spy... It takes a variety of skills to keep the country safe.' The job description on the intelligence service's website states: 'As a maintenance carpenter, your work will encompass maintenance, repair and construction within secure facilities, including hardening of critical infrastructure and creating bespoke spaces in many different types of property. 'You will be responsible for creating technical drawings, selecting appropriate materials, and carrying out tasks to a high standard, all while adhering to stringent security protocols. 'Another aspect of the role, and very exciting part of it, is occasionally deploying within the UK on intelligence gathering operations; utilising your trade skills to directly contribute to the security of our nation.' Candidates will have to undergo the most stringent level of security checks, known as developed vetting, including solvency tests to ensure they are not heavily in debt and at risk of being blackmailed. Applicants must also have a City & Guilds Level 2, BTEC, NVQ or equivalent qualification in carpentry and joinery. The job specification continued: 'You will also be expected to maintain required levels of fitness as the job can be physical at times.' Recruits will be given two hours of paid leave each week to exercise or go to the gym. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Jordan News
20-04-2025
- General
- Jordan News
Minister of Education Inspects Schools in Amman - Jordan News
On Sunday, Minister of Education Dr. Azmi Mahafza participated in the morning assembly and flag-raising ceremony at Al-Hussein Secondary School for Boys, marking the beginning of his inspection tour of schools under the Directorate of Education for the Greater Amman Area. اضافة اعلان The tour aimed to closely assess the educational situation, identify needs, and find ways to address the challenges facing the educational process. It included visits to the following schools: Al-Hussein Comprehensive Secondary School for Girls, Ya'qub Hashem Secondary School for Boys, Arjan Secondary School for Girls, Salah al-Din Secondary School for Boys, and Fatima Zahra Secondary School for Girls. During the visit, Dr. Mahafza, accompanied by the Directors of the Buildings and Projects Department, Engineer Issam Abu Ahmada, and the Supplies and Provision Department, Mohammad Al-Manasir, instructed the maintenance of the library at Al-Hussein Secondary School for Boys, including equipping it with cabinets, maintaining the theater, and constructing football, basketball, and volleyball courts, while ensuring that the maintenance work aligns with the school's historical character. He also instructed the necessary maintenance of Al-Hussein Comprehensive Secondary School for Girls, including cosmetic restoration of the old stonework and replacing the school's protective fencing. Additionally, he directed the Buildings Department to expedite the tender process for the maintenance of Ya'qub Hashem Secondary School for Boys, including resurfacing its playground with tartan, as well as the necessary maintenance for Salah al-Din Secondary School for Boys. Dr. Mahafza emphasized the Ministry's commitment to applying educational regulations, particularly regarding school discipline and attendance, noting that the Ministry will enforce rules on success, completion, and failure for students who exceed the allowed number of absences, in coordination with parents. He also monitored the progress of the vocational education program (BTEC) in vocational schools, ensuring the equipment provided by the Ministry is contributing to the program's success. He listened to feedback from both students and teachers, reaffirming the Ministry's efforts to meet the schools' needs according to priorities and available resources.
