Ladies College launches alternate pathway to University Via Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma
A new pathway to university was recently unveiled when Ladies College launched the Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma in Hospitality as a parallel option to Advanced Level qualifications on May 6. Representatives from Pearson ( UK/ Sri Lanka), acclaimed universities and hotel schools and the Cinnamon Group of Hotels were in attendance, along with parents and students from Ladies’ College.
Among key guests present was David Crowther, the Director of International Products and Global Partnerships, Pearson Qualifications International, UK.
“We are always careful to point out that BTEC programmes are not an easy option; we make certain that the level of demand and rigor are equivalent at every level. We are consistently outspoken about the fact that vocational and career related qualifications are too often undervalued by society, and we must ensure that our career related qualifications are every bit as rigorous as academic qualifications,” Crowther said at the event.
“That’s important too because the very reason for having qualifications is to give our students the opportunity to progress, and to have the widest possible choices about what they do next. BTECs offer this. In fact, flexibility is one of the big advantages BTECs offer,” he added.
Commencing from June 1, students of Ladies College will have the privilege of studying for a BTEC qualification in Hospitality while being able to gain valuable hands on practical experience in reputed five star hotels. Those who successfully complete the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma will also be exempted from the first year of the Hospitality Degrees offered by a few selected universities.
“This is a groundbreaking initiative for the Sri Lankan education sector. The Extended Diploma is a combination of the best of Pearson’s academic and BTEC’s vocational qualifications. Ladies College is a prestigious institution with a long and distinguished history, and we look forward to fostering a new generation of learners along with them,” said Premila Paulraj, Regional Director - Asia for Pearson.
Principal of Ladies’ College, Eesha Speldewinde speaking at the event said,
“Hospitality is an immensely important and continuously evolving field in Sri Lanka and there is a need for qualified and committed professionals. Thus, the Pearson BTEC programme seemed the ideal forum for creating a new dimension in further education through a vocational curriculum. Whilst we value tradition at Ladies ’ College, we are strongly committed to equipping our students with skills and qualifications that are vital in the modern world.”
Founded in 1900, Ladies’ College has a long tradition of empowering girls of all races and creeds through education. Though this institution is known for its deep rooted traditions, it is mindful that to adapt to an ever changing world it needs to equip students with new and varied opportunities of learning.
BTEC qualifications by Pearson are suitable for a wide range of learners, built to accommodate the needs of employers, while allowing progression for university. Pearson is UK’s largest awarding body offering academic, vocational and work-based learning qualifications.