BTEC Higher National Certificates provide a nationally recognised qualification offering
career progression and professional development for those already in employment and
opportunities to progress into higher education. The qualifications are mode free but they are
primarily undertaken by part-time learners studying over two years. In some sectors there are
opportunities for those wishing to complete an intensive programme of study in a shorter period
of time.
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in in Music Performance mainly offers a progression route for learners who are employed in the music industry.
Learners studying on the BTEC Higher National Certificate will be able to progress into
employment in the music industry or continue with their studies at level 5 by focusing their
learning and working towards a BTEC Professional Diploma.
The assessment of these BTEC qualifications is criterion-referenced and centres will be required to assess the learners’ evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of national standards for each qualification.
It is recognised that learners present with varying experiences of education and training and/or work and centres are encouraged to take an open approach to the choice of assessment methods in the general guidance from Edexcel and other support material such as Tutor Support Material. In particular Edexcel has always supported a learner-centred approach to learning and the associated assessment so that maximum use is made of learner’s environment and experience.
A range of assessment methods are available to centres that include open-book projects or assignments, practical tests, closed or open short answer questions, essays, performance or artefacts. Centres are expected to use assessment methods that are fit-for-purpose in relation to the size and subject content of each qualification and the nature of the learners so that there are maximum opportunities to present evidence that will meet the requirements of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. For part time learners who principally study for the BTEC Higher National Certificate, Edexcel encourages centres to make maximum use of the learners’ current and/or past work and other experience. For the full time learners on the BTEC Higher National Diploma programmes, while full use should be made of any work experience, it is likely that realistic case studies and research into companies and organisations will offer a more appropriate assessment approach
The guidance section of the specifications and the Information for Tutors section of the units will provide guidance about suitable assessment strategies.
Candidates must complete all units in Group A, the specialist unit in Group B and five units from Group C