Travel and Tourism

 

 

Why choose AS/A2 Travel and Tourism?

Have you ever thought about the skills and knowledge that are needed in order for you to enjoy that two weeks in the sun…or rain???!!! In AS/A2 Travel and Tourism you will have the opportunity to mix theory with practice!

 

Those who gain most from this course are likely to have one or more of the following:

 

  • A BTEC First in Travel and Tourism
  • GCSE Leisure and Tourism
  • 4/5 GCSE’s including Mathematics and English Language at Grade C
  • Work experience or interests in the area of travel and tourism.

 

What does the course involve?

The course examines the travel and tourism industries, their development and their importance to the UK economy. Did you know that 10% of UK earnings come from the tourism industry?! You will investigate the characteristics of destinations and their management and you will become an expert in the field of customer service!

 

AS = 3 units

A2 = 6 units.

 

How is the course taught?

Travel and Tourism is a vocational course, which means that there is a much more practical side of developing skills which can be taken into the workplace. This is balanced by the necessary theory needed to support these skills. Much of the content relies on first hand experience of how what you learn in the classroom is applied to the ‘real world’. You will achieve this through visits to travel and tourism organisations.

 

You will be expected to take initiative in planning your own approach to your assignments, researching and producing work that meets the requirements of each unit. Course tutors support you in many ways, by delivering background theory, arranging visits, organising speakers and advising on the planning and content of your work. The more independence you demonstrate in producing your work, the higher your final grade could be. You are encouraged to use as many sources of information as possible including ICT, but you will be issued with a core text.

 

 

 

 

 

How is the course assessed?

 

The AS level comprises three compulsory units of study:

 

Unit 1:            Introducing Travel and Tourism                               External

Unit 2:            Customer Service in Travel and Tourism   Internal

Unit 3:            Travel Destinations                                                   Internal

 

Unit 1 is externally assessed by examination. Units 2 & 3 are assessed by portfolio. Portfolios include written reports, video presentations, and audiotapes of discussion, display materials, photographs and witness statements.

 

The A2 course is covered over a two year period and includes units 1,2 & 3 as listed above, but also:

 

            Unit 4:            International Travel                                                    External

 

And 2 units out of the following 4:

 

            Unit 5:            Tourist Attractions                                                     Internal

            Unit 6:            Organising Travel                                                      Internal           

Unit 7:            Hospitality                                                                  Internal

            Unit 8:            Working Overseas                                                    Internal

 

AS Level:       Each unit is graded from A to E, as is the final grade for the whole course.

 

A Level:          The A2 course is graded: AA, AB, BB, BC, CC, CD, DD, DE, and EE where AA is the highest grade.

 

Why is it valuable?

The insight that you will gain into the travel and tourism industry will be incredibly valuable to you when applying for jobs in these areas, as well as for Higher Education courses.