Travel & Tourism
Travel & Tourism Teaching Staff
- Mrs S Lydford – Curriculum Leader
- Mr M Bell
Why Travel & Tourism is important
At Wey Valley Academy, the intention of our curriculum is to ensure that all students develop detailed knowledge of the travel and tourism industry and the destinations that are visited within the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. Through creating cultural capital and understanding of the component industries that make up the travel and tourism sector and the skills required for different roles our students will develop the skills and knowledge that are required to work in a variety of different travel and tourism roles. Travel and tourism will enable students to explore one of the fastest growing industries in the UK with the industry growing at a rate of 4.2% a year. They will have an opportunity to gain confidence by developing independent learning skills and applying their understanding in a practical way. Living in a popular seaside resort gives our students real opportunity to see theory in action, but also enhances their own employability in Travel and Tourism, be that part time or as a potential career.
Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4 the intent is to guide students through the BTEC First which allows for progression onto a higher level through Key Stage 5 and then further, should they wish to do so.
Mandatory Content
Exam- externally assessed
Unit 1: The UK Travel and Tourism Sector – this unit covers the main types of tourism in the UK, the contribution that travel and tourism makes to the UK economy and the different component industries that make up the UK travel and tourism sector.
Coursework- internally assessed
Unit 2: UK Travel and Tourism Destinations – this unit covers what the different types of UK destinations have to offer, as well as locating tourist UK destinations and routes.
Optional Units
students will then complete two other internally assessed units.
Unit 3: The Travel and Tourism Customer Experience. It has been said that if you don’t take care of your customers, someone else will, which is why knowing your customers and their needs and providing excellent customer service is so important to all travel and tourism organisations. Customer service in the travel and tourism sector is about knowing your customers’ needs and expectations about the products and services they are using and have purchased. All types and sizes of travel and tourism organisation aim to be successful and to ensure this is possible they must make sure that the products and services that their customers receive meet their needs, are what they expect, give full satisfaction and at times exceed expectations. In this unit you will look at the definition of customer service and what the main aims of customer service are; this may differ depending on the size and type of the travel and tourism organisation. One thing all travel and tourism organisations hope for is that they will meet and exceed every customer’s needs and expectations. Finally, you will consider the importance of customer service to travel and tourism organisations and understand the impacts of getting customer service right or, in some cases, wrong.
Unit 4: International Travel and Tourism Destinations. There are over 190 countries in the world. How many will you visit in your lifetime? Working in the travel industry provides opportunities to explore some of these countries, so why not start dreaming now, and look at some of the fascinating destinations that exist? Travelling beyond the UK opens up a world of different cultures, traditions, landscapes and experiences. There are exotic locations and bustling, vibrant cities to explore, while the wonders of the natural world entice the traveller and offer opportunities for adventure. Advances in transport, technology and increasingly independent travellers mean that holidays to far-flung corners of the world are becoming more and more accessible. It is now possible for many thousands of UK travellers to enjoy the experience of visiting international destinations every year. Throughout this unit students will be asked to locate numerous international holiday destinations and their gateways. Students will also be asked to investigate natural features, local attractions, accommodation and transport options to suit a variety of customers in various holiday destinations.
GCSE Specification
Click to view GCSE specification – Travel & Tourism