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Travel & Tourism

At Sandy Secondary School, our Travel and Tourism curriculum ensures that pupils leave with the ability to investigate and reflect on real-world issues within one of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries. We aim to develop empathy so students understand both the benefits and challenges that tourism brings to various destinations.

Through the BTEC Tech Award in Travel and Tourism, students gain an understanding of the sector's importance to the UK economy while developing the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in this vibrant industry.

Kaitlin Mansfield

Sustainability Lead/Second in Dept Geography

Katy Tarpey

Curriculum Leader Travel & Tourism/Teacher of Geography

Subject Information Sheets

Download curriculum overviews and subject information sheets for Travel & Tourism.

Subject Information Sheets

Curriculum documents for Travel & Tourism.

Curriculum road map for BTEC Tech Award in Travel and Tourism, showing three components across Years 9 to 11 with learning aims, progress checks, and assessments.

Our Approach to Travel & Tourism

Our Travel & Tourism department focuses on three key areas that shape everything we do.

Global Tourism

Exploring how various factors influence global travel and tourism, with attention to sustainability and destination management.

Destination Knowledge

Developing a greater sense of place and locational knowledge, understanding the appeal of UK and international destinations.

Industry Skills

Building practical skills in customer service, research, and critical thinking for careers in the travel and tourism sector.

Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact

Our Travel & Tourism curriculum is built around three core pillars. Expand the sections below to read our full statements on what we aim to achieve, how we deliver it, and the difference it makes to our students.

  • At Sandy Secondary School, our intent for the Travel and Tourism curriculum is to ensure that pupils leave with the ability to investigate and reflect on real-world issues within the industry.
  • We aim to develop empathy in our learners so they not only understand the benefits of tourism but also the challenges it can bring to various destinations.
  • The course is designed to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to pursue a vibrant and exciting career in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries.
  • Learners will gain an understanding of the sector’s importance to the UK economy, and how it influences and connects many aspects of people’s lives and livelihoods.
  • They will develop a greater sense of place and locational knowledge, learning to understand the ‘why of where.’ Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, showing an aptitude for further study or vocational progression.
  • Ultimately, we want to motivate learners to fully engage with challenging content and inspire them to consider careers in travel and tourism.
  • The Travel and Tourism curriculum is delivered through the BTEC Tech Award in Travel and Tourism, developed by Pearson.
  • This vocational qualification is offered to Key Stage 4 learners and is structured around three core components that are studied over a three-year period.
  • The first component, Travel and Tourism Organisations and Destinations, explores the aims of UK travel and tourism organisations and the appeal of various destinations.
  • The second component, Customer Needs in Travel and Tourism, focuses on how organisations identify trends and adapt to meet the needs and preferences of different customer groups.
  • The third component, Influences on Global Travel and Tourism, examines the various factors that impact global travel and tourism, with particular attention to sustainability and destination management.
  • Each component is interrelated, and students are assessed internally upon completing each learning aim. A final external assessment is conducted at the end of the course.
  • Throughout the programme, learners are encouraged to adopt positive behaviours for learning and to work hard towards their qualification from the outset.
  • The impact of the Travel and Tourism curriculum at Sandy Secondary School is assessed through more than just exam results.
  • Student engagement is evident during lessons, classroom discussions, and observations, where active participation and curiosity are encouraged.
  • Uptake for the Tech Award has been strong, demonstrating student interest in the subject and enthusiasm for vocational learning.
  • Teachers monitor attainment through regular discussions with students, encouraging them to ask questions and think critically about the content.
  • Frequent progress checks ensure that all learners are being appropriately challenged and supported.
  • This allows for a more holistic understanding of the impact of the curriculum, ensuring it not only supports academic achievement but also fosters a meaningful interest in the world of travel and tourism.
Composite illustration featuring world landmarks including Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Taj Mahal, and tropical beach scene with aeroplanes and boats.
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Begin Your Travel & Tourism Journey

Discover how Travel & Tourism can shape your future — explore our curriculum from KS3 through to Sixth Form.

Contact the Travel & Tourism Department