SIXTH FORM

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science

 

Course Entry Requirements:

Four GCSEs at grade 4 and above

General Course Description

This two-year course, which is equivalent to one A-level, is designed to give students who are particularly interested in the sciences a qualification and range of vocational experience suitable as a stepping stone into scientific careers. For examples roles such as:

  • Medical and scientific technicians

  • Research scientists

  • Forensic scientists

  • Pharmacists

  • Nurses

  • Science journalists

Over the two year course students will look at a variety of practical techniques and will understand the scientific processes that occur. As well as developing practical skills, students will gain in depth knowledge of some aspects of science. The course contains aspects of chemistry, biology and physics. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as: the ability to learn independently; research actively and methodically; give presentations and be active group members.

Year 12 Units:

Unit 2 – Principles and Application of Chemistry (Exam component)

Unit 4 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (Internal component)

Unit 1 – Principles and Application of Biology (Exam component – Assessed in Y13)

 

Year 13 Units:

Unit 3 – Principles and Application of Physics (Exam component) 

Unit 5 – Science Investigation Skills (Internal component)

The assessment of the course is split equally between internal and The assessment of the course is split equally between internal and external assessment.

Unit 1, 2 and 3 are all externally assessed exam components. Each unit will be formally taught in lesson time to then end in a 1-hour exam. Unit 2 will be taken during the summer exam series of Y12. Unit 1 and 3 will be taken during the winter exam series of Y13.

In preparations for this pupils will have completed a range of practical activities and exam practice. Students are allowed one resit attempt for each of the exams.

Units 4 and 5 are internally assessed. This is in the format of assignments. Students will be continually assessed and so have the benefit of knowing exactly what level they are working at throughout the two-year course.

Unit 4 will take a formalised approach on content. This will cover investigations into; concentrations and purity, distribution of living organisms, energy transfers and a review of their activities.

Unit 5 will allow pupils to plan and conduct their own scientific investigation on a topic of their choice. Pupils will develop the following skills; conducting a scientific review, planning a project proposal, conducting the investigation, analysing results and evaluating their project.

The AAQ course will be completed over two years and will hold the equivalence of one A-level. The outcomes of the course are Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction* which are equivalent to E, C, A and A* for the extended certificate.

Board: Pearson Edexcel

Career Pathways:


The credits gained from this course are recognised by Higher Education Institutes and Universities. Students may like to embark on vocational based courses leading to becoming science or medical technicians or indeed study courses such as Biomedical Science, Animal Biology, Forensic Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Nursing or Dental Technology.