BTEC Level 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Designed as a one-year full-time course or a full two-year programme when studied alongside further Level 3 qualifications.
Equivalent in size to one A Level. 4 units of which 3 are mandatory and 2 are external. Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (58%).
Year 12:
– Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science 90 Credits
– Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques 90 Credits
Year 13:
– Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills 120 Credits
– Optional Unit – a choice will be made from units 8 – 16 60 Credits
ASSESSMENT
Year 12:
– Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I – External – Written examination set and marked by Pearson. 1.5 hours. 90 marks
– Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Internal
Year 13:
– Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills – External – A task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions. The supervised assessment period is arranged over 9 days timetabled by Pearson. The scenario and practical investigation in Part A is given to learners 8 days before Part B is scheduled and is undertaken under supervision in a single session of 3 hours. Part B is a set task that is undertaken under supervision in a single session of 1.5 hours in a session timetabled by Pearson. 60 marks.
– Optional Unit – a choice will be made from units 8 – 16 – Internal
Exam Board: Pearson for Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
5 Grade 4’s and above to include GCSE Sciences at Grade 4 and above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade 4 and above.
PROGRESSION PATHS
The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, including, but not exclusively, those which are science-related. The qualification can be taken as part of a diverse programme, leaving progression options fully open. It can also give context to subjects which would benefit from some scientific background. This will depend on the combination of qualifications chosen.
For example, taken alongside:
– A Levels such as Mathematics, Physics and Design and Technology to progress to engineering related courses
– A Level in Psychology and BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport to progress to sport psychology courses
– BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care to progress to nursing courses
– BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science to progress to sport and exercise science courses
– A Levels in Geography and Computing to progress to geography or environmental science courses.
