The course builds upon all three of the sciences. It focuses on broadening your understanding of science and in the second year looks at diseases and infections.
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Covers key concepts across all of the sciences, building upon GCSE knowledge. This will be externally assessed with an exam. |
| Unit 2 | Very practically based looking into quantitative laboratory techniques (titrations, colorimetry, chromatography and calorimetry). It will be internally assessed and externally moderated in several assignments throughout the year. |
Units 1 and 2 provide a grounding for the second year units. If a student wishes to leave the course in the first year they can achieve a BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science which is equivalent to half an A-level.
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| Unit 3 | Develop their skills in planning investigations across all of the sciences (investigating enzyme activity, diffusion, plant growth, energy of fuels and electrical circuits). This unit will be assessed by an externally written task in which students will have to carry out a specified investigation. |
| Unit 12 | Students will investigate the 5 types of diseases, their causes and how to prevent and treat them. This is internally assessed and externally moderated in assignments set throughout the second year. |
A minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above. This course is specifically for those wishing to study a broad science course at A Level standard, therefore the entry requirements are a grade 4 in GCSE Science together with a grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English.
First Year Unit Assessment Proportion:
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Principles and applications of science 90 minute exam in June 25% |
| Unit 2 | Practical scientific procedures and techniques Internal assignment 25% |
If you choose to leave the course in the first year you can achieve a BTEC National Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science (equivalent to ½ A-level).
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| Unit 3 | Science investigation skills Task based (practical) exam in June 33.3% |
| Unit 12 | Diseases and infections Internal assignment 16.6% |
After the second year you will have achieved a BTEC National Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science (equivalent to 1 A-level).
A thorough knowledge of GCSE Science to a higher level allows you to progress smoothly onto the course. It is suggested that you use a GCSE textbook or an Access guide e.g. ‘Mind the Gap’ if you feel that your knowledge is not up to standard.
The BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificate will provide the opportunity to
develop your skills in numeracy, scientific communication and as well as improving your study, presentation and research skills.
The Chemistry Department is housed in two large airy well-equipped recently refurbished laboratories. The labs are fitted with up-to-date visual aids equipment as well as a suite of laptops for use in the lab.
The staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable; they are unstinting in their support of students.
There are about 45 students in Applied Science across the two year groups. Our results have been consistently above national averages.
The teaching is done using a variety of approaches designed to suit different abilities and learning styles.
The requirements of the qualification are such that students will develop transferable skills which are valued by both higher education and employers.
The qualification can be taken with many other subjects leaving many progression routes open. An ever-increasing number of degree-related courses are now available to extend your understanding and operation of science.
Students could go straight into employment as they will develop analytical and processing skills valued by many, both inside and outside the Science Industry.