Good evening and welcome to BTEC Level 3

Good evening and welcome to BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Extended Certificate Virtual Sixth Form Course Guide

What topics will I study? The BTEC National Extended Certificate is comprised of three mandatory units that all pupils must study and a further optional unit. Two of the Mandatory Units will be examined externally via examination. Mandatory Units: Ø Principles and Applications of Science I Ø Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques Ø Science Investigation Skills The course is designed for learners who are interested in learning about the subject alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in Applied Science. This gives pupils the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment or further study.

What grades do I need at GCSE level? This BTEC National Extended Certificate offers greater flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the optional units. It is equivalent in size to one A Level. If you want to study this qualification along with A Levels you must meet the criteria for studying A Levels and achieve at least a grade 5 in GCSE Science. If you wish to study this BTEC along with 2 more BTECs you need to meet the BTEC entry requirements including achieving at least a grade 5 in GCSE Science and a total grade of 9 from English and Maths combined with no grade lower than a 4. Besides these entry requirements it is also vital that students have an organized approach to their work and good practical skills.

What other subjects should I study? This BTEC National Extended Certificate should be combined with two or three A level subjects or their BTEC equivalent. Although the Extended Certificate stands as a subject in its own right, it mixes well with Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics, giving a solid practical foundation to these more theoretical subjects.

What about choices after the course? The BTEC National Extended Certificate offers an engaging programme of study for those who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter. These students may wish to extend their study and/or further specialize by completing a general qualification such as GCE A Level, additional specialist learning (for example, through another BTEC qualification) or other complementary course. For all students the BTEC National Extended Certificate can extend their experience in a particular sector of their interest.

If you would like further information on any aspect of the BTEC National Extended Certificate, please contact Mr Middleton the Head of Science mmiddleton@idsall. shropshire. sch. uk, or access the Edexcel/Pearson website and search for BTEC National Extended Certificate Applied Science 2016. Thank you