Level 3 Certificate and Extended Certificate

This course provides students with a broad understanding of vocationally-related sciences. It is suitable alongside other A-Level sciences or Level 3 vocational qualifications.

Students develop their knowledge and understanding of scientific principles, as well as practical skills recognised by higher education institutions and employers. Students acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving, research and communication. The qualification is equal to one GCE A-Level.

It provides a sound basis for progression to a range of science-based Higher Education courses. The qualification also maintains and supports recognised standards demanded for science education and training to meet the requirements of many employers in the science sector.

Subject requirements:
Minimum GCSE of 4/5 in Combined Science, plus 5 in English.

Teacher to contact - Mrs D Chadwick 
Science Area Coordinator - Dr M Gwyer 

Course content

Teachers from each specialism teach the course to Year 12 and Year 13, with nine lessons per fortnight.
Units covered:

1. Key Concepts in Science
2. Experimental Techniques
3. Science in the Modern World
4. Human Body
5. Investigating Science
6. Microbiology

Assessment criteria

All subjects are mandatory and are completed over two years.
Year 12
Units 1, 2 and 3. Assessment consists of an exam covering basic scientific principles, six full experimental reports and an exam using a pre-released case study as stimulus.

Year 13
Units 4, 5 and 6. Assessment consists of an exam on the human body and practical assignments and reports on Investigations in Science.

Please note this course is one year only in the first instance. Only upon successful completion of the first year, will students be invited to complete the second-year qualification.

Exam Board: AQA
Science (Applied)

Are you interested in:

• How things work?
• Doing experiments?
• How science is used in the real world?
• The human body?
• Laboratory work?

Leading to a career in:

• Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare
• Medical and Laboratory technician
• Sports Science
• Chemical industry
• Food and Catering industry

This subject goes well with:

• Health and Social Care
• Physical Education
• Environmental Science