The Extended Certificate is a Single Award Level 3 qualification equivalent to one A Level.

Assignments, units and final marks will be awarded as: Pass (E), Merit (C), Distinction (A).

This science course is specifically aimed at young people wanting to study a related course at university, take up an apprenticeship or career straight after school.

It is ideal for students who would enjoy completing regular assignments and project work. The course is made up of five units of work covering different aspects of science. There are three examined units and two assignment assessed units.

What do I need to study Science Level 3 BTEC?

Grade 5 in two sciences and Grade 4 in mathematics

What will I learn?

Principles and applications of Biology

Principles and applications of Chemistry

Principles and applications of Physics

These three theory based units will be taught through Year 12 and the start of Year 13 and externally examined in January of Year 13.

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques: This unit is internally assessed as written reports. It is broken down into four sections A-D and will run alongside the theory units through Year 12 and Year 13.

Science Investigation Skills: This unit will be carried out in Year 13 after the exams. You will get the opportunity to plan and carry out your own investigation into a topic that you are personally interested in.

As well as learning a broad base of scientific knowledge, you will learn a variety of laboratory techniques and skills to a high standard, how to process and analyse data and improve method and technique. You will learn how to research, reference and write reports.

How will I be taught?

The majority of your lessons will be in laboratories where you’ll be taught theory, carry out practical experiments and write up scientific. Some of the assignment work will be completed outside of lessons.

How will I be assessed?

There are a variety of assessment methods including; examinations, written coursework and practical experiments. You will be assessed throughout the years with assignments that must be completed and passed. For the AAQ every piece of work is marked on its own merits and that mark will affect your final grade. This means you need to put continued effort into your studies throughout the whole of two years and good attendance is essential.

What can I do next?

This course is the equivalent of one A Level and is worth up to 56 UCAS points depending on your grades. This allows progression to related degree programmes at universities across the country. Alternatively, you may seek employment in the industry. A recent economic study of South Yorkshire (September 2017) has identified a shortage of young people ready to work as laboratory technicians – there is projected to be a significant increase in the number of job vacancies in this field.