Applied Science BTEC

You’ll find key information including staffing, curriculum plans and contact details on this page.

Curriculum Intent

Science education provides the foundations for understanding the world. Science changes our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Through science education, students learn to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

Our curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils: 

– Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Our schemes of work aim to give students an understanding of the key big ideas in science: the links between structure and function in living organisms, the particle model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions.

– Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. Students are taught about Working Scientifically through a range of practical investigations that are always clearly related to the science content in the programme of study. Students develop key practical skills such as use of microscopes, safe handling of chemicals and basic equipment to carry out chemical reactions and measurements of time, distance and forces in different contexts.

– Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. In particular, we teach students to be critical about information and to evaluate strategies and behaviours that could have an impact on the environment. We take opportunities to incorporate topical issues into our teaching; our teaching of sustainability and the environment links directly to our ethos as a Rights Respecting School. We encourage students to have high aspirations and introduce them to the huge range of careers in STEM.

Is this course for me?

Yes, if you are interested in the application of scientific ideas and how Science can be used to solve practical problems in the real world.

What qualifications do I need?

BTEC Level 2 Applied Science at Merit Standard or four GCSE grades (including English, Maths and Science) at grade A*-C / 9-4.

What does the course involve?

Year 12: BTEC Level 3 Certificate
Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

Year 13: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate
Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills.

Plus ONE optional unit, chosen by the teachers, from:

  • Physiology of Human Body Systems, Human
  • Regulation and Reproduction, Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways, Genetics and Genetic
  • Engineering, Diseases and Infections, Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic
  • Chemistry, Electrical Circuits and their Application

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

How will my work be assessed?

All work is graded as pass, merit or distinction which correspond to A Level grades E, C and A respectively.

Year 12
Unit 1 is externally assessed by an examination which will include multiple-choice, calculations, short-answer, and extended open-response questions. This will count towards just over half of the marks. You must achieve at least a pass in this exam in order to complete the course.
Unit 2 is internally assessed via assignments (projects, reports, posters, presentations to the group).

Year 13
Unit 3 is externally assessed by a task-based assessment in which you will demonstrate your skills of carrying out a scientific practical investigation to
collect and record data.

The optional unit is internally assessed via assignments.

What can I do afterwards?

BTEC HNC or HND, Foundation Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, NVQ or Science based employment such as laboratory technician.

Please watch the video below to hear more about the Applied Science BTEC from and staff.

Scroll To Top
  • Menu