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Applied General Science Extended Certificate Level 3 (Block A)

Abbey School, The

London Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8RZ

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Science and Mathematics

Available start dates

Available start dates

Friday, 01 September 2023
The Abbey School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Block A

Application Instructions

Applications Open - 13th October 2025

Applications Close - Not applicable

Entry Requirements - 5 x 4-9 grades, including English and maths. Individual course criteria apply

How to Apply -

External Students Please apply via KentChoices. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information. https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login.

Internal students - apply via Applicaa - you will receive an email from Applicaa on 27th November, or use the link here - https://abbey.applicaa.com/

Contact ncrouch@abbeyschoolfaversham.co.uk with any questions

Course Summary

Can’t choose which is your favourite between Biology, Chemistry and Physics? Want to go to University but aren’t sure which course to specialise in? Like a mixture of research and exams? Then we have the answer for you: AQA’s Level 3 Applied General Science. Made up of 6 units of work; 50% exams and 50% portfolio work, you will study each of the disciplines of science both practically and theoretically and discover the roles scientists play in everyday life.

Course Details

The qualification consists of eight units across the two years, six of which are mandatory and three are externally assessed.
Year 1
Unit 1: Key concepts in science (external unit)
Unit 2: Applied experimental techniques (portfolio)
Unit 3: Science in the modern world (external exam)
Year 2
Unit 4: The human body (external exam)
Unit 5: Investigating science (portfolio)
Either Unit 6a: Microbiology or Unit 6b: Medical physics or Unit 6c: Organic chemistry (portfolio)

How will it be delivered and assessed?

This qualification has five mandatory units and a further unit chosen by the science department in discussion with students. Units 1; 3, (with pre-release material), and 4 are examined externally and each form 16.6% of the overall grade for the Extended Certificate. Units 2, 5 and 6 are internally assessed by school staff. Grades are awarded as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.

Entry requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE English.

Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.

Grade 5-5 in GCSE Combined Science.

Your next steps...

This qualification will provide learners with a broad understanding of vocationally-related sciences to support progress to higher education. It is suitable for studying alongside substantial academic science qualifications, such as A-level sciences or other Level 3 vocational qualifications. This qualification can also prepare learners to take up employment in the applied science sector, either directly after achieving the qualification or via higher education.

Studying this qualification willenable learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of scientific principles, as well as those scientific practical skills recognised by higher education institutions and employers to be most important. The qualification also offers learners an opportunity to develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, research and communication as part of their applied learning.

Additional information


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