Applied Science - AAQ Btec National Extended Certificate Level 3

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

This course is subject to course validation and Awarding Body centre approval.

The Extended Certificate is for students who are interested in learning about the Applied Science sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in Applied Science - related subjects.

The course consists of four mandatory units and a choice of one optional unit.

Mandatory:

• Principles and Applications of Biology – Structure and function of cells and tissues, biological molecules, enzymes and their role in organisms

• Principles and Applications of Chemistry – Structure of the Periodic Table and its implications on physical and chemical properties of substances, through analysis of different bonding methods

• Principles and Applications of Physics – Waves and their applications; force principles and their application in transportation and construction of electrical circuits

• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Practical applications across the sciences, including chromatography, colorimetry and electrical circuits

A choice of one of the two optional units covering the following topics:

• Scientific Investigation Skills – Investigative research, including planning, data collection, analysis and evaluation.

• Contemporary Issues in Science – Contemporary scientific issues including the reliability of sources of scientific information and their associated validity.

The course is assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.

Principles and Applications of Science is assessed in three 1-hour exams, one in each discipline of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques and the optional unit is then assessed through written assignments.

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE grades 9-4 including English, Maths and Single Science (Minimum Grade 4) or Combined Science (minimum 4-4)

Skills gained will provide a broad introduction to science and will allow students to develop technical and practical skills. It is recognised by universities for entry into a range of courses including nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, other health care courses, sport related courses and vocational science courses.