Engineering - Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National Extended Certificate

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

The AAQ BTEC in Engineering provides learners with practical, work-related skills and foundational knowledge of educational principles. It covers key topics such as mechanical electrical and manufacturing engineering alongside problem solving and design this course prepares students either for entry level roles in engineering sector or for progression to higher level BTEC or apprenticeship programmes.

The main areas of study in an AAQ BTEC Engineering course typically include:

- Mechanical engineering - principles of motion forces and mechanical systems.

- Electrical and Electronic Engineering – Circuits, components, and basic electrical history.

- Engineering Design – using CAD and design processes to create engineering solutions.

- Manufacturing Processes – understanding production methods, tools, and materials.

- Health and safety in Engineering – Learning safe working practices and regulations.

- Engineering Mathematics and Science – applying maths and physics to solve engineering problems.

The engineering course is designed to combine theory with practical application:

- Delivery: The course is taught through a mix of classroom lessons, practical workshops and project-based activities. Learners work on real world engineering tasks using industry standard tools and software to build both technical and problem-solving skills.

- Assessment: Assessment is mainly coursework based with assignments, practical tasks and projects marked internally by teachers and externally verified by Pearson. Some units may also include controlled assessments or short written tasks to test understanding an application of knowledge this approach ensures students are assessed on their practical ability understanding an applied skills rather than solely through exams.

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including English, Maths and Science (Minimum Grade 5) or Combined Science (minimum 5-5) and a Merit L2 in Engineering or Engineering GCSE Grade 5.

BTEC Engineering provides strong practical and technical skills that prepare learners for entry-level roles such as:

- Engineering Technician

- CAD Technician

- Maintenance Engineer

- Manufacturing or Production operative

- Quality control/assurance Assistant

- Engineering Design Assistant

- Electrical or Mechanical fitter