Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Applied Science (Pearson)

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - Offers to join Mascalls Academy Sixth Form are conditional upon meeting specific entry requirements for your chosen subjects, and as a minimum, achieving at least 5 GCSE's at level 5 or above, including English and Maths.

How to Apply: -

Internal Students - Apply via Applicaa using this link https://mascalls.applicaa.com/sixthform

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

AAQ BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) enables students to study the principles and applications of biology, chemistry and physics, as well as practical scientific procedures and techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their investigation skills and explore contemporary issues in science. The course provides opportunities to learn in real, relatable and practical ways to ensure you develop the critical knowledge and transferable skills you need for the future.

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.

This 5-unit qualification is the equivalent of one A Level.

Grades are awarded from Distinction* to Pass.

We use a combination of assessment styles to give you the confidence to apply your knowledge to succeed in the workplace and develop the study skills to continue learning throughout your career.

Externally set assessments (which can be resat):

Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology (1hr Exam) - The topic areas covered in this unit include:

animal and plant cells and tissues, including specialised cells

biological molecules, including water, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acid

cell transport • enzymes activity

Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry (1hr Exam) - The topic areas covered in this unit include:

the periodic table, atomic and electronic structure, bonding and structure, ionisation energy, electronegativity, polarity, molecular shape and intermolecular forces

periodicity will be explored through the study of Period 3 elements and their compounds, focusing on changes in oxidation number, physical and chemical properties, and making predictions for other elements

physical chemistry (chemical kinetics, energetics and equilibrium), perform mole calculations, and consider the impact of green chemistry in the chemical industry

organic chemistry, naming and drawing formulae, understanding isomerism and other properties, the reactions of different types of organic compound, and the benefits or problems that organic chemistry can provide

Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics (1hr Exam) - The topic areas covered in this unit include:

waves and how electromagnetic waves are the basis for our modern communication systems

study of motion and laws of motion

electricity, electrical circuits and their relationship to energy usage

Internally-assessed units are assessed by Assignment Briefs which are set by Pearson, marked by Mascalls staff and subject to external verification.

Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (Internal):

This unit introduces you to standard laboratory equipment and techniques. Using the fundamental knowledge, practical skills, transferable skills – for example, organisation, self-assessment and critical thinking, and the ability to interpret data – all developed in this unit will give you confidence when you undertake the more

Unit 5: Science Investigations Skills (Internal) OR Unit 6: Contemporary Issues in Science (the unit taken will depend on cohort/staff).

The internal and examined assessments of equal weighting across biology, chemistry and physics, which allow you to showcase your knowledge and skills to best effect when you take your next step, such as higher education, an apprenticeship or employment.

Grade 55+ GCSE Combined Science/Grade 5 in all Separate Science GCSE plus Grade 5 in Maths and English Language.

Science degree, apprenticeship or job