BTEC First Award in Application of Science - specification - Edexcel

QUALIFICATION
3 Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award
in Application of Science
Applied Science adopts a different structure from other qualifications in the suite, to
reflect the unique nature of science learning. To ensure sufficient breadth and depth,
instead of a single Award, Applied Science has two Awards. This specification is for
the Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Application of Science. There is an
additional specification for the Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Principles
of Applied Science.
The Principles of Applied Science Award delivers the Key Stage 4 Programme of
Study for science by covering the key scientific principles vital for both scientists and
citizens of the future. It develops and exemplifies these principles in applied and
vocational contexts, leading to an understanding of how the principles are applied in
practice. As a result, the external assessment is based on key principles of science
from the Programme of Study for Science that underpin further learning.
Given the fact that some students are clearly best suited and more interested in
vocational learning at the beginning of Key Stage 4, a vocational qualification
designed to cover the Programme of Study is appropriate. However, some students
need a different learning route at Key Stage 4, either due to constraints on resources
in schools or because they themselves are unsure of the learning route they wish to
take. For these, learning the programme of study via an academic route, such as
GCSE Science, is appropriate. However, having studied in this way, they may then
take the decision that a vocational learning route is their best option for further
progression or employment. In such circumstances, we have provided an option to
follow a vocational learning programme that does not repeat the Programme of Study
for Science.
The Application of Science Award is suitable for these learners. It develops the
learner's understanding of key applications of science, and builds the skills required
both for the scientific workplace and for further study. New knowledge is acquired
and applied through the internally assessed units. The final unit is an external
assessment of investigative skills to ensure that all learners who have completed two
qualifications in Science, using either a fully vocational route or a route beginning
with an academic course and being completed with a vocational course, can
investigate effectively in a practical context scientific problems that are not familiar,
since the ability to do this is vital to progression to vocational qualifications at level 3
or employment in technical roles.
BF029957 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Application of Science –
Issue 1 – March 2012 © Pearson Education Limited 2012
9