BTEC First Award in Application of Science - specification - Edexcel

3 Breadth and progression: a range of options building on the core;
contextualised English and mathematics
The essential core, developed in consultation with employers and educators,
gives learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of
a vocational sector.
Opportunities to develop skills in English and mathematics are indicated in the units
where appropriate. These give learners the opportunity to practise these essential
skills in naturally occurring and meaningful contexts, where appropriate to the sector.
The skills have been mapped against GCSE (including functional elements) English
and mathematics subject content areas.
4 Recognising achievement: opportunity to achieve at level 1
The new BTEC Firsts are a level 2 qualification, graded at Pass, Merit, Distinction
and Distinction*.
However, we recognise that some learners may fail to achieve a full Pass at Level 2,
so we have included the opportunity for learners to gain a level 1 qualification.
Improved specification and support
In our consultation, we also asked about what kind of guidance you, as teachers and
tutors, need. As a result, we have streamlined the specification itself to make the
units easier to navigate, and provided enhanced support in the accompanying
Delivery Guide.
Thank you
Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who provided support and
feedback during the development of the new BTEC Firsts, particularly all of you who
gave up many evenings of your own time to share your advice and experiences to
shape these new qualifications. We hope you enjoy teaching the course.