BTEC First Award in Application of Science - specification - Edexcel

INTRODUCTION
1 What are BTEC Firsts?
BTEC First qualifications were originally designed for use in colleges, schools and
the workplace as an introductory level 2 course for learners wanting to study in
the context of a vocational sector. This is still relevant today. The skills learnt in
studying a BTEC First will aid progression to further study and prepare learners
to enter the workplace in due course. In Applied Science, typical employment
opportunities may be as a laboratory technician or in roles involving sample
analysis in environmental protection or healthcare.
These qualifications are intended primarily for learners in the 14–19 age group, but
may also be used by other learners who wish to gain an introductory understanding
of a vocational area. When taken as part of a balanced curriculum they have a clear
progression route to a level 3 course or to an apprenticeship.
BTECs are vocationally related qualifications, where learners develop knowledge
and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context.
Additionally, they are popular and effective because they engage learners to take
responsibility for their own learning and to develop skills that are essential for the
modern-day workplace. These skills include: teamworking; working from a prescribed
brief; working to deadlines; presenting information effectively; and accurately
completing administrative tasks and processes. BTEC Firsts motivate learners, and
open doors to progression into further study and responsibility within the workplace.
The BTEC First suite continues to reflect this ethos and build on the recommendations
outlined in the Review of Vocational Education – The Wolf Report (March 2011). That
report confirmed the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum for all learners.
The BTEC First suite of qualifications
The following qualifications are part of the BTEC First suite for first teaching from
September 2012:
● Application of Science
● Art and Design
● Business
● Engineering
● Health and Social Care
● Information and Creative Technology
● Performing Arts
● Principles of Applied Science
● Sport.
Additional qualifications in larger sizes and in different vocational sectors will be
available from 2012.
BF029957 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Application of Science –
Issue 1 – March 2012 © Pearson Education Limited 2012
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