Statement of purpose - Level 3 Extended Certificate
Qualification objectives
The objectives of this qualification are to:
a) prepare learners to progress to a qualification in the same subject area but at a higher level or requiring more specific knowledge, skills and understanding
b) meet relevant programmes of learning
c) prepare learners for employment
d) give learners personal growth and engagement in learning.
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is aimed at 16 to 18-year-old learners who are in full-time Level 3 education and who wish to progress to higher education and/or pursue a career in the applied science sector. There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but to optimise their chances of success, learners will typically have four GCSEs at grade C or above, including science, maths and English. Learners should also have completed the AQA Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science before beginning this Extended Certificate.
As a substantial vocational qualification it provides a broad understanding of applied science to support progress to higher education. It is suitable for studying alongside academic science qualifications, such as A-level sciences or other Level 3 vocational qualifications. This qualification can also prepare learners to take up employment in the applied science sector, either directly after achieving the qualification or via higher education.
Studying this qualification will enable learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of scientific principles, as well as those scientific practical skills recognised by higher education institutions and employers to be most important. The qualification also offers learners an opportunity to develop transferable skills such as problem solving, research and communication as part of their applied learning.
What does this qualification cover?
Five of the eight units available in this qualification are mandatory. This qualification builds on the knowledge and skills that learners have gained in the Certificate with a continuation of synoptic teaching, learning and assessment. AQA has worked with stakeholders in developing the design and content of this qualification to ensure that it covers the fundamental knowledge, understanding and scientific practical skills associated with applied science learning.
Learners will cover topics such as:
- scientific principles associated with biology, chemistry and physics
- experimental and practical techniques associated with applied science
- the roles and skills of scientists, and the public and media perception of science
- how the human body works
- scientific investigations.
This qualification provides learners with a choice of three optional units (Unit 6a Microbiology, Unit 6b Medical physics and Unit 6c Organic chemistry), from which they must choose one. This opportunity to explore a wider range of applied learning will enable learners to follow a particular applied pathway (for example, biological, physical or chemical).
What could this qualification lead to?
This qualification is supported by a range of universities, and taken alongside other qualifications it can fulfil the entry requirements for a number of science-related higher education courses, including biomedical, forensic and sports science, as well as nursing. In addition, the qualification is eligible for UCAS points (ucas.com)
Who supports this qualification?
This qualification has been developed in collaboration with higher education and other stakeholders in the science education sector. Therefore, the knowledge and skills gained will provide the best possible opportunity for progress to higher education or employment.
The qualification is supported by the following higher education institutions:
- Aberystwyth University
- Birmingham City University
- University of Bolton
- Edge Hill University
- Staffordshire University
- University of South Wales
- Southampton University
- University of Sunderland
- Teesside University
- University of Wolverhampton
- York St John University.
The qualification has also been supported by:
- Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET) wiset.org.uk
- University of York Science Education Group uyseg.org
- The Association for Science Education ase.org.uk
What are the benefits of this qualification?
To learners
The AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science will allow learners the opportunity to learn and understand the core principles and practical applications that underpin applied science. It will allow learners to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in the Certificate and focus on a particular applied pathway depending on the optional unit chosen. The qualification’s synoptic focus will ensure that learning is coherent across all units. The learner will undertake a programme of assessment designed to measure their knowledge and understanding of applied science as well as its practical application.
Each unit within the qualification has an applied purpose which acts as a focus for the learning in the unit. The applied purpose demands authentic work-related learning in each of the units. It also requires learners to consider how the use and application of their learning affects themselves, other individuals, employers, society and the environment. The applied purpose will also enable learners to learn in such a way that they develop:
- skills required for independent learning and development
- a range of generic and transferable skills
- the ability to solve problems
- the skills of project-based research, development and presentation
- the ability to apply mathematical and ICT skills
- the ability to apply learning in vocational contexts.
To higher education institutions
The AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science has been developed with a wide range of HEIs to ensure that the best possible progression opportunities are available to applied science courses at Foundation and/or BSc degree level.
As this qualification contains both examined and assignment-based assessment (both externally and internally assessed), the learner should be better prepared to adjust to the learner-centred ethos of higher educational study.
