Specification at a glance
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students submit all components that form the assessment at the end of the course.
Two Entry Level Certificate Science qualifications are available.
- Entry Level Certificate (Single Award)
- Entry Level Certificate (Double Award)
Students will be entered for either ELC Science – Single Award or ELC Science – Double Award using the appropriate entry code. Students will submit a portfolio of work containing the appropriate number of Externally-set assignments (ESAs) and Teacher-devised assignments (TDAs).
There are three levels of award available: Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3. Entry 3 is the most demanding.
Subject content
The specification comprises six components. Each component has two assessments: one externally set and one internally set.
The six components meet the Programme of Study Key Stage 4 requirements.
Biology
- 1. Component 1- Biology: The human body
- 2. Component 2 - Biology: Environment, evolution and inheritance
Chemistry
- 3. Component 3 - Chemistry: Elements, mixtures and compounds
- 4. Component 4 - Chemistry: Chemistry in our world
Physics
- 5. Component 5 - Physics: Energy, forces and the structure of matter
- 6. Component 6 - Physics: Electricity, magnetism and waves
Assessments
There are two different types of assessment.- Externally-set assignments (ESAs) consist of a short written test.
- Teacher-devised assignments (TDAs) consist of a short piece of practical work.
Single Award
Students studying Entry Level Science – Single Award need only submit evidence for three Teacher-devised assignments plus three externally-set assignments. These do not need to be from the same components.
| Externally-set assignments (ESA) |
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What's assessed Students should submit evidence from at least three of the six components. At least one each from Biology, Chemistry and Physics. |
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How it's assessed
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These assignments are set by AQA and marked by the teacher using a mark scheme provided by AQA. ESAs and mark schemes are accessible via e-AQA. |
| Teacher-devised assignments (TDA) |
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What's assessed Students must submit evidence for three components. They are not required to be the same components as the ESAs. but they must be one each from biology, chemistry and physics. These are assessments of practical tasks set by the teacher and marked against the marking criteria provided in the Scheme of assessment. |
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How it's assessed
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Double Award
Students studying Entry Level Certificate Science – Double Award must submit evidence for six Teacher-devised assignments plus six Externally-set assignments.
| Externally-set assignments (ESA) |
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What's assessed Students should submit evidence from all six components. |
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How it's assessed
|
| These assignments are set by AQA and marked by the teacher using a mark scheme provided by AQA. ESAs and mark schemes are accessible via e-AQA. |
| Teacher-devised assignments (TDA) |
|---|
|
What's assessed Students must submit evidence for all six components. These are assessments of practical tasks set by the teacher and marked against the marking criteria provided in the Scheme of assessment. |
|
How it's assessed
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Total qualification time
Updated
We've added this new section on guided learning hours and the total qualification time.
- Guided learning hours: 120
- Total qualification time: 120
