Curriculum overview for BTEC Level 3 Applied Science

Curriculum intent – the knowledge, understanding and skills that students will learn
The BTEC Level 3 Applied Science course aims to consolidate and extend learning of the themes studied for the GCSE Combined Science and Triple Science courses for students who are aiming to go on to employment, often via higher education. During the BTEC Applied Science course, students will build knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics through the completion of practical tasks, practical write-ups and research.  In terms of biology, students will gain a deep understanding of cell structure and function, developing their knowledge through to how different tissues work to bring about a functioning body and applying how disorders affect body systems and evaluation of treatments.  The chemistry units develop the understanding of the structure of atoms and bonding, periodicity and chemical calculations.  Physics focusses on waves in communication and the application of waves to endoscopes, communication and broadband. Alongside this work, investigations are carried out to develop practical skills, method evaluation and analysis of results in chemistry with chromatography, cooling curves and titration being focussed on. This broad introduction develops transferrable skills such as critical thinking, research and analysis, evaluation of experiments and treatments, as well as communication which are valued in the workplace and higher education. 

Curriculum implementation – teaching, learning and assessment strategies
In class teaching is sequenced to ensure that students begin with the foundational knowledge of each topic, (relating back to prior learning in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, and then developing this in further depth. In class teaching may be delivered as a traditional ‘teacher talk’ lesson, questioning students as to their understanding, or an independent reading activity where students extract the information themselves and then check that information as whole class. Students will complete experiments which are embedded within the specification to develop ‘How Science Works’ skills, develop learning within the topic and develop the skills required to complete the internally assessed Unit 2.  Personal learning checklists ensure students can review and identify areas where they lack confidence. When secure in the knowledge students will practise their skills of application and analysis by completing exam questions and gaining feedback to identify gaps in knowledge or where skills need further development. Teachers will use a variety of tasks to enable students consolidate the knowledge and practise skills learnt in the unit such as modelling of processes use a plasticine, use of molymods to model chemical structure, quiz questions, review sheets and exam-style questions. Students are assessed using exam questions in timed conditions, and regular low-stakes knowledge tests to consolidate learning.

Curriculum impact – intended outcomes for students 
•    To develop necessary knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
•    To gain an informed understanding of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
•    To develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
•    To develop their interest in and enthusiasm for Science, with potential to pursue a future career in the subject
•    To understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society

Course overview for BTEC Level 3 Applied Science
Exam board: Pearson BTEC Nationals | Applied Science (2016) | Pearson qualifications
Coursework: Yes - 40%

Course outline: There are four units taught of which three are mandatory and two are external. 
Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science I
External assessment    
Examined in the Summer term of Year 12

Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Internal assessment    
Submission in the Spring term of Year 12

Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills
External assessment    
Examined in the Spring term of Year 13

Unit 8 – Physiology of Human Body Systems
Internal assessment    
Submission in the Spring term of Year 13