Course Overview

For anyone who is interested in a scientific career then the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Applied Science Level 3 is an excellent place to start. Equivalent to 1 GCE A levels, it covers a broad range of subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. You will have the opportunity to develop relevant practical skills in these areas and to apply your knowledge to different situations in a mature learning environment before progressing on take related courses in higher education or employment in areas related to food, human or environmental science.

We have specialist, well equipped labs for Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Our staff are very well qualified and passionate about delivering practical science.

This year is the first year where students enrolled on the course will study the extended certificate Over the two years there are broad range of units covered.

Everybody will study two Exam units on:

•  Science Fundamentals  
• Laboratory Techniques

Students will also complete coursework assignments on the following subjects:

• Microbiology
• Control of Hazards in the Laboratory
• Product Testing Techniques

Our current year 13 cohort are studying the Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science (equivalent to two GCE A levels). 

As this qualification is equivalent to A levels, it allows similar progression routes to both University and into employment. Students in the past have progressed on to a broad range of Universities in many different areas of science including biochemistry, biomedical science, radiography, nursing, microbiology, genetics, sport science, computing, law, accounting and biology.  

Alternatively, if you do not wish to progress to University, support is provided to help you find alternatives such as employment or apprenticeships.

Learning Assessment & Support

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at Claremont High School. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs. Students are expected to supplement their 6^th form attendance with at least 6 hours of private study per week.  It is an academic course and 100% attendance to classes is expected.

Each class has 4 teachers (Year 13) and 3 (Year 12) and the LO’s are split between teachers depending on their specialism.  For term 1 and 2 - only one teacher does the coursework unit with all pupils. This is important for consistency and continuity.

Pupils are provided with resources (e.g., workbooks, revision guide and the specification which they can RAG rate themselves in order to monitor content covered by their teachers.

Presentation, Practical, Research and Exam skills are all developed through practical experiments in class, use of ICT, presentation and in class assessments.

The Extended Certificate in Applied Science Level 3 and/ Diploma is assessed by a range of methods including practical exercises, essays, projects, presentation and externally assessed examinations.  Most will involve written and practical work which you will have to complete by strict deadlines. This means it is very important to organise your time and spread your workload so that all deadlines can be met.

The assignments will be divided into a series of set tasks along with a clear explanation of what has to be achieved in order to obtain one of the following grades: Distinction* (highest grade), Distinction, Merit, Pass, Near Pass (R) or Fail.

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 9 - 5 (A* - C) to include GCSE Maths and double science. It is strongly recommended that you also have GCSE English at grade 9 - 5 (A* - C).

A firm offer of a place on the course is conditional on you:

• Attending a Welcome Event (a presentation and formal interview)
• Attending one compulsory Taster Days (Dates will be confirmed)
• Achievement of GCSE results at the correct level (as stated above)

Further Information

Making The Right Choices: A Guide For Parents And Students

Potential University Routes

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