Knowledge and Skills

The aims of these qualification are to encourage students to:

  • acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge, and the skills needed to apply this in new and changing situations in a range of domestic, industrial and environmental contexts;
  • acquire an understanding of scientific ideas, how they develop, the factors which may affect their development and their power and limitations;
  • plan and carry out investigative tasks, considering and evaluating critically their own data and that obtained from other sources, and using ICT where appropriate;
  • use electronic (internet, CD ROMs, databases, simulations etc.) and/or more traditional sources or information (books, magazines, leaflets etc.) to research and plan an investigation.
  • select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate scientific terms and conventions, and using ICT where appropriate;
  • interpret and evaluate scientific data from a variety of sources.

The Twenty First Century Science suite at Tollbar BEC comprises three subjects which share common material, use a similar style of examination questions and have a common approach to skills assessment.

GCSE Biology
GCSE Chemistry
GCSE Physics

The first three units emphasise scientific literacy in each subject - the knowledge and understanding which candidates need to engage, as informed citizens, with science-based issues. As with other courses in the suite, this qualification uses contemporary, relevant contexts of interest to candidates, which can be approached through a range of teaching and learning activities.

The next three units is a concept-led course developed to meet the needs of candidates seeking a deeper understanding of basic scientific ideas in each subject. The course focuses on scientific explanations and models, and gives candidates an insight into how scientists develop scientific understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

The final unit each of which provides an opportunity for further developing an understanding of science explanations, how science works and the study of elements of applied science, with particular relevance to professional scientists.

BTEC Diploma and Certificate in Applied Science provides technical and employability skills, knowledge and understanding which are transferable and will enable individuals to meet changing circumstances, whether these arise from a shift in their own status or in employment.