Applied Science BTEC

02/06/2021 |

Applied Science

BTEC

It’s fab to be in the lab. Join us for an experiment you’ll never forget...

The course begins with an exciting introduction into everyone’s favourite aspect of science, practicals!

We’ll introduce you to laboratory equipment and techniques, you’ll be doing lots of experimenting and researching while developing your skills as a scientist.

By doing loads of problem solving and analysis and get a sense of what it’s like to be a trainee laboratory technician in fields such as biochemistry, forensic science and environmental science.

You’ll follow written scientific procedures making sure that all your equipment is calibrated correctly and that all research is conducted in a safe manner.

What follows will be an exciting and inspiring introduction to the sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. After studying Science at GCSE you’ll recognise and be familiar with many of the core concepts. Gaining this solid grounding in Biology, Chemistry and Physics will give you a great appreciation of the different fields of science – and where you might be headed in your career.

We’ll learn about cells and tissues, atomic structure and bonding, substances’ chemical and physical properties, and how waves have changed our world.

Without understanding cells, we couldn’t heal bodies. Viruses couldn’t be cured. And we couldn’t produce crops resistant to pests and drought.
Understanding atomic structure is vital to understand how substances will interact and react.
Imagine you’re building skyscrapers. Knowing the physical properties of concrete and metal is essential so they don’t fall down.
Knowing how waves work made mobile phones possible.

The Year One external assessment will demonstrate your science knowledge and project management skills. In this test you’ll work as a research scientist, conducting an investigation before analysing the results and drawing conclusions.

Choose the Diploma or Extended Diploma and you’ll:

Dive deeper into lab techniques, sampling and testing substances using sophisticated instruments and sensors
Develop an extended understanding of key science concepts relating to chemicals, the human body, behaviour of materials in different conditions, and how energy is transferred to develop machines and engines
Research contemporary issues in science, such as how the bee population is threatened by the use of pesticides

Science facilities at Xaverian are excellent. But you’ll work way beyond the realms of your classroom.

There will be trips to a number of different types of laboratories to show how scientists work in a range of environments.

You’ll visit a University of Manchester laboratory where DNA is analysed using genetic engineering techniques.

Second year students spend a day at a local blood transfusion centre learning about lab safety and information management.

And if you’re studying towards the Extended Diploma, you’ll also enjoy a week’s work placement in a lab or medical practice putting into practice what you’ve learned, in a real-life scientific environment.

Why BTEC?

A-levels are assessed mainly through exams at the end of your second year at Xaverian. BTECs are assessed throughout your course through coursework, projects and externally marked tests.

Consider a BTEC qualification if you prefer to show your progress through regular practical work rather than exams.

If you’re considering higher education…

Remember BTECs focus on a specific area. If you’re considering the National Diploma, be sure this subject is the focus of your degree ambitions.

BTECs are very hands-on. While we cover plenty of theory on this course, you’ll need to spend time independently levelling up on advanced study and research skills, such as essay writing, that don’t form part of the BTEC syllabus – so you’re ready for a very different way of learning at university.

LESSON TIME!

We’ll first talk you through the BTEC Applied Science course options and the units you’ll study.

One of the units focuses on disease and infection. On today’s lesson we’ll conduct biochemical tests that form part of this unit, analysing urine samples for different medical conditions.

Urine analysis can identify a wide range of medical conditions, including kidney infection and diabetes.

Watch as Xaverian students take you through this research and deliver their findings.

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What’s next?

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CAREERS

Thanks to the breadth of knowledge you’ll acquire on this course, a wide range of science-based careers will be available to you following further study.

You might wish to work in the commercial sector – with chemical, pharmaceutical, materials, aerospace and automotive organisations.

Or if you’re looking to enter healthcare, compatible roles include:

COURSES

Set your heart on life as a lab technician? Maybe you want to earn as you learn, a degree apprenticeship in Laboratory Science might be the right choice for you.

Or you may wish to specialise at degree level in other directions, after your BTEC Applied Science course piques interest in areas such as:

Applied chemistry
Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Environmental science
Forensic science

Extended Certificate (1 A Level equivalent):

You will complete 4 units of study: 3 mandatory, 1 optional

Extended Diploma (3 A Level equivalent):

You will complete all the above units – plus extra units over the two year period.

Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 5 from Maths
5 from Science recommended.
4 in English

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

Coursework and exams

Course type:

BTEC Advanced

Exam board:

Edexcel

The work involves a degree of taught input from the teacher. Guidance and practice for examined component will be given for unit 1. The bulk of the work is based on the student working independently to complete a number of tasks in each unit.

This will involve tasks such as independent research, presentation of information, practical write-ups and data analysis. There is a heavy practical bias and students will be exposed to a wide range of experimental techniques and equipment. IT will be used extensively during the course.

INTERESTED IN APPLYING?

I chose to come to Xaverian as it’s a good college that provides you with insights into possible career paths you might want to take. As well as enjoying my science course, I also love the extracurricular activities provided, because it’s an opportunity to learn new skills, and I made many new friends.

Ayesha Naeem, Science BTEC

RELATED COURSES

If you’re considering APPLIED SCIENCE you might also want to check out:

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING COURSES ALONGSIDE ANCIENT HISTORY:

Further Maths

A Level

View Course

Mathematics

A Level

View Course

Psychology

A Level

View Course

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Business BTEC

02/03/2021 |

Business

BTEC

We’re in the business of moulding the next generation of entrepreneurs

We’ll get you started by introducing business basics. Then we’ll move straight into marketing – a cornerstone of successful businesses.

We’ll investigate development, including market research and identifying the right audience, and product fit, making sure what you’re offering is what your customers need.

You’ll find out much more about marketing and promotion in the lesson further down this page.

Then we’ll move into how businesses make money and staying on top of your accounts and budgets.

Events management comes next, before we talk about trading across the globe – an ever more integral part of entrepreneurship for many companies in the 21st century.

Managing organisations and teams is next on the list, followed by your responsibilities as a business – both to your customers as well as ethically and environmentally.

Then we’ll look at winning ways with customer service. Delivering exemplary experiences is what every organisation strives for – and we’ll work together on some practical ways to exceed expectations.

There are loads of differences between the BTEC and A-level Business courses and they’re discussed below. You’ll be doing a lot of practical assignments on this course and may even get your chance to try out what you’ve learned on work experience.

You’ll be learning by doing on this course, addressing challenges regularly faced by businesses. While you overcome these hurdles, you’ll be learning skills crucial to your career’s success.

Your task-based assessments may see you researching how to launch a product, including conducting market research. You might be designing some advertising – as if you were working in a marketing department.

One thing’s for sure. You’ll always be inspired and getting ready for a rewarding career on this BTEC Business course.

What makes this course different from a Business A-level?

This course is a lot more practical. Much of the A-level is theory based. Both courses give you a solid grounding in the art and science of building a business.

BTEC choices

Depending on your GCSE results, you might choose one of three BTEC Business options:

Extended Certificate (one-year course) – equivalent to one A-level
Diploma (two-year course) – two A-levels
Extended Diploma (two-year course) – three A-levels

Diploma and Extended Diploma students have the chance to enjoy a week’s work experience to see their lessons in action.

How you’re assessed

On your BTEC Business course, assessment is by coursework, set tasks, and an exam at the end of each year.

Coursework is assessed by your teachers.

LESSON TIME!

Heard of the PS5? Do you have one? Ever thought about the marketing strategy behind releasing the console?

The PS5 has sold nearly 8 million units compared to the Xbox Series X and S, which have sold less than 5 million units (May 2021)

In this lesson, Mrs Holt takes you through the Marketing Mix using the PS5 as an example, what do companies need to think about before launching a new product:

How much should it cost? What is too cheap?
What should it look like?
Where can people buy it from?
How/where should it be promoted?

Over the course of 20 minutes you will join Mrs Holt in considering who is the target audience for the PS5 and how you should advertise to them…is there anything you would have done differently? We bet you can’t guess how much a primetime TV ad costs!

Play Video

What’s a set task?

Set tasks are three hours each and assessed by the awarding body.

You’ll complete them in a test environment on a computer – but to give you every chance to achieve the grades you deserve you’ll be given two weeks before the assessment to do all your research and prepare notes.

You’ll have six hours with your teacher to conduct in-depth research.

You can take up to six sides of A4 notes into the test, including facts and figures. It’s not like an exam where you don’t know the questions.

RESITS

Didn’t get the grades you expected? You can resubmit your coursework or resit set tasks. This means by the time you get to your exam; you should have a really good idea of your final grades to take the pressure off and help you shine.

What’s next?

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CAREERS

The variety of skills you’ll gain on your BTEC Business course will prepare you to either jump straight into the job market or get additional experience studying towards a degree.

If you want to get started right away on your career, you’ll be able to choose from many different roles.

You might even want to explore opportunities in higher or degree apprenticeships.

COURSES

Diploma and Extended Diploma students regularly choose to continue their studies on finance, accounting, marketing or business-related degrees.

Extended Certificate (1 A Level equivalent)

You will complete 4 units – 2 externally assessed and 2 coursework units.

Extended Diploma (3 A Level equivalent)

You will complete 13 units – 4 externally assessed and 9 coursework units.