Key Facts

Level:
Level 1
Subject Sector:
2.1 Science
Credits:
6
Qualification No:
601/1080/6
GLH:
55 hours
Total qualification time:
60 hours
Age Range:
Pre 16

Whilst some of our qualifications are regulated for pre 16 learners our minimum age is 14.

Qualification purpose

Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area

Qualification Grading Type

Pass

Assessment Methods

  • Portfolio of Evidence

  • Why choose this qualification?

    The qualifications have been developed in conjunction with FE Colleges, ACLs and private Training Providers. They are is intended primarily for learners post 16 who are interested in Science and Technology but have not studied Science at Key Stage 4 or who have not achieved GCSEs in the subject. It can also be used with learners pre 16 who require an alternative more applied approach to GCSE science qualifications. It includes core units in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Electronics and a range of optional units.

    The qualifications are intended to give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable them to progress to qualifications in a Science or Technology related area at a higher level and that could be used within the 16-19 Programmes of Study.

    Rules of Combination

    Learners must complete a total of 6 credits. Learners must complete 3 credits from Mandatory Group (M) and a further 3 credits from Group M or Group O1 Science and Technology.


    Units

    Mandatory

    Learners must achieve 3 credits from this group.

    Concepts and Techniques for Chemistry

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    R/505/5278
    Click here to view full unit details

    Electronics in Action

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    J/505/5133
    Click here to view full unit details

    The Nature and Applications of Energy, Waves and Radiation

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    M/505/5224
    Click here to view full unit details

    The Study of Living Systems

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    K/505/5223
    Click here to view full unit details
    Optional Units

    Learners may achieve one unit worth a minimum of 3 credits from this group.

    Carrying out a Science or Technology Project

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    36
    Credits:
    4
    Unit No:
    D/505/5218
    Click here to view full unit details

    Digital Skills for Work

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    M/617/4157
    Click here to view full unit details

    Forensic Detection

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    H/505/5141
    Click here to view full unit details

    Healthy Living

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    27
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    K/505/5139
    Click here to view full unit details

    Making Useful Scientific Devices

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    Y/505/5136
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Equipment to Make Scientific Observations and Measurements

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    R/505/5247
    Click here to view full unit details

    Using Mathematics Tools in Science and Technology

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    H/505/5138
    Click here to view full unit details

    Working in Science and Technology

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    T/505/5130
    Click here to view full unit details

    What is the purpose of this qualification?

    This qualification is suitable for learners of any age who need an extended level 1 applied science and technology qualification.

    It has been developed primarily for post-16 learners who are interested in science and technology, including those who are planning to progress to Level 2 science and technology courses, but who have not studied or did not achieve well in these subjects at Key Stage 4.


    What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

    The qualification includes a range of units relating to different aspects of applied biology, chemistry, physics and electronics.

    The learner must take at least one of the following units:

    • The nature and applications of energy, waves and radiation
    • The study of living systems
    • Electronics in action
    • Concepts and techniques for chemistry.

    Optional units include areas such as making scientific devices, using scientific equipment and mathematical tools, undertaking science and technology projects, and effective use of ICT in the workplace.


    How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

    This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma. The learners should take the Award if they need to cover two different aspects of science or technology at level 1 before progressing to a level 2 qualification or an intermediate apprenticeship.


    Which sector does this qualification support?

    The primary purpose of this qualification is to support progression to further learning. Job roles for employees with level 1 qualifications in science or technology settings are very limited. However, some learners may progress to a role as an apprentice, e.g. a science technician, electronic service technician or process operative.


    What are the progression options?

    The learners can progress to a larger level 1 science and technology qualification such as the Gateway Level 1 Extended Certificate in Applied Science and Technology or to a level 2 qualification, which could be a general science and/or technology qualification such as the Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Extended Certificate or Diploma in Applied Science and Technology or a more specific qualification such as a Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation. The learner could progress to a related Intermediate Apprenticeship in Science or Technology in any of the available pathways. It is recommended that you also have maths skills at level 1 before moving on to Level 2 qualifications.


    Progression & entry requirements

    The learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. The qualification is available to learners of any age.

    Funding information

    There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

    The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

    View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

    The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

    View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

    How to find a learning aim

    If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

    How to Use: Find a learning Aim


    We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

    This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.