Key Facts

Level:
Level 2
Subject Sector:
2.1 Science
Credits:
6
Qualification No:
601/1428/9
GLH:
48 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/Merit/Distinction

Assessment Methods

  • Portfolio of Evidence

  • Why choose this qualification?

    The qualifications in Applied Science and Technology are part of a coherent suite of qualifications that Gateway Qualifications has developed in Science, Technology and Engineering.

    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 or to employment in a science or technology related area and could be used within the 16-19 Programmes of Study.

    They have been developed in conjunction with further education colleges, adult and community learning and private training providers. They are intended primarily for learners post 16 who are interested in Science and Technology but have not studied Science or Technology at Key Stage 4 or who have not achieved higher grade GCSEs in these subjects. They can also be used with learners pre 16 who require an alternative more applied approach to GCSE science qualifications. They include core units in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Electronics and a range of optional units.

    The Gateway Qualifications Applied Science and Technology qualifications cover some of the material in the Science National Curriculum.

    Rules of Combination

    Learners must complete at least 1 unit totalling 6 credits from Mandatory Group (M).


    Units

    Mandatory

    Learners must complete at least 1 unit totalling 6 credits from this group.

    Biology and Our Environment

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    48
    Credits:
    6
    Unit No:
    K/505/5352
    Click here to view full unit details

    Chemistry and Our Earth

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    48
    Credits:
    6
    Unit No:
    D/505/5350
    Click here to view full unit details

    Electronics in Action

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    48
    Credits:
    6
    Unit No:
    M/505/5353
    Click here to view full unit details

    Energy and Our Universe

    Level:
    Level 2
    Guided Learning Hours:
    48
    Credits:
    6
    Unit No:
    H/505/5351
    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 a small level 2 science and technology qualification. It has been developed primarily for post-16 learners who are interested in science and technology, and who plan to progress to Level 3 science and technology courses, including Access to Higher Education Diplomas, but who have not studied these subjects at Key Stage 4 or who have not achieved higher grade GCSEs.


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

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

    • Chemistry and our earth
    • Energy and our universe
    • Biology and our environment
    • Electronics in action.


    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 only a small amount of focused learning in a particular aspect of science or technology before progressing to a level 3 qualification, an apprenticeship or employment (with further training where possible).


    Which sector does this qualification support?

    The primary purpose of this qualification is to support progression to further learning, but for some learners it could lead to an entry-level job role in a science or technology setting such as a laboratory assistant, or 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 qualification at level 2 or directly to a level 3 certificate or diploma. These could be general science and/or technology qualifications such as a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science or more specific qualifications such as a Level 3 Certificate in Metallurgy.

    Learners could also progress to a related Intermediate Apprenticeship in Science or Technology in any of the available pathways. The qualification could also help them progress to an Access to Higher Education Diploma. It is recommended that they also have maths skills at level 2 before moving on to Level 3 qualifications.


    Progression & entry requirements

    The learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification However, the learners will benefit from having English and maths skills at level 1. 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.

    The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.

    Internal Quality Assurance

    Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustment Forms

    Mapped to Functional Skills

    Units within the qualifications have been mapped to Functional Skills in an exercise supported by Cogent on behalf of the Science Industry Partnership, allowing learners to demonstrate their progress towards the Functional Skills standards in a practical context.

    Suggested Resources for Engineering

    Suggested Resources for Science