Applied Science T Level

Why study this course at Cronton Sixth Form?
This course provides you with opportunities to apply theoretical concepts and practical skills to real-world experiences in science. It is designed to enhance career opportunities for anyone wishing to work within the science sector, including industrial and clinical laboratory environments, or to progress to an apprenticeship or
university.

Our outstanding teaching and learning, laboratories and dedicated computer suite provide you with the tools needed to apply principles of theoretical science in a wide variety of real-life scenarios.

What is this course about?
Science isn’t just something you study – it’s something you do! T Levels are high-quality Level 3 technical qualifications, developed with employers. Equivalent in size to three A Levels, they combine classroom learning with practical experience through substantial industry placements. You will develop the core knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed to work safely and effectively within the occupational specialism of Laboratory Sciences.

A minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) of industry placement with a science-related employer gives you the opportunity to:

• Work in real scientific environments
• Develop practical laboratory skills alongside experienced science professionals
• Experience workplace expectations
• Build confidence and employability skills

You will develop key practical and data analysis skills in college – from using a microscope to investigate cells and carrying out chemical analysis, to understanding radioactivity and its applications. You will then have the opportunity to put these skills into practice during your industry placement. A world of opportunity! This qualification is ideal if you are passionate about science and want to combine academic study with practical, work-related skills.

What will I learn on this course?
You will study topics from across all three sciences to develop a broad understanding of the science sector. This will include normal cell structure and how abnormalities can aid disease identification; DNA and genetics; microorganisms and disease; chemical analysis and instrumental techniques; electrical circuits, forces and radioactivity; and analysing patterns in scientific data. You will gain an understanding of health, safety and environmental regulation and compliance while exploring real world applications through practical investigations; investigate how scientific techniques are used in healthcare and industry; design experiments; analyse data and solve scientific problems.

How will I be assessed?
Core knowledge and understanding will be assessed through written examinations in chemistry, biology and physics, together with an employer set project. To achieve a grade for the core component, you must complete written exams in chemistry, biology and physics, and the employer set project. The combined results are graded A* to E and contribute to your overall grade.

The Laboratory Sciences occupational specialism element is assessed through an externally set extended task that assesses your ability to apply your learning in practical, work-related contexts. You will achieve distinction, merit, or pass for this component.

Entry Requirements 
A minimum of 5 x GCSEs at 9-4 are required to study the T level science, including English Language & Maths, and a grade 5-5 in science.

Enrichment Opportunities 
You will have opportunities to meet industry experts through guest speakers and workshops and gain insights into different areas of the science sector. At Cronton, you can take part in a range of enrichment activities, trips and visits including skiing in the Alps, cultural trips to Barcelona and Italy. You may also have the chance to represent the college in sport. These experiences provide opportunities to travel, experience different cultures and develop skills beyond the classroom curriculum delivery.

Results
Our experienced science team has a fantastic record of Level 3 achievement with outstanding and wide-ranging progression opportunities. These include university offers from Liverpool, Durham, York, Nottingham, Liverpool John Moores Universities to study degree courses such as pharmacy, genetics, pharmaceutical chemistry, biochemistry, physiotherapy, speech and language, midwifery, veterinary nursing, clinical dental technology and primary teaching. Students have secured places on highly competitive higher degree apprenticeships with companies such as United Utilities, and some of our alumni have gone on to complete a PhD delivery.

Centre of Excellence in STEM
Cronton Sixth Form College has created a Centre of Excellence for Advanced Level Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses. This Centre of Excellence has been developed through the recruitment of some of the best teaching staff in the country, the building of our new state of the art IDEA Centre and science labs, and the expansion of our extra-curricular activities that support applications to the most prestigious universities.

What can this course lead on to?
You could progress to university, higher apprenticeships, or employment in roles and settings such as laboratory science, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science and scientific research. The qualification carries up to 168 Tariff UCAS points (equivalent to 3 A*s at A Level). University entry requirements vary so you should check the specific requirements of your chosen degree, including any specified subjects and grades.

Any additional costs?
Students studying science will be expected to purchase a science-based kit package (£65-£80) and contribute to trips and visits that are organised to support curriculum delivery.

Outstanding Facilities
The IDEA Centre is a unique STEM facility which offers students innovative training facilities including an advanced manufacturing workshop, a digital and electronics suite, a metrology suite, a process control workshop, a health and fitness suite, a project management suite, meeting rooms, a 3D modelling suite and an Industry 4.0 suite which all prepare students for the Industry 4.0 trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies.