AAQ Early Childhood Development
BackCourse Information
What does the course involve?
The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) is a two-year course awarded by Pearson. It involves studying various aspects of education and early years, including mandatory and optional units. It is worth 1 A Level.
Course Structure:
The qualification has 4 Mandatory Units (all required):.
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Children’s Development (90 GLH, External Assessment)
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Keeping Children Safe (90 GLH, External Assessment)
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Play and Learning (90 GLH, Internal Assessment)
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Research and Reflective Practice in an Early Childhood Setting (90 GLH, Internal Assessment)
Is it for me?
The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A levels such as Sociology, Psychology, Biology or English. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.
How will I be assessed?
External Assessment: 50% of the qualification, administered through two exams of 1 hour and 45 minutes each.
Internal Assessment: Accounts for the other 50%, covering two units. These are mainly written reports and tasks.
Pearson sets the assignment for the assessment of this unit (PSAB)
The PSAB will take 15 hours to complete.
Total Assessments: Students complete a total of four mandatory units
Where can this course take me?
This qualification is designed to be taken alongside A levels and supports progression to higher education and employment, particularly in fields related to education, early years, sociology, psychology, biology, or English. Suggested degrees could be in children’s nursing, social work, childhood and early years studies.
Entry Requirements
Standard entry requirements, plus:
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
Additional Costs
Potential DBS cost of around £50. It is recommended that students gain access to 50 hours of work placement in an early years’ setting, however, this is not mandated in the qualification.
Additional qualifications
The course can be studied alongside A levels or other complementary qualifications, enhancing skills and knowledge applicable to the health and social care sector.
UCAS tariff points
The course provides UCAS points that contribute to university admissions.
