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EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AAQ BTEC L3

Exam Board: Pearson

Entry Requirements

  • Vocational Course Entry Req

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):.

  • Children’s Development (90 GLH, External Assessment) 
  • Keeping Children Safe (90 GLH, External Assessment) 
  • Play and Learning (90 GLH, Internal Assessment) 
  • 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 

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. 

What further learning will this qualification lead to?

  • Nursing – BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, Nursing – Child – BSc (Hons)
  • Teacher Training – Childhood and Early Years Studies BA (Hons)
  • Social Work – BA (Hons) Social Work
  • Psychology – Psychology BSc (Hons)