Science Courses

Science Courses

All pupils must follow a balanced science course in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4).

There are a variety of Science courses operated within the school. Each course includes the three science subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. However, the final qualification obtained varies according to the type of course followed during Years 10 and 11.

Each course offered by the Science department aims to provide pupils with:

• an understanding of science in a range of domestic, industrial and environmental contexts;

• the ability to carry out a range of investigations, collecting data and evaluating their work using ICT where appropriate;

• an appreciation of the importance of scientific and technological developments including those related to the environment, personal health and quality of life, and considering ethical issues;

• an understanding of scientific ideas and how they develop;

• the ability to select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate scientific terms and conventions, and using ICT where appropriate.

Entry Level Science This course is designed to cater for pupils who will find difficulty following Science courses at GCSE level. Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics are studied leading to the award of a single Entry Level qualification at the end of year 11.

GCSE Single Award Applied Science – This course may be offered to some of the Entry Level pupils during Y10 depending on their ability.

GCSE Double Award Science This course involves studying the 3 sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) during Y10 and Y11. Pupils sit a one hour exam in each of the Science subjects in June of Y10 and will “bank” their scores until the following year. During Y11, pupils will complete a controlled assessment task which is worth 10% of the final qualification. At the end of Y11, pupils sit three further exams in each of the sciences and cash-in all their banked marks resulting in the award of two GCSE Science grades.

GCSE Separate Sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics all involve a combination of written exams and controlled assessments. Pupils sit a 1¹/₂ hour exam in each of the 3 subjects at the end of Y10. The marks are banked and cashed-in at the end of the course. During Y11, pupils will sit a further exam as well as completing an assessed practical task. At the end of Y11, the exam mark from Y10 is combined with the Y11 exam mark and the practical score resulting in the award of a GCSE grade for each science subject.

It is important that pupils understand that all the GCSE Science courses are of an equal level of difficulty. The only difference is the number of lessons per fortnight:

A comparison of the courses for Science in Key Stage 4

Which course is most suitable for me?

This is a question many pupils ask during Year 9, and certainly you should discuss this with your Science teachers if you have any doubts. The following information may be of use to you when considering your options.

All pupils must carefully consider the type of course that will suit them best for their future college courses and careers. Please speak to your science teachers if you require any further advice.

Further information about each of the courses described above is also available on the WJEC website: https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/