Hitchin Boys' School Options 2021

GCSE Sciences

Exam Board: OCR Gateway

Separate Sciences:

Code: Biology J247 Unit Code: F 01/02 or H 03/04

Code: Chemistry J248 Unit Code: F 01/02 or H 03/04

Code: Physics J249 Unit Code: F 01/02 or H 03/04

Combined Science:

Code: Combined J250 Unit Code: F 01-06 or H 07-012

Aims

To gain a systematic body of scientific knowledge, and the skills needed to apply this in new and changing situations
To gain an understanding of scientific ideas, of how they develop, and of the factors which may affect their limitations
To consider and evaluate critically students’ own data and conclusions, and those obtained from other sources
To evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments, including those related to the environment, personal health and quality of life, and to consider ethical issues where these arise
To use electronic and more traditional sources of information to collect data and ideas on a topic of scientific interest.

Course Content

Science groups are organised by the Science Department, based on ability, attitude and progress made at KS3. Students will receive Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons generally taught by specialist teachers. There are two routes available, based on the new OCR Gateway Science Suite (from 2016) set of qualifications:

1: GCSE Gateway Suite- Combined science A (9-1) J250 (from 2016).

Students follow a programme leading to 2 GCSEs in Science. They will study a wide range of scientific concepts and are appropriate for students with a general interest in Science. Advancement to A-levels in the sciences is possible via this route.

2: GCSE Gateway Science Suite –Biology A (9-1) J247 (from 2016), Chemistry A (9-1) J248) and Physics A (9-1) J249.

Students follow a programme leading to GCSE qualifications in each science separately. This is a more demanding route for students to study, with significantly more content to cover and more challenging concepts. The route is appropriate for those who have shown a strong interest and aptitude for science, especially in Year 9, and who are likely to be considering study of science at A-level.

Assessment Structure

There is no Controlled Assessment, all of the exam papers are taken at the end of the Summer term in year 11.

You need to

Complete all class and homework tasks.
Be ready to discuss scientific ideas and to respect the views of others.
Be prepared for examinations throughout the course.

For further information, see Mr Warman (Head of Science)

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