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Science
Science
At QPCS we follow the OCR Gateway Science syllabus. This course has been designed to motivate and engage students whatever their needs and aspirations.
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/gateway-science-suite-combined-science-a-j250-from-2016/
There is a full range of engaging practical work, differentiated textbooks, as well as opportunities for discussion and debate of topical science issues. To support learning at home we provide students with a range of online resources to help them with their studies such as Kerboodle, Educake, and GCSEPod.
GCSE Science topics
B1: Cell level systems Cell structures; what happens in cells; respiration; photosynthesis
B2: Scaling up Supplying the cell; the challenges of size
B3: Organism level systems Coordination and control – the nervous system; coordination and control – the endocrine system; maintaining internal environments
B4: Community level systems Ecosystems
B5: Genes, inheritance and selection Inheritance; natural selection and evolution
B6: Global challenges Monitoring and maintaining the environment; feeding the human race; monitoring and maintaining health
C1: Particles The particle model; atomic structure; atoms; molecules
C2: Elements, compounds and mixtures Separating mixtures; bonding; properties of materials
C3: Chemical reactions Chemical reactions; energy changes; types of chemical reactions; electrolysis
C4: Predicting and identifying reactions and products Predicting chemical reactions; identification of products of chemical reactions
C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions Yield; atom economy; rate of reactions; equilibria
C6: Global challenges Improving processes and products; organic chemistry; composition of the atmosphere
P1: Matter The particle model; changes of state; pressure in gases and liquids
P2: Forces Motion; Newton’s Laws; fields and forces causing changes
P3: Electricity Static and charge; simple circuits; electrical current, potential difference and resistance
P4: Magnetism and magnetic fields Magnets and magnetic fields; uses of magnetic fields
P5: Waves in matter Behaviour of mechanical and electromagnetic waves; the electromagnetic spectrum
P6: Radioactivity Radioactive emissions; radioactive decay
P7: Energy Work done; power and efficiency
P8: Global challenges How objects are affected by external factors; electricity production; characteristics of planets.
Combined Science
Combined Science
Two GCSEs which combine knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The majority of students will study Combined Science. This course covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and is taught by two science teachers over two double and two single lessons a week. At the end of Year 11 they will sit a series of exams the results of which will be combined together to award two GCSE grades. Students who study combined science are able to progress their study of Science on to A level providing they achieve a grade 7.
Separate (Triple) Sciences
Separate (Triple) Sciences
We also offer students with a keen interest and ability in the subject the chance to study GCSEs in separate sciences, known as triple science. This results in three GCSE grades compared to two in combined science.
Students attend three separate lessons in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and over the course of two years study a third more content compared to combined science. This is academically demanding and as a result is only suitable for students who have a strong academic record in the subject and have a real enthusiasm for science. Triple science is not a requirement to study science at A level however it does give additional background and insight into the science studied at this level. Many students who study combined science carry on their studies at A level.
In order to provide enough time to study this content to its full extent, we require an additional after school “twilight” lesson during Year 11 in addition to the normal 6 science lessons a week.
Please note that Triple Science is not an option which can be chosen, however we will be asking for an expression of interest during the summer term and will select students based on their end of year exam and their performance in class this year.
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