Science
"Science can lift people out of poverty and cure disease" - Stephen Hawking
How can Science help me?
In Key Stage 4, students will study either Combined Science (double award) or Separate Sciences (three separate GCSEs). This will be a guided choice, taking into consideration the student’s academic achievement in the subject and their future aspirations. The final decision will be made by the Head of Department in consultation with the Science teachers. Students will not need to choose this on their option form, but they may be asked what their preference would be during the One-to-One meetings, and you can discuss the suitability of each course with your Science teacher at Parents Evening.
The ability to think critically is to scrutinise information you're presented with is important not only for scientists but for lawyers, police, medics, journalists and more. From actuaries and financial advisors to social media specialists and market researchers, data analysis is one of the most sought after skills. Complex problem solving is vital for engineers, researchers, marketers, social workers, designers, and even customer service workers. From nurses and scientists to accountants and writers, attention to detail is vital to carrying out many roles safely and effectively.
Course Content
GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy)
Equivalent of two GCSE grades
Exams: 6 written exams each worth 16.7% of the final grades
Practical work: there are 21 required “practicals” that you must be familiar with, ready to refer to within your written exam papers.
GCSE Separate Sciences
Three separate GCSE grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Exams: 6 written exams, two for each subject, each worth 50% of that subject grade.
Practical work: there are 28 required “practicals” (10 for Biology, 8 for Chemistry, 10 for Physics) that you must be familiar with, ready to refer to within your written exam papers.
In both courses you will learn how science works in everyday situations and how science attempts to explain the world in which we live, explored through the study of 10 key big ideas. You will work scientifically to analyse data & patterns, communicate ideas, enquire & test hypotheses and solve problems. Students will be required to demonstrate the following mathematical skills in both courses: Arithmetic & numerical computation, Handling data, Algebra, Graphs and Geometry & Trigonometry.
Topics that students will study include:
Biology
Cell Biology
Organisation
Infection and Response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis and Response
Inheritance
Variation and Evolution
Ecology and Biodiversity
Chemistry
Atomic Structure and The Periodic Table
Bonding
Structure and The Properties of Matter
Quantitative Chemistry
Chemical Changes
Energy Changes
The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change
Organic Chemistry
Chemical Analysis,
Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Using Resources
Life Cycle Assessment and Recycling
Physics
Forces
Forces as Vectors
Pressure
Energy
Waves
Electricity
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Particle Model of Matter and Atomic Structure
"Science is a great way to further your knowledge on how the world works. If you have ever questioned how or why something works, science most likely answers it."
Methods of Study
Students are encouraged to study science no matter what their ability as it impacts every aspect of their current and future lives, and therefore are given access to the full curriculum to take what they can from their learning. Students are treated as scientists from the beginning and encouraged to approach their learning with an inquisitive mind and ask questions and make mistakes and reflect on them.
In year 10 we continue to build on the 10 key ideas in science linked throughout the curriculum at a deeper level. Engaging lessons are delivered in a number of ways, covering: theory, maths skills and lab skills. Group discussion and debate is also encouraged when making links with the real world and considering the ethical and social implications of scientific advancements.
Assessment
Awarding body: AQA
Internal assessments:
students sit end of unit tests to measure progress every 6-7 weeks throughout the course and are provided regular feedforward to bridge gaps in knowledge.
External assessment (all exams will take place at the end of Year 11):
GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) will include six papers: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics, each worth 16.7%.
GCSE Separate Sciences will also include six papers: Two Biology, Two Chemistry and Two Physics, each worth 50% of each separate grade.
Assessment objectives (AO) are set by Ofqual and are the same across both courses. The external assessments will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas; scientific techniques and procedures.
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas; scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures.
AO3: Analyse information and ideas to: interpret and evaluate; make judgments and draw conclusions; develop and improve experimental procedures.
Practical work:
There is no coursework in the new linear GCSE, but practical work (scientific experiments) remains an integral part of the GCSEs. The theory behind these practicals, as well as the practical skills themselves – planning, analysis and evaluation – will be tested in the GCSE exams. There will be no separate grade for practicals, but questions related to practicals will account for 15% of the total marks in the final exams.
Useful Links
Looking at the exam board specification for a course can sometimes help you understand the detail that you will need to go into for each course:
AQA GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) specification
GCSE Separate Sciences specifications: Biology, Chemistry, Physics