Science is for all. It has something to suit students of all abilities and aspirations. Students will be engaged and challenged. Success in science can provide access and great preparation to Post 16 Science courses and apprenticeships. In the long term it can lead on to lots of options at university and an almost limitless number of job opportunities. The science based skills you learn and develop will be really helpful in sorts of careers and are favoured by many employers.

As part of your science lessons you will study three core elements; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Within these elements you will learn about...

Biology:

• Cell biology

• Organisation

• Infection and response

• Bioenergetics

• Homeostasis and response

• Inheritance, variation and evolution

• Ecology

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

• Using resources

Physics:

• Energy

• Electricity

• Particle model of matter

• Atomic structure

• Forces

• Waves

• Magnetism and electromagnetism

• Space physics

In each of the 3 science elements; Biology, Chemistry and Physics, there are two exam papers. All papers are 1 hour 45 mins and there is the option of foundation tier or higher tier papers. The papers each have 100 marks available and the two papers in each science split the topics covered, with half of the content in each paper. The two papers are equally weighted, each worth 50% of the GCSE qualification.

Exams contain a mixture of questioning styles including multiple choice, structured, closed, short answer and open response.

During the GCSE course students will carry out a number of required practicals, the details of which will then be examined and assessed in the GCSE examination papers.

There is no coursework or controlled assessment element to these qualifications.

Mathematical skills

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Analysing and interpreting data

Reasoning and evaluating

Decision making

Perseverance

Communication

Teamwork

Standard stationery including pencil, ruler and rubber

A scientific calculator is also needed from the start of the course

There are many opportunities in Biology, Chemistry and Physics to develop students character and culture. Diversity, wellbeing, aspirations and values are apparent at many points throughout the courses. Some of the content you expect to specifically support the character and culture curriculum is ...

Evaluating the social and ethical issues associated with the use of stem cells in medical research and treatment and the use of monoclonal antibodies.

Understanding physical and mental well being including diet, smoking, alcohol.

Evaluating the relationship between obesity and diabetes, and make recommendations taking into account social and ethical issues.

Evaluating personal, social, economical and environmental implications when discussing contraception.

Understanding the social and ethical issues associated with IVF.

Considering the ethical issues which arise from embryonic screening, gene therapy, selective breeding and cloning in agriculture and in medicine.

Appreciating how waste, energy use and deforestation have an impact on the environment.

By taking separate science more content is covered which provides students with better-preparation for science A-levels, Applied BTECs and Apprenticeships.

You may decide to continue this qualification and pursue one of the following professions...Doctor, Physicist, Vet, Biomedical Scientist, Sports Science, Food Scientist. Your teacher will be happy to share knowledge of linked professions with you.

BBC Biology (single science)

BBC Chemistry (single science)

BBC Physics (single science)