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Science

The subjects are as follows:

Triple Science

Some students are selected to progress onto the Triple Science pathway from September of Year 10. This is following key teaching and assessment points in Year 9. (See specific details in the Science KS3 section of the website.)

This means that they will attain 3 GCSEs; one in Biology, one in Chemistry and one in Physics. For this to happen an additional third of a GCSE content for each discipline needs to be delivered and as a result lesson pace is quicker, with additional homework and a greater emphasis on independent learning. 

The units covered in each GCSE are given below and full specifications can be found here: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse 

 Biology (8461)

  • Cell Biology (covered in Year 9)
  • Organisation (covered in Year 9)
  • Infection and Response
  • Bioenergetics
  • Homeostasis and Response
  • Inheritance, variation and evolution
  • Ecology

 Chemistry (8462)

  • Atomic Structure and the periodic table (covered in Year 9)
  • Bonding, structure and the properties of matter (covered in Year 9)
  • Quantitative chemistry
  • Chemical changes
  • Energy changes
  • The rate and extent of chemical change
  • Organic chemistry
  • Chemical analysis
  • Chemistry of the atmosphere
  • Using resources

 Physics (8463)

  • Energy (covered in Year 9)
  • Electricity (covered in Year 9)
  • Particle model of matter
  • Atomic structure
  • Forces
  • Magnetism and electromagnetism
  • Waves
  • Space physics

Pupils are assessed by two 1hr 45min papers per GCSE at the end of the course. The papers not only test the content, but also the practical and mathematical ability of the students.

The assessment objectives are given below and are tested in the ratio 40%:40%:20%.

  • AO1 Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding of Science.
  • AO2 Apply skills, knowledge and understanding of Science in practical and other contexts.
  • AO3 Analyse and evaluate evidence, make reasoned judgements and draw conclusions based on evidence.
  • Mathematical skills are assessed through 10% of Biology, 20% of Chemistry and 30% of Physics marks across all papers.

At the end of the course, pupils are awarded a 9-1 grade in each of the disciplines. This grade can be different for each discipline.

To support pupils through the course, pupils are required to purchase specific workbooks and optional revision guides which are available at reduced cost through the school.

Entry Level Science

This course is run to support those students who will struggle with the content of the Combined Science GCSE. It covers the same subject areas as the Combined Science course but in a little less depth. Selection for this course occurs at the end of Year 9 when students have been given the opportunity to show their ability and progress on the first two units of each GCSE discipline throughout the year.

Certification is achieved by completion of Teacher Devised Assessments and Externally Set Assessments. These are both internally marked and then externally moderated.

The specification for this course can be found at: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/elc/science-5960

 

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