Subject : GCSE Science
Mr M Piotrowski
Exam Board : AQA/OCR
Specification/Syllabus : AQA: Science A 4461, Additional Science 4463, Biology 4411, Chemistry 4421, Physics 4451, OCR: Additional Applied Science J632 (For download see Subjects page)
All pupils will experience the new National Curriculum programme of study.
By far the most will do this in Year 10 and then extend their knowledge and understanding by doing a second GCSE in Year 11.
A small number will be able to cover the material for Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs.
A small number will work on the National Curriculum programme of study for two years.
By following one of the above paths pupils will achieve a greater understanding of the world around them, thereby becoming more capable of making balanced decisions in life. It is hoped that pupils will wish to continue studying Science and in a number of cases this will lead to employment which directly or indirectly uses the skills and knowledge attained.
The above will be delivered via the AQA/OCR suites of specifications in one of the following ways:
AQA GCSE Science A specification in Year 10 and AQA GCSE Additional Science specification in Year 11.
This path requires 10 lessons per fortnight in each year and leads to 2 GCSE's.
AQA GCSE Science A specification in Year 10 and OCR GCSE Additional Applied Science specification in Year 11.
This path requires 10 lessons per fortnight in each year and leads to 2 GCSE's.
AQA GCSE Science A specification across both Years 10 and 11.
This path requires 5 lessons per fortnight in each year and leads to 1 GCSE.
AQA GCSE Biology, AQA GCSE Chemistry and AQA GSCE Physics across both Years 10 and 11.
This path requires 12 lessons per fortnight and leads to 3 GCSE's.
COURSE CONTENT
The course consists of 6 modules, during which ideas about “How Science Works” are developed:
Biology 1a: Human Biology
Biology 1b: Evolution and Environment
Chemistry 1a: Products from Rocks
Chemistry 1b: Oils, Earth and Atmosphere
Physics 1a: Energy and Electricity
Physics 1b: Radiation and the Universe
The course consists of 3 modules, during which ideas about “How Science Works” are developed.
Biology 2 includes:
Cells, Osmosis, Photosynthesis, Biomass, Carbon Cycle, Enzymes, Respiration, Homeostasis and Genetics.
Chemistry 2 includes:
Atomic Structure and Bonding, Types of Substance, Reversible Reactions, Rates of Reaction, Electrolysis and Making Salts.
Physics 2 includes:
Motion, Forces, Work, Momentum, Static Electricity, Electrical Circuits, Power, Radioactive decay and Nuclear Fission/Fusion.
OCR GCSE Additional Applied Science
The course consists of 3 units:
Unit 1: Life Care.
Unit 2: Agriculture and Food.
Unit 3: Scientific Detection.
The course consists of 3 modules, during which ideas about “How Science Works” are developed.
Biology modules 1 and 2 above +
Biology 3, which includes:
Water Relations in Plants, Circulation; further Osmosis and Respiration, The Kidney, Micro-organisms, Antibiotics, Bio-fuels and Sterile Techniques.
The course consists of 3 modules, during which ideas about “How Science Works” are developed.
Chemistry modules 1 and 2 above +
Chemistry 3, which includes:
Development of the Periodic Table, Transition Metals, Acid Theory and Titrations, Solubility, Energy Changes, Testing for Chemicals.
The course consists of 3 modules, during which ideas about “How Science Works” are developed.
Physics modules 1 and 2 above +
Physics 3 which includes:
Turning Effect of Forces, Circular Motion, Centripetal Force, Mirrors and Lenses, Sound and Ultrasound, Electricity Generation, Transformers, Life History of Stars
ASSESSMENT
We make use of a modular approach so that pupils can be examined during the course.
Module Tests (75%)
6 matching/multiple choice objective tests each worth 12.5%.
Each testing application of skills, knowledge and understanding of science and how science works
Two to be taken in each of November, March and June of Year 10.
Practical Skills centre-assessed unit (25%)
This unit comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment which is normal practical work followed by a 45 minute test and a Practical Skills Teacher Assessment.
Written Examinations (75%)
3 x 45 minute papers, each worth 25%, taken in the June of Year 11.
The papers assess the application of skills, knowledge and understanding of science and how science works within the contexts covered in the modules Biology 2, Chemistry 2 and Physics 2.
Practical Skills Centre-assessed Unit (25%)
This unit comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment which is normal practical work followed by a 45 minute test and a Practical Skills Teacher Assessment.
OCR GCSE Additional Applied Science A (21 st Century Science Suite)
Written examinations (50%) 3 x 45 minute papers, each worth 16.7%, one for each Unit, one taken in January, one taken in June.
Work-related portfolio (50%) six standard procedures, one suitability test and a work-related report.
AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics
For each subject:
Module Tests (25%)
2 matching/multiple choice objective tests each worth 12.5%.
Each testing application of skills, knowledge and understanding of the subject and how science works
To be taken during Year 10.
Written Examination (50%)
2 x 45 minute papers, each worth 25%, taken in the June of Year 11.
The papers assess the application of skills, knowledge and understanding of the subject and how science works within the contexts covered in modules 2 and 3.
Practical Skills centre-assessed unit (25%)
This unit comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment which is normal practical work followed by a 45 minute test and a Practical Skills Teacher Assessment.
For more information on choices and options at 14, 16 and beyond (including career matching software), visit our Careers page.