Science
Aims of the subject:
To provide pupils with a learning experience that will inspire and challenge, giving them the confidence and enthusiasm to further their education in Science.
GCSE Examination Board: AQA
Assessment Overview:
All students study Combined Science comprising of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The qualification is linear, meaning that students undertake six examinations at the end of Year 11, resulting in the equivalent of two GCSEs. Students are entered for ‘Foundation’ or ‘Higher’ tier at the discretion of their class teachers.
NB: a small number of students may be entered for Single Science award. These students study the same content with the addition of some extra material. The Year 11 examinations are slightly longer, but will result in three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Year | What will I learn? | Assessment |
9 | Students begin their GCSE studies in the Spring term of Year 9. They will study the first unit of all three disciplines; Cell Biology, Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, Energy. | In-class end of unit assessment in each discipline. |
10 | Biology Units 2-4:
2. Organisation 3. Infection and response 4. Bioenergetics Chemistry Units 2-5: 2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter 3. Quantitative chemistry 4. Chemical changes 5. Energy changes Physics Units 2-4: 2. Electricity 3. Particle model of matter 4. Atomic structure |
In-class end of unit assessment in each discipline.
Mid-year assessment in all disciplines. End of year mock examinations in all disciplines. |
11 | Biology Units 5-7:
5. Homeostasis and response 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 7. Ecology Chemistry Units 6-10: 6. The rate and extent of chemical change 7. Organic chemistry 8. Chemical analysis 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere 10. Using resources Physics Units 5-7: 5. Forces 6. Waves 7. Magnetism and electromagnetism |
In-class end of unit assessment in each discipline.
Mock examinations in all disciplines. Summer GCSE examinations – six papers, two from each discipline.
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Extra-curricular opportunities
Revision and intervention sessions are available throughout Year 11 during lunch-times or after school.
How you can support your child’s progress
Students are expected to be fully equipped for lessons, including a scientific calculator. Revision guides and resources are available for purchase at various times throughout the KS4 course. The Science department would appreciate your support in encouraging your child to undertake independent revision, in addition to home learning tasks, to allow consolidation of material.