SEPARATE SCIENCES

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: GCSE Separate Science

Description of Course

The most able scientists in the year group will follow the GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics courses. At the end of Year 11 they will be certificated with three separate Science GCSEs:

Pupils will be entered for either higher or foundation tier papers.  For each GCSE there are exams which will be taken at the end of the course. Practical skills will be indirectly assessed within each exam.

How Will You Learn

Science is a set of ideas about the material world. We have included all the parts of what good science is at GCSE level: whether it be investigating, observing, experimenting or testing out ideas and thinking about them.  The way scientific ideas flow through our teaching will support you in building a deep understanding of science.  This will involve talking about, reading and writing about science plus the actual doing, as well as representing science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models.

Method of Assessment

GCSE Biology will be assessed in two terminally assessed papers (each lasting 1h 45m with a weighting of 50%). GCSE Chemistry will be assessed in two terminally assessed papers (each lasting 1h 45m with a weighting of 50%).    GCSE Physics will be assessed in two terminally assessed papers (each lasting 1h 45m with a weighting of 50%).

Pathways after Year 11

Further Study

GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics lay an appropriate foundation for further study of Science subjects, post-16 at Liskeard School (grade 6 in Science and Maths needed). These may include AS and A2 levels in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology
• Environmental Studies (grade 5 at GCSE is required)

Career Routes

Science qualifications are useful for a wide range of careers including:

Archaeologist, Dentist, Engineer, Forensic Scientist, Marine Biologist, Veterinarian, Medicine, Meteorologist, Teacher, Software engineer, plus many more.

See www.futuremorph.org for further ideas.

Pupil comments

“You learn a lot more in Separate Science – It does involve more work, though, to get the extra GCSE.”

“Separate Science is good because everyone works hard in the group.”

“You get to learn more about the three Sciences and you get three GCSEs instead of two, which is good when you apply to University.”

SCIENCE TRILOGY

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: GCSE Trilogy

Description of Course 

There are a number of pathways through Key Stage 4 Science, one of which is the GCSE Trilogy Course.

This is the new specification which focuses on building individual aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a combined course.  There is an increased focus on Working Scientifically which aims to develop transferable skills such as problem solving, analysis and communication.  Students who complete a GCSE Synergy course will be fully equipped to study A Level Sciences should they choose.

Pupils will be placed on an appropriate Science course for their needs and ability as well as their future aspirations.

How Will You Learn

Science is a set of ideas about the material world. We have included all the parts of what good science is at GCSE level: whether it be investigating, observing, experimenting or testing out ideas and thinking about them.  The way scientific ideas flow through our teaching will support you in building a deeper understanding of science.  This will involve talking about, reading and writing about science, plus the actual doing, as well as representing science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models.

Method of Assessment

Six papers assessed terminally, each worth 16.7% of the GCSE.  These papers will cover aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics from the course units.  Exams will contain multiple choice, closed, extended writing, analytical and evaluative style questions, in accordance with the main Assessment Objectives of the GCSE.  Practical skills will be indirectly assessed within each exam.

Pathways after Year 11

Further Study

GCSE Trilogy Science lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Science subjects, post-16 at Liskeard School (Grade 6 in Science and Maths needed). These may include AS and A2 levels in

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology
• Environmental Studies (grade 5 needed)

Career Routes

Science qualifications are useful for a wide range of careers including:

Archaeologist, Dentist, Engineer, Forensic Scientist, Marine Biologist, Veterinarian, Medicine, Meteorologist, Teacher, Software engineer plus many more.

See www.futuremorph.org for further ideas.

Pupil comments

“I really enjoy Science, I especially like the practicals.”

“GCSE Science helps me to understand why things happen in the world around me.”

“GCSE Science has given me the knowledge to go on and study A Levels in Science.”