Science Key Stage 4
Pupils follow the AQA syllabus with the following courses available to them. They will be assessed every learning cycle by a LAT and a mock exam. The examination dates are January and June
Year 10 = Science A/ Additional science
Year 11 = Additional science/ Triple
Please note – pupils wishing to complete A-levels in Science should complete the triple award!
(Other routes will possibly be available in the near future with the new syllabus in 2011- further details later)
GCSE Assessments
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GCSE BIOLOGY |
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BIOLOGY 1 Written paper 1 25% |
BIOLOGY 2 Written paper 2 25% |
BIOLOGY 3 Written paper 3 25% |
CAU Practical 25% |
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GCSE CHEMISTRY |
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CHEMISTRY 1 Written paper 1 25% |
CHEMISTRY 2 Written paper 2 25% |
CHEMISTRY 3 Written paper 3 25% |
CAU Practical 25% |
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GCSE PHYSICS |
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PHYSICS 1 Written paper 1 25% |
PHYSICS 2 Written paper 2 25% |
PHYSICS 3 Written paper 3 25% |
CAU Practical 25% |
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GCSE SCIENCE A |
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BIOLOGY 1 Written paper 1 25% |
CHEMISTRY 1 Written paper 2 25% |
PHYSICS 1 Written paper 3 25% |
CAU Practical 25% |
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GCSE ADDITIONAL SCIENCE |
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BIOLOGY 2 Written paper 1 25% |
CHEMISTRY 2 Written paper 2 25% |
PHYSICS 2 Written paper 3 25% |
CAU Practical 25% |
BTEC – The vocational and work – related option
There is also the BTEC first in applied science available for selected pupils (it is not advised that pupils wanting to complete A-Levels in the sciences do this course).
This is assessed by 100% portfolio assessment and can be completed to three levels:
Certificate – 1 GCSE
Extended Certificate – 2 GCSES
Diploma – 4 GCSES
Enrichment and engagement
The department plans to introduce lots of new items to assist in engaging and enriching pupils.
The first to be introduced is a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) club.
This will be open to the gifted and aim higher pupils in the first instance and eventually it will be open to all pupils.
Pupils will be able to enter the CREST awards, completing project work at either Bronze or Silver depending on the Key stage they are in.
For students, CREST Awards are a tangible recognition of success. They can be included in personal records of achievement – and used to enhance applications to universities, colleges and potential employers.
CREST Award levels
There are three levels of CREST Awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The levels are progressively more complex and challenging, but can be awarded separately at any stage:
Bronze
- 10 hours of project work
- Typically completed by 11-14 year olds
- 30 hours of project work
- Typically completed by 14-16 year olds
- 70+ hours of project work
- Typically completed by 16+ year olds
The differentiated levels enable youngsters of all abilities to experience positive achievement in Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths (STEM) and cover many of the required key skills in the process.
