Key Stage 4

All students study this subject at Key Stage 4 because…

• Science relates to all parts of our every day life.
• It provides a good background for your adult life.
• Studying Science gives you the innovative skills for an ever-changing World and makes you a valuable and sought-after person for employers.

What will you study?

You will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics in equal amounts. The GCSE offers enough knowledge for those wanting to go on to take A-Levels or other higher education courses.

Course structure

The school follows the AQA examining board, option B specification. The exam papers are made up of structured questions, some requiring short answers and others longer answers. Candidates are awarded a grade A* - G. There are 2 levels of entry, foundation (GradesC – G) and higher (Grades A – D).

The coursework is based on a scientific investigation, for example ‘the effect of acid raid on cress seedlings’. Marks are given for how well you carry out the practical and for the analysis of your results. You will also have to analyse some data from another persons results.

In Year 11 students follow either Additional Science or Applied Science. Additional science is intended for those girls that wish to study science further in years 12 and 13 in addition to girls wanting a good grounding in all the sciences. This course will be intended for the top 3 sets. Applied science is a more vocational course, with more practical based aspects, looking at methods used in various scientific areas. This course will be aimed at sets 4 & 5.You will gain one Science GCSE at the end of Year 10 and another Science GCSE at the end of Year 11.

Homework

Homework is designed to be challenging and help to advance the students by building on prior learning. The types of homework set are varied; research, essays, exam questions and science projects have all been set in the last year.

Support Information

If you have any questions please speak to Mr Goulding or any other members of the science department. You can also get useful information from the following web sites:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/scienceb.html

http://www.ase.org.uk/htm/homepage/notes_news/january_2005/gcse_faq.pdf