Double and Triple

COURSE CONTENT:

Science at KS4 has undergone exciting major changes in recent years with each awarding body producing new suites of examinations in a bid to make science much more relevant to pupils’ lives. The department has adopted the Twenty First Century Science GCSE course.

The majority of pupils (excluding those doing the separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs) start by studying the common core Science GCSE, essentially designed to develop scientific literacy.

There are two levels ensuring that individuals will be appropriately challenged. This course features many of the major theories of science in a way that encourages pupils to appreciate their importance to everyday life. The course goes on to explore how scientific information is obtained, how reliable it is, what its limitations are, and how this information helps society to make important decisions. Pupils are prepared to deal with issues involving science which they may meet: for example, mobile phone safety, decisions about childhood vaccinations, and sustainable use of resources.

EXAMINATION

ALL the GCSE courses offer the range of A* - G and have two tiers of entry:

There will be two possible routes for pupils to follow.

GCSE Double Science

A Science course comprising the common core Science GCSE which is followed by the GCSE Additional Science in Year 11.

1. Core Science

2. Additional Science:

This section of the double science is taken in Year 11. This comprises:

• Three 40 minute examination papers (totalling 50% of the marks.)
• One 45 minute examination paper based on pre-released scientific information (16.7%)
• Coursework consisting of a full practical investigation (33%).

GCSE Triple Science:

Pupils will follow a course leading to three GCSE qualifications in the separate Sciences -
Biology, Chemistry and Physics (usually set T1a).

Each GCSE will have the following:

• Three 40 minute examination papers (33.3% of marks) taken during years 10 & 11.
• One 60 minute paper based on pre-released scientific information (33.3%)
• Coursework (33.3%).

This makes a total of 10 examinations and 3 major pieces of coursework. Also, because of the high demands of the course, pupils taking Triple Science need to commit themselves to an extra hour after school each week in order to complete the course.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE COURSES

There is a comprehensive and helpful website specifically for the Twenty First Century Science courses, including suitability and sample materials:

www.21stcenturyscience.org

HOME LEARNING

Home learning is set to all classes twice a week, taking about one hour on each occasion. This will include activities to reinforce learning, research involving books and the internet, preparing talks, reviewing and revising, including the use of practice questions to develop high quality
examination technique.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN SCIENCE Science at KS4 has undergone exciting major changes in recent years with each awarding body producing new suites of examinations in a bid to make Science much more relevant to pupils’ lives. The department has adopted the OCR Nationals for the integrated pathway and some traditional pathway pupils.

The OCR Level 2 Nationals in Science have been developed to recognise learners’ skills, knowledge and understanding of Science, scientific procedures and the commercial applications of Science. The OCR Nationals help students develop their personal skills in areas applicable to any workplace, such as team working, communication and problem solving.

The pupils carry out a range of tasks that have been designed to recognise their achievements in a modern, practical way that is relevant to the workplace.

SPECIFICATION AIMS:

These qualifications specifically aim to:

• develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the Science sector
• develop pupils’ skills, knowledge and understanding in contexts that are directly relevant to employment situations, thereby enhancing their employability within the science sector
• develop pupils’ ability to work autonomously and effectively in a Science context
• enable pupils to develop knowledge and understanding in specialist areas of Science, and demonstrate the skills needed to participate in the operation and development of real Science organisations
• encourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and understanding that pupils will need to access further or higher education programmes or occupational training on a full-time or part-time basis
• promote interaction between employers, centres and pupils by relating teaching and assessment to real organisations

THE COURSE:

The OCR National Certificate in Science comprises three mandatory units and three units chosen by the department.

ASSESSMENT:

All units are centre-assessed and externally moderated. There are no external tests. The pupils will be assessed on their performance for each unit and they will be required to develop a portfolio for each unit. Pupils will be continuously assessed throughout the two years.

CERTIFICATION:

All units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction
The full qualification is equivalent to 4 GCSEs grades A*-C.

As the certificate is 100% portfolio work, the traditional ‘A’ Level science courses are not accessible through this route.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE COURSE:

There is a comprehensive and helpful website specifically for the OCR National course, including suitability and sample materials:

www.ocrnationals.com

HOME LEARNING:

Home learning is set to all classes twice a week taking about one hour on each occasion. This will include activities to reinforce learning, research involving books and the internet, preparing talks, reviewing and developing portfolio work.

EDUCATION EXTRA, SUPPORT AND TRIPS:

Workshops to aid with the completion of portfolio work will be held at times throughout the two years of study. There will be some opportunities to approach learning outside the confines of the classroom such as links to BP, visiting speakers, work with pupils from other schools and we would like to develop international exchanges of work to broaden perspectives.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP:

SECURING SUCCESS:

Pupils’ progress will be monitored throughout the course and reported in line with school policy.

STAFF:

Head of Science - Ann Keogh
If you have any enquiries regarding specific Science issues please contact the Head of Science.