FACULTY OF SCIENCE

Introduction

Science is a compulsory part of the core curriculum. Pupils will study for the Gateway Science Suite which counts as 2 separate GCSE’s. The Course covers topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and aims to link scientific ideas and their implications for Society.

This Course differs from all other subject GCSE’s in that pupils will take 1 GCSE exam (consisting of two papers) at the end of Year 10 in which a single GCSE grade will be awarded. Pupils will then sit 2 more papers at the end of Year 11 in which another single GCSE grade is awarded.

Year 10 Course: OCR GCSE Science B (J640)

There are 3 Units of assessment – 2 externally set examination papers and one internally assessed coursework Unit.

Unit 1 and 2 are made up of 3 modules, one each from Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Unit 1

• B1 - Understanding ourselves
• C1 - Carbon chemistry
• P1 - Energy for the home

Unit 2

• B2 - Understanding our environment
• C2 - Rocks and metals
• P2 - Living for the future

Unit 3 Skills Assessment 1

This comprises a set of Can-Do Tasks and a report on Science in the News

In June of Year 10, each pupil will sit 2 papers at either foundation or higher level. These, together with the Skills Assessment, will award pupils with a single GCSE grade.

Pupils taking the higher level paper will have 4 periods a week and will have access to A* to D grades. Pupils taking the foundation level paper will also have 4 periods a week and will have access to C to G grades.

Year 11 Course: OCR GCSE Additional Science B

As in Year 10, there are 3 Units of assessment – 2 externally set examinations and one internally assessed coursework Unit.

Unit 1 and 2 are made up of 3 modules.

Unit 1

• B3 - Living and growing
• C3 - The periodic table
• P3 - Forces for transport

Unit 2

• B4 - It’s a green world
• C4 - Chemical economics
• P4 - Radiation for life

• This comprises a research study, a data task and practical skills.

In June, two question papers, offered in foundation and higher levels, will be set for both Unit 1 & 2.

Together with the assessment for Unit 3, these will award pupils with a single GCSE grade.

Pupils taking the higher level paper will have 5 periods a week and will have access to A* to D grades. Pupils taking the foundation level paper will have 4 periods a week and will have access to C to G grades.

Progression

To study AS/A level Sciences, a pupil must achieve good GCSE grades (A-C) on a higher paper in both Year 10 & 11.

However, there are a range of other courses and careers for which 2 Science GCSE’s give an excellent foundation eg. AS/A level PE, hairdressing, laboratory technician, electrician etc.