Science (GCSE) (Single)

Specific Entry Criteria

GCSE grade D in the Core and Additional or Additional Applied Science GCSE or DD in the Applied Science Double GCSE or in the Single Sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics).

About the Subject

This one-year course is aimed at students who have already taken a GCSE Science course. Most students who take this subject, study it alongside AS and A levels. They often choose Science because they require the qualification for entry to a particular career, for example, primary education or nursing.

Course Content

The topics covered are:

• Human Biology
• Evolution and Environment
• Products from Rocks
• Oils, Earth and Atmosphere
• Energy and Electricity
• Radiation and the Universe

Students will be provided with a student workbook and a revision guide that is specific to the course. Other activities involve learning with the aid of textbooks, computers, interactive whiteboard, OHP, posters, video/DVD and practical experiments.

The course involves a variety of activities and methods of learning. All lessons are based in a laboratory so students have experience of practical investigative work alongside the study of the theory. Practical work may involve individual and group work as well as teacher demonstrations. There is also individual monitoring and support to help students achieve their potential.

Homework will involve about 3 hours each week outside the classroom. This will include revising for tests, working through homework questions and completing the reports for practical assessments.

Assessment

There are six 30 minute multi-choice examinations, two each in November, March and June. We recommend most students to take the Foundation paper but it is possible to take the Higher tier if students cover the additional work in their own time.

The coursework component involves a practical investigation and related test and counts for 25% of the marks.