|
All year groups are taught in sets within 2 populations. Progress is monitored via topic tests and level assessed tasks.
All lessons are taught in specialist laboratories. This makes practical lessons commonplace.
Science is taught as an integrated subject with all 3 disciplines (physics, biology, chemistry) being covered.
We cover GCSE Science and Additional Science with the majority of our students, this course has a modular format and leads to achieving two separate GCSE grades.
In recent years, Science results have been very positive with 70% plus students achieving A* to C grades.
Key Stage 4
The Science Faculty teaches OCR Gateway Suite Science to the majority of students over 2 years. This is different from the old style ‘double award’ Science in that students can achieve one grade in Year 10 and a different one in Year 11
The primary objective of this specification is to interest and engage candidates in science. This is achieved by:
- Identifying activities and experiences which will excite their interest, and linking these to scientific ideas and their implications for society;
- Providing opportunities to develop science explanations and theories;
- Providing a scheme of assessment which gives regular feedback.
- This approach will appeal to candidates of all abilities. The specification emphasizes the teaching and learning activities of the course, from which emerge the learning outcomes.
YEAR 10 – CORE SCIENCE
This specification comprises six teaching modules, which are assessed through three units.
Candidates take all three units.
| UNIT | UNIT CODE | TITLE | Duration | Weighting | Total Mark | Exam Dates | | 1 | B621 | Science B Unit 1.
modules B1, C1, P1 | 1 hour | 33.33% | 60 | January 2010 | | 2 | B622 | Science B Unit 2.
modules B2, C2, P2 | 1 hour | 33.33% | 60 | June 2010 | | 3 | B625 | Science B Unit 3.
Can-Do tasks and report on Science in the News | | 33.33% | 60 | |
This qualification is shown on a certificate as OCR GCSE in Science.
This qualification is approved by the regulatory authorities (QCA, ACCAC and CEA) as part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
Candidates who gain grades G to D will have achieved an award at Foundation Level (Level 1 of the NQF).
Candidates who gain grades C to A* will have achieved an award at Intermediate Level (Level 2 of the NQF).
YEAR 11 – Additional Science
The format for assessment in Year 11 follows a similar pattern to that of Year 10.
| UNIT | UNIT CODE | TITLE | Duration | Weighting | Total Mark | Exam Dates | | 1 | B623 | Science B Unit 1.
modules B3, C3, P3 | 1 hour | 33.33 | 60 | January 2011 | | 2 | B624 | Science B Unit 2.
modules B4, C4, P4 | 1 hour | 33.33% | 60 | June 2011 | | 3 | B626 | Additional Science B Unit 3.
Research study, data task and practical skills | | 33.33% | 60 | |
This qualification is shown on a certificate as OCR GCSE in Additional Science.
This qualification is approved by the regulatory authorities (QCA, ACCAC and CEA) as part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
Candidates who gain grades G to D will have achieved an award at Foundation Level (Level 1 of the NQF).
Candidates who gain grades C to A* will have achieved an award at Intermediate Level (Level 2 of the NQF).
All written papers are set in one of two tiers: Foundation Tier and Higher Tier. Foundation Tier papers assess grades G to C and Higher Tier papers assess Grades D to A*. An allowed grade E may be awarded on the Higher Tier components. In both Year 10 and year 11, candidates are entered for an option at either the Foundation Tier or the Higher Tier. Unit B626 (skills assessment) is not tiered.
The students will be in groups arranged according to ability and 2 teachers will be responsible for the teaching of each group throughout the course. Standardised tests will be administered throughout the course to monitor the students’ progress, and set changes will be made where necessary. Parents will be informed should this occur.
Ways in which Science helps students prepare for the world of work
- Core and Additional GCSE Science utilizes a wide range of teaching and learning activities which give many opportunities for students to develop their key skills in areas such as communication, problem solving, application of numbers and the use of ICT.
- By carrying out scientific investigations students have to work co-operatively with others and generate individual reports which show that they are able to reflect and evaluate what they have done. This is also a good opportunity for students to improve their own learning and use ICT.
- Science is not only useful for those students going on to post 16 courses. A wide range of jobs utilise Science skills, e.g. being able to think ideas through, effectively communicate them, being able to manage time and resources are all skills employers are looking for.
Selected groups in Year 11 will follow an applied GCSE course for their second GCSE, rather than the additional science outlined above.
Mrs A Cassey
Head of Science Faculty
|
