Double Award
Essence Statements
Courses are designed to help students:
Develop their scientific knowledge, understanding and skills.
Take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour.
Foster their curiosity.
Develop their ability to work in teams and hence improve their communication skills on their journey to becoming confident citizens able to play a full part in society.
Go on to a science-based career if they so wish.
Teaching Staff
Mrs K Walker
Mr C Copley
Mr D Crosdale
Mrs C Steadman
Miss S Sardar
Mr S Lule
Mr L Whitworth
Examination Details
Edexcel 360 Core Science (studied in year 10) and Additional Science course (studied by most students in year 11) are new science courses for 2006.
On completion of both of these courses students can achieve two science GCSE’s.
Course Details
Most students are taught Science for 6 periods per week, almost always by a team of Biology, Chemistry and Physics specialists.
Year 10 Units
|
GCSE
Science
|
Unit number
|
Topic Title
|
|
B1
|
a
|
* Environment
* Genes
|
|
b
|
* Electrical and Chemical signals
* Use, Misuse and Abuse
|
|
C1
|
a
|
*Patterns in Properties
*Making changes
|
|
b
|
*There’s One Earth
*Designer Products
|
|
P1
|
a
|
*Producing and Measuring Electricity
*You’re in Charge
|
|
b
|
*Now You See it. Now You Don’t
*Space and its Mysteries
|
In year 11 the modules stated below will be studied
Year 11 Units
|
GCSE
Science
|
Topic Title
|
|
B2
|
* Inside Living Cells
* Divide and Develop
|
|
* Energy Flow
* Interdependence
|
|
C2
|
*Synthesis
*In Your Element
|
|
*Chemical Structures
*How Fast? How Furious?
|
|
P2
|
*As Fast as You Can!
*Roller Coasters and Relativity
|
|
*Putting Radiation to Use
*Power of the Atom
|
In addition to developing and increasing knowledge the new science course has incorporated a selection called ‘How Science Works’. How Science Works is primarily about helping students to engage and challenge the science they meet in everyday life. Students need to adopt a critical, questioning frame f mind, going ‘behind the scenes’ to understand the workings of science and how it impacts on society and their lives. It will help students to:
· Identify questions that science can, and cannot address, and how scientists look for the answers.
· Evaluate scientific claims by judging the reliability and validity of the evidence appropriately.
· Question the scientific reports they see in the media, and to communicate their own findings.
· Consider scientific findings in a wider context—recognise their tentative nature.
· Make informed judgements about science and technology, including any ethical issues that may arise.
How the Course is Assessed in Year 10
External assessment (60%)
Six multiple choice tiered test (available January and June). Each test covers work from two units listed below.
Internal assessment (40%)
· Assessment activities (30%)
One assessment activity from each Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These are in the style of a written paper.
The assessment activities sand mark schemes are prepared by Edexcel to assess the ‘How Science Works’ criteria in context of the specification topics. These are marked by the teacher and externally moderated by Edexcel.
· Practical skills assessment (10%)
Assessed by the teacher and non-moderated, these are designed to assess the students ability to carry out practical investigation and use scientific equipment. (in year 11 there are a range of different assessment options, which are to be designed to suit the individual student, and therefore will be decided at the end of year 11)
Double Award
Curriculum Planning
The curriculum for 14-19 year olds is undergoing considerable change. These changes are in the main, a result of government initiatives to help all learners achieve their full
potential. DCSF and QCA provide the policy detail and It is the responsibility of individual schools and colleges to implement these changes. This section aims to support schools to see how Triple Science GCSE can fit in to the increasing 14-19 offer young people will be able to access from 2008
80 minute lessons every week as follows:
3 Biology
3 Chemistry
3 Physics
Only students with a predicted L6 SATs in Science will be able to apply for the course.
Biology Assessment
|
|
<
|
GCSE Biology
Biology 1
|
|
|
Written paper
45 minutes
|
25%
45 marks
|
|
|
or
|
|
|
Biology 1a
Matching / multiple choice questions
Objective test 12.5%
30 minutes 36 marks
|
Biology 1b
Matching / multiple choice questions
Objective test 12.5%
30 minutes 36 marks
|
|
|
Biology 2
|
|
|
GCSE Biology
|
Written paper
45 minutes
|
25%
45 marks
|
|
|
Biology 3
|
|
|
Written paper
45 minutes
|
25%
45 marks
|
|
|
Biology Centre Assessed Unit (B1, B2, or B3)
|
|
|
Based on normal class practical work
|
25%
40 marks
|
|
|
|
Investigative Skills Assignment
(an externally set, internally assessed test taking 45 minutes)
+ Practical Skills Assessment
(a holistic skills assessment)
|
|
|
|
|
Assessment Objectives
6.1 The scheme of assessment will require candidates to demonstrate the
abilities detailed under assessment objectives below in the context of
the subject content in Sections 10–13.
6.2 Assessment Objective 1 (AO1) Knowledge and understanding of science and how science works
Candidates should be able to:
a) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific facts, concepts, techniques and terminology in the specification
b) show understanding of how scientific evidence is collected and its relationship with scientific explanations and theories
c) show understanding of how scientific knowledge and ideas change
over time and how these changes are validated.
6.3 Assessment Objective 2 (AO2) Application of skills, knowledge and understanding
Candidates should be able to:
a) apply concepts, develop arguments or draw conclusions related to
familiar and unfamiliar situations
b) plan a scientific task, such as a practical procedure, testing an idea, answering a question, or solving a problem
c) show understanding of how decisions about science and technology are made in different situations, including contemporary situations and those raising ethical issues
d) evaluate the impact of scientific developments or processes on individuals, communities or the environment.
6.4 Assessment Objective 3 (AO3) Practical, enquiry and data handling skills
Candidates should be able to:
a) carry out practical tasks safely and skilfully
b) evaluate the methods they use when collecting first-hand and secondary data
c) analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from different sources
d) consider the validity and reliability of data in presenting and justifying conclusions.
7 Scheme of Assessment
7.1 Assessment Units The Scheme of Assessment comprises four or five units: Biology 1 or (Biology 1a and Biology 1b), Biology 2, Biology 3 and the Biology centre-assessed unit. The
objective tests are available as paper-based and from November 2007 as on-screen tests in
centres.
Biology 1 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions. The questions assess the
subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 11 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Either Biology 1 or (Biology 1a and Biology 1b) should be taken.
Biology 1a Objective Test 30 minutes
12.5% of the marks 36 marks
The unit comprises an objective test with matching and multiple choice questions. The questions assess the content in Sections 10 (at least 7 marks) and 11a (up to 29 marks). The test is
available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Biology 1b Objective Test 30 minutes
12.5% of the marks 36 marks
The unit comprises an objective test with matching and multiple choice questions. The questions assess the content in Sections 10 (at least 7 marks) and 11b (up to 29 marks). The test is
available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Biology 2 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions. The questions assess the
subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 12 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Biology 3 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions The questions assess the subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 13 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at
Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Biology Centre-Assessed Unit
25% of the marks 40 marks
The unit comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment, which is normal class practical work
followed by an externally set, internally assessed test taking 45 minutes, and a Practical Skills Assessment which is a holistic practical skills assessment. The unit assesses parts of the content in Section 10 (these are detailed in Section 17).
7.2 Weighting of Assessment Objectives
The approximate relationship between the relative percentage weighting of the Assessment
Objectives (AOs) and the overall Scheme of Assessment is shown in the following table:
|
Assessment Objectives
|
Unit Weightings (%)
|
Overall Weighting of AOs (%)
|
|
Biology 1
|
Biology 2
|
Biology 3
|
Biology Centre Assessed Unit
|
|
AO1
AO2
AO3
|
12
13
-
|
12
13
-
|
12
13
-
|
-
5
20
|
36
44
20
|
|
Overall Weighting (%)
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
100
|
Candidates’ marks for each assessment unit are scaled to achieve the correct weightings.
8 Subject Content Summary of Subject Content
8.1 How Science Works
10.1 The thinking behind the doing
10.2 Fundamental ideas
10.3 Observation as a stimulus to investigation
10.4 Designing an investigation
10.5 Making measurements
10.6 Presenting data
10.7 Using data to draw conclusions
10.8 Societal aspects of scientific evidence
10.9 Limitations of scientific evidence
8.2 Biology 1
Biology 1a
11.1 How do human bodies respond to changes inside them and to their environment?
11.2 What can we do to keep our bodies healthy?
11.3 How do we use/abuse medical and recreational drugs?
11.4 What causes infectious diseases and how can our bodies defend themselves against them?
Biology 1b 11.5 What determines where particular species live and how many
of them there are?
11.6 Why are individuals of the same species different from each other? What new methods do we have for producing plants and animals with the characteristics we prefer?
11.7 Why have some species of plants and animals died out? How do new species of plants and animals develop?
11.8 How do humans affect the environment?
8.3 Biology 2
12.1 What are animals and plants built from?
12.2 How do dissolved substances get into and out of cells?
12.3 How do plants obtain the food they need to live and grow?
12.4 What happens to energy and biomass at each stage in a food chain?
12.5 What happens to the waste material produced by plants and animals?
12.6 What are enzymes and what are some of their functions?
12.7 How do our bodies keep internal conditions constant?
12.8 Which human characteristics show a simple pattern of inheritance?
8.4 Biology 3. 13.1 How do dissolved substances get into and out of plants and animals?
13.2 How are dissolved materials transported around the body?
13.3 How does exercise affect the exchanges taking place within the body?
13.4 How do exchanges in the kidney help us to maintain the internal environment in mammals and how has biology helped us to treat kidney disease?
13.5 How are microorganisms used to make food and drink?
13.6 What other useful substances can we make using microorganisms?
13.7 How can we be sure we are using microorganisms safely?
Chemistry
Aims
A course based on this specification should encourage candidates to:
• develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, science
• develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods
• acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society
• acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning.
6 Assessment Objectives
6.1 The scheme of assessment will require candidates to demonstrate the abilities detailed under assessment objectives below in the context of the subject content in Sections 10–13.
6.2 Assessment Objective 1 (AO1) Knowledge and understanding of science and how science works
Candidates should be able to:
a) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific facts, concepts, techniques and terminology in the specification
b) show understanding of how scientific evidence is collected and its relationship with scientific explanations and theories
c) show understanding of how scientific knowledge and ideas change over time and how these changes are validated.
6.3 Assessment Objective 2 (AO2) Application of skills, knowledge and understanding
Candidates should be able to:
a) apply concepts, develop arguments or draw conclusions related to familiar and unfamiliar situations
b) plan a scientific task, such as a practical procedure, testing an idea, answering a question, or solving a problem
c) show understanding of how decisions about science and technology are made in different situations, including contemporary situations and those raising ethical issues
d) evaluate the impact of scientific developments or processes on individuals, communities or the environment.
6.4 Assessment Objective 3 (AO3) Practical, enquiry and data handling skills
Candidates should be able to:
a) carry out practical tasks safely and skilfully
b) evaluate the methods they use when collecting first-hand and secondary data
c) analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from different sources
d) consider the validity and reliability of data in presenting and justifying conclusions.
7 Scheme of Assessment
7.1 Assessment Units The Scheme of Assessment comprises four or five units: Chemistry 1 or (Chemistry 1a and 1b), Chemistry 2, Chemistry 3 and the Chemistry centre-assessed unit.
The objective tests are available as paper-based and from November 2007 as on-screen tests in centres.
Chemistry 1 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions.
The questions assess the subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 11 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Either Chemistry 1 or (Chemistry 1a and Chemistry 1b) should be taken.
Chemistry 1a Objective Test 30 minutes
12.5% of the marks 36 marks
The unit comprises an objective test with matching and multiple choice questions. The questions assess the content in Sections 10 (at least 7 marks) and 11a (up to 29 marks). The test is
available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Chemistry 1b Objective Test 30 minutes
12.5% of the marks 36 marks
The unit comprises an objective test with matching and multiple choice questions. The questions assess the content in Sections 10 (at least 7 marks) and 11b (up to 29 marks). The test is
available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Chemistry 2 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions. The questions assess the
subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 12 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Chemistry 3 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions. The questions assess the
subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 13 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Chemistry Centre-Assessed Unit
25% of the marks 40 marks
The unit comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment, which is normal class practical work
followed by an externally set, internally assessed test taking 45 minutes, and a Practical Skills Assessment which is a holistic practical skills assessment. The unit assesses parts of the content in Section 10 (these are detailed in Section 17).
7.2 Weighting of Assessment Objectives
The approximate relationship between the relative percentage weighting of the Assessment
Objectives (AOs) and the overall Scheme of Assessment is shown in the following table:
|
Assessment Objectives
|
Unit Weightings (%)
|
Overall Weighting of AOs (%)
|
|
Chemistry 1
|
Chemistry 2
|
Chemistry 3
|
Chemistry Centre Assessed Unit
|
|
AO1
AO2
AO3
|
12
13
-
|
12
13
-
|
12
13
-
|
-
5
20
|
36
44
20
|
|
Overall Weighting (%)
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
100
|
8 Summary of Subject Content
8.1 How Science Works
10.1 The thinking behind the doing
10.2 Fundamental ideas
10.3 Observation as a stimulus to investigation
10.4 Designing an investigation
10.5 Making measurements
10.6 Presenting data
10.7 Using data to draw conclusions
10.8 Societal aspects of scientific evidence
10.9 Limitations of scientific evidence
8.2 Chemistry 1
11.1 How do rocks provide building materials?
Chemistry 1a
11.2 How do rocks provide metals and how are metals used?
11.3 How do we get fuels from crude oil?
Chemistry 1b
11.4 How are polymers and ethanol made from oil?
11.5 How can plant oils be used?
11.6 What are the changes in the Earth and its atmosphere?
8.3 Chemistry 2
12.1 How do sub-atomic particles help us to understand the structure of substances?
12.2 How do structures influence the properties and uses of substances?
12.3 How much can we make and how much do we need to use?
12.4 How can we control the rates of chemical reactions?
12.5 Do chemical reactions always release energy?
12.6 How can we use ions in solutions?
8.4 Chemistry 3
13.1 How was the periodic table developed and how can it help us understand the reactions of elements?
13.2 What are strong and weak acids and alkalis? How can we find the amounts of acids and
alkalis in solutions?
13.3 What is in the water we drink?
13.4 How much energy is involved in chemical reactions?
13.5 How do we identify and analyse substances?
Physics
Aims
A course based on this specification should encourage candidates to:
• develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, science
• develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods
• acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society
• acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning.
6 Assessment Objectives
6.1 The scheme of assessment will require candidates to demonstrate the abilities detailed under assessment objectives below in the context of the subject content in Sections 10-13.
6.2 Assessment Objective 1 (AO1) Knowledge and understanding of science and how science works
Candidates should be able to:
a) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific facts, concepts, techniques and terminology in the specification
b) show understanding of how scientific evidence is collected and its relationship with scientific explanations and theories
c) show understanding of how scientific knowledge and ideas change over time and how these changes are validated.
6.3 Assessment Objective 2 (AO2) Application of skills, knowledge and understanding
Candidates should be able to:
a) apply concepts, develop arguments or draw conclusions related to familiar and unfamiliar situations
b) plan a scientific task, such as a practical procedure, testing an idea, answering a question or solving a problem
c) show understanding of how decisions about science and technology are made in different situations, including contemporary situations and those raising ethical issues
d) evaluate the impact of scientific developments or processes on individuals, communities or the environment.
6.4 Assessment Objective 3 (AO3) Practical, enquiry and data handling skills
Candidates should be able to:
a) carry out practical tasks safely and skilfully
b) evaluate the methods they use when collecting first-hand and secondary data
c) analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from different sources
d) consider the validity and reliability of data in presenting and justifying conclusions.
7 Scheme of Assessment
7.1 Assessment Units The Scheme of Assessment comprises four or five units: Physics 1, or (Physics 1a and Physics 1b), Physics 2, Physics 3, and the Physics centre–assessed unit. The objective tests are available as paper-based and from November
2007 as on-screen tests in centres.
Physics 1 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions.
The questions assess the subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 11 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Either Physics 1 or (Physics 1a and Physics 1b) should be taken.
Physics 1a Objective Test 30 minutes
12.5% of the marks 36 marks
The unit comprises an objective test with matching and multiple choice questions. The questions assess the content in Sections 10 (at least 7 marks) and 11a (up to 29 marks). The test is
available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Physics 1b Objective Test 30 minutes
12.5% of the marks 36 marks
The unit comprises an objective test with matching and multiple choice questions. The questions assess the content in Sections 10 (at least 7 marks) and 11b (up to 29 marks). The test is
available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Physics 2 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions.
The questions assess the subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 12 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory. General Certificate of Secondary Education,
Physics 3 Written Paper 45 minutes
25% of the marks 45 marks
The unit comprises a written paper with short answer questions.
The questions assess the subject content in Sections 10 (up to 9 marks) and 13 (at least 36 marks). The paper is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. All questions are compulsory.
Physics Centre-Assessed Unit
25% of the marks 40 marks
The unit comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment, which is normal class practical work
followed by an externally set, internally assessed test taking 45 minutes, and a Practical Skills Assessment which is a holistic practical skills assessment. The unit assesses parts of the content in Section 10 (these are detailed in Section 17).
7.2 Weighting of Assessment Objectives
The approximate relationship between the relative percentage weighting of the Assessment
Objectives (AOs) and the overall Scheme of Assessment is shown in the following table:
|
Assessment Objectives
|
Unit Weightings (%)
|
Overall Weighting of AOs (%)
|
|
Physics 1
|
Physics 2
|
Physics 3
|
Physics Centre Assessed Unit
|
|
AO1
AO2
AO3
|
12
13
-
|
12
13
-
|
12
13
-
|
-
5
20
|
36
44
20
|
|
Overall Weighting (%)
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
100
|
8 Summary of Subject Content
8.1 How Science Works
10.1 The thinking behind the doing
10.2 Fundamental ideas
10.3 Observation as a stimulus to investigation
10.4 Designing an investigation
10.5 Making measurements
10.6 Presenting data
10.7 Using data to draw conclusions
10.8 Societal aspects of scientific evidence
10.9 Limitations of scientific evidence
8.2 Physics 1 Physics 1a
11.1 How is heat (thermal energy) transferred and what factors affect the rate at which heat is transferred?
11.2 What is meant by the efficient use of energy?
11.3 Why are electrical devices so useful?
11.4 How should we generate the electricity we need?
Physics 1b 11.5 What are the uses and hazards of the waves that form the electromagnetic
spectrum?
11.6 What are the uses and dangers of emissions from radioactive substances?
11.7 What do we know about the origins of the Universe and how it continues to change?
8.3 Physics 2 12.1 How can we describe the way things move?
12.2 How do we make things speed up or slow down?
12.3 What happens to the movement energy when things speed up or slow down?
12.4 What is momentum?
12.5 What is static electricity, how can it be used and what is the connection between static
electricity and electric currents?
12.6 What does the current through an electrical circuit depend on?
12.7 What is mains electricity and how can it be used safely?
12.8 Why do we need to know the power of electrical appliances?
12.9 What happens to radioactive substances when they decay?
12.10 What are nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?
8.4 Physics 3 13.1 How do forces have a turning effect?
13.2 What keeps bodies moving in a circle?
13.3 What provides the centripetal force for planets and satellites?
13.4 What do mirrors and lenses do to light?
13.5 What is sound?
13.6 What is ultrasound and how can it be used?
13.7 How can electricity be used to make things move?
13.8 How do generators work?
13.9 How do transformers work?
13.10 What is the life history of stars?
What can I do with a Science qualification?
Science is a core subject of the National Curriculum and is studied in Years 10 and 11. The government made Science a compulsory subject because it is important in so many careers. A Science qualification at 16 opens doors to a wide spectrum of careers because employers are aware of the range of skills acquired during the course. Such a qualification can also lead to many higher level and vocational courses, which in turn can lead on to a vast range of careers.
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