Science is about investigating how the natural world works. Our Science schemes of learning aim to engage students by providing relevant and inspiring academic content and practical opportunities to plunge into scientific enquiry and explore the scientific process.
All students start GCSE Science in Year 9 and complete the courses over three Years. Lessons are taught over six lessons a fortnight in Year 9, and ten lessons a fortnight in Year 10 and 11.
At the beginning of year 9 your daughter will be put into one of the following pathways:
- AQA Separate Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students will receive three separate GCSE grades, one for each discipline.
- AQA Combined Science (Trilogy): Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students will receive two GCSE grades in Science.
- AQA Entry Level Certificate: for some students this will be taught alongside the foundation course
Course Content Year 9
| All Science Courses |
|---|
| Biology: Cell biology and transport in cells Cell division |
| Chemistry: Structure and bonding Rates of reaction and extent of chemical change Energy changes |
| Physics: Energy transfers Motion Electrical circuits Wave properties and electromagnetic spectrum |
Course Content Year 10
| Combined Science | Separate Science |
|---|---|
| Biology: Digestive system Circulatory system Plant organisation Communicable disease Photosynthesis Respiration Adaptation Ecosystem organisation Biodiversity | Biology: Digestive system Circulatory system Plant organisation Communicable disease Plant disease and monoclonal antibodies Photosynthesis Respiration Adaptation Ecosystem organisation Biodiversity Trophic levels and food production |
| Chemistry: Atmosphere Chemical analysis Amount of substance Organic chemistry Chemical changes | Chemistry: Atmosphere Chemical analysis including testing for anions and cations plus instrumental methods Amount of substance including volumes of gases and atom economy Organic chemistry including reactions of alkenes, carboxylic acids, alcohols. Formation of polymers. Chemical changes including titrations |
| Physics: Forces Particle model Energy equations Mains electricity Newton's laws and car safety | Physics: Forces Particle model Energy equations Mains electricity Newton's laws and car safety |
Course Content Year 11
| Combined Science | Separate Sciences |
|---|---|
| Biology: Nervous system Hormonal system Reproduction Variation and evolution Classification | Biology: Nervous system Hormonal system Plant hormones Reproduction Variation and evolution Classification |
| Chemistry: Using resources | Chemistry: Using resources Electrolysis and fuel cells Transition elements |
| Physics: Atomic structure and radioactivity Electromagnetism | Physics: Atomic structure and radioactivity Electromagnetism (plus static electricity, electric fields and the generator effect) Mechanics Space physics Using radioactivity and nuclear fission and fusion Using waves |
The Content and Assessment Overview for Upper School Biology can be found here [PDF]
The Content and Assessment Overview for Upper School Chemistry can be found here [PDF]
The Content and Assessment Overview for Upper School Physics can be found here [PDF]
Science Resources
AQA course content and method of assessment can be found in the specification here:
Science Personal Learning Checklists (PLCs)
- Combined Science: Trilogy PLCs
- Additional Content for Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) PLCs
Assessment in all GCSE Science Courses
There are two tiers for each GCSE Science course (Separate Sciences or Combined):
- Foundation tier – grades 1 to 5 available
- Higher tier – grades 4 to 9 available
Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy specifications and all exam boards. The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas; scientific techniques and procedures
- AO2: knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas; scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures
- AO3: Analyse information and ideas to: interpret and evaluate
On-going assessment in Science is by termly tests and will be based on the topics taught from the beginning of the GCSE course. Students are expected to repeatedly revise previous topics. All assessments in Science take the form of written assessments and examinations.
Marking of Students’ Work and Feedback
Student books are taken in by the class teacher at least three times per term (based on a standard 6 week term). Teachers will specifically indicate what work will be marked so students can always present their best work. Students are encouraged to self and peer-assess their work through the use of our Green and Purple pens. Staff review all peer assessed and self-assessed work and provide guidance when necessary. Science work will also be marked for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Assessment feedforward sheets are used at the end of each unit. Staff comments provide guidance on how students can improve their level of understanding.
Setting in Upper School Science
Students are put into sets according to prior attainment, allowing them to work with students who are performing at similar levels and working at a similar pace.
Homework
Science homework is set on a weekly basis and students should expect to spend approximately 1 hour per GCSE on each homework. Students will record homework in their planners and teachers will share via SIMS Learning Gateway the details of what has been set and when it is due to be handed in.
The nature of homework set will vary depending on the topic but will often involve key tasks such as:
- Literacy tasks
- Flipped learning (independent research for a forthcoming lesson)
- Past exam questions
- Revision for tests using PLCs (Personal Learning Checklists) as guidance
Supporting Your Daughter in GCSE Science
There are a number of ways in which you can support your daughter with her GCSE Science:
- Read the daily newspapers to keep up with new scientific discoveries
- Discuss science with her- what she is studying at School
- Visit the Herschel Museum in Bath, and the Natural History and Science Museums in London
- Join the BRSLI (Bath Royal Scientific and Literacy Institute) and attend the workshops they offer
Revision and Support Materials
- Revision materials
- BBC Bitesize
- SAMLearning
- GCSE Pod
