What is included in the course?

Within Science you will begin to understand the world around you and your role in that world. You will understand the role Science plays in our society and develop skills of planning and conducting investigations, gathering information, team work and evaluating your findings. In Science you are expected to act responsibly when using scientific equipment and applying scientific knowledge. A vast nmnber of careers require a firm grounding in Science. If you want to go on to train as a doctor, vet, physiotherapist, chemist, beautician, architect, surveyor, engineer, farmer, sports trainer, a strong knowledge of at least one of the sciences will be required. But there are thousands of other careers for which it will be similarly essential.

What grades arc available?

This course is worth a full GCSE with a grade from 1-9. Grade 9 being the top grade.

Recommended reading

Any revision guide such as:

• CGP New Grade 9-1 GCSE Combined Science: AQA Revision Guide with Online Edition – Higher
• CGP New Grade 9-1 GCSE Combined Science: AQA Revision Guide with Online Edition – Foundation

Tips and advice

Practical skills are assessed with a series of required practical activities conducted throughout the year. The exams at the end of the course will assess their practical skills. It is essential students attend all lessons to take part in these parts of the course.

How will I be assessed?

There are six papers: two biology, two chernistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas:

• Biology Paper 1: Biology topics 1-4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response and Bioenergetics
• Biology Paper 2: Biology topics 5-7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology
• Chemistry Paper 1: Chemistry topics 8-12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes
• Chemistry Paper 2: Chemistry topics 13-17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere and Using resources
• Physics Paper 1: Physics topics 18-21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure
• Physics Paper 2: Physics topics 22-24: Forces; Waves and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

Each exam will be:

• Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation or Higher Tier
• 70 marks; 16. 7% of GCSE
• A mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

All exams will take place in the summer of Year 11.

Who should I contact for more information?

• Mrs. W. Smith – Subject Leader wsmith@stmca.org.uk