GCSE SCIENCE Kingsbury School Specialist Science Department

As a Specialist Science College Kingsbury School now offers a choice of Science GCSEs that are designed to motivate and engage pupils whatever their needs, interests and aspirations.  Pupils will study aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics throughout Year 10 and 11.

Year 10

Pupils study either:

GCSE Core Science   or  GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics (triple Science)

NOTE:   GCSE Core Science is a one year course and GCSE triple Science is a two year course

GCSE Astronomy is offered as an option choice and is a two year course.  This can be studied in addition to GCSE Core Science or GCSE Triple Science.

Year 11

Pupils who studied GCSE Core Science in Year 10 choose either:

GCSE Additional Science         or        GCSE Additional Applied Science

NOTE:   Both of these courses run for one year

Pupils who study GCSE Triple Science and GCSE Astronomy continue to do so for another year.

GCSE 21^st Century Core Science – Year 10

Pupils study GCSE Core Science in Year 10.  This is a one year course that helps pupils make sense of the Science they encounter in everyday life and appreciate what it can tell them about themselves, their environment, and the Universe.  This course has an emphasis on scientific literacy – the knowledge and understanding that candidates need to engage with science-based issues as informed citizens.  Pupils are enabled to:

      recognise the impact of science and technology on everyday life;

      take informed personal decisions about issues that involve science;

      understand the key points of media reports and reflect on the information included.

There are nine teaching modules:

Pupils will be assessed through four unit examinations (66.7%) and a portfolio (33.3%).  External examinations will take place in January and June of 2008.  Although pupils will complete the GCSE course in Year 10 they will not be accredited with the GCSE qualification until the end of Year 11.

Year 11 – GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Additional Applied Science

In Year 11 pupils select to study either Additional Science or Additional Applied Science.

GCSE 21^st Century Additional Science

This course stimulates pupils to develop fundamental scientific ideas, with an emphasis on explanations and concepts.  It prepares them for more advanced courses which may lead to further training as scientists and practitioners in fields such as medicine or engineering.

There are nine teaching modules:

Homeostasis; growth and development; brain and mind; chemical patterns; chemicals of the natural environment; chemical synthesis; explaining motion; electric circuits and the wave model of radiation.

GCSE 21^st Century Additional Applied Science

This course aims to stimulate pupils to develop their practical capabilities.  It prepares them for more advanced courses and may lead to careers in technical fields.  The course meets the needs of pupils who wish to develop their scientific understanding through authentic, work-related contexts.  The contexts are likely to be encountered by many pupils in their personal and/or working lives.

Pupils study three modules:

Life care, agriculture and food and scientific detection.

For both courses pupils will be assessed through four unit examinations (66.7%) and a portfolio (33.3%).  Both courses run for one year (the duration of Year 11).  The GCSE qualification that pupils obtain is in addition to the GCSE Core Science qualification that they completed in Year 10 – hence GCSE Science is now termed a ‘dual award’ subject.

Pupils study each discipline as a separate course thus leading to three GCSE qualifications in Science (hence the name triple Science).  This course is suitable for pupils expected to achieve a level 6 or above at Key Stage 3.  Each course provides an opportunity for further developing an understanding of science explanations, how science works and the study of elements of applied science, with particular reference to professional scientists.  Pupils develop the scientific understanding needed to progress to further studies of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, should they choose to undertake them.

There are 7 teaching modules for each course:

For all three courses pupils will be assessed through three unit examinations (66.7%) and coursework (33.3%). 

GCSE Astronomy

Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences and yet astronomers are continually visiting new worlds, discovering new elements to the Solar System and exploring phenomena such as black holes, the big bang and life on Mars.  GCSE Astronomy offers a range of opportunities for pupils to develop their skills, particularly problem solving, application of numbers and ICT.  It complements other science qualifications, especially Physics.

The course consists of five units, which are split into smaller topics.  They cover the following areas:

GCSE Astronomy is studied for two hours a week over two years.  The course is suitable for pupils who are expected to achieve a level 6 or above in both Key Stage 3 Science and Mathematics.

Pupils complete one external examination and submit two pieces of coursework.  They are also given the opportunity to carry out practical coursework on a variety of different themes such as designing and making a simple telescope.

21/11/2008