GCSE Science

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GCSE Science

• The way forward new GCSE courses

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How is Science taught?

• All pupils complete TWO or THREE Science GCSEs
  or equivalent
• All pupils now taught Biology, Physics and
  Chemistry separately
• Three different teachers
• Two courses have exams and coursework throughout
  the two years

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What are the Courses?

• Course 1 Core Science Additional Science
  Two sets 10S2 and 10T2
• Course 2 Separate Biology, Chemistry and
  Physics GCSEs Four sets single sex!!
• Course 3 BTec Applied Science Two sets 10S1
  and 10T1

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Course 1 Core Science Additional Science

• Leads to Science A level courses
• 8 x 40 minute examinations (4 for each GCSE worth
  66.7)
• Coursework Core Data analysis (13.3) and a
  case study (20)
• Coursework Additional Practical Investigation
  (33.3)

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Core ScienceExams

• Exam 1 Modules B1, C1 and P1
• Exam 2 Modules B2, C2 and P2
• Exam 3 Modules B3, C3 and P3
• (Exams Jan and June 2010)
• Final Exam Ideas in Context (June 2010)
• ALL EXAMS ARE 40 mins TOTAL 66.7

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Core ScienceCoursework

• Data Analysis worth 13.3
• A case study answering a scientific question
  worth 20
• To be completed during Year 10

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Additional Science(Following Core Science)

• Exam 1 Modules B4, C4 and P4
• Exam 2 Modules B5, C5 and P5
• Exam 3 Modules B6, C6 and P6
• (Exams Jan and June 2011)
• Final Exam Ideas in Context (June 2011)
• ALL EXAMS ARE 40 mins TOTAL 66.7
• 1 Practical Investigation worth 33.3

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Course 2 Triple Science Biology, Chemistry
and Physics

• 3 separate GCSEs
• Leads to all Science A levels
• Covers each area in greater depth
• Accelerated course

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Course 2 Triple Science Biology, Chemistry
and Physics

• FOR EACH GCSE
• Exam 1 Modules 1, 2 and 3 (40 mins)
• Exam 2 Modules 4, 5 and 6 (40 mins)
• Exam 3 Module 7 and Ideas in Context (1 hour)
• Exams are taken in Jan 2010 (3),
• Jan 2011 (3) and final 3 exams in June 2011

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Course 2 Triple Science Biology, Chemistry
and Physics

• FOR EACH GCSE
• Coursework is worth 33.3
• Pupils complete
• EITHER a Practical Investigation
• OR a Data Analysis and Case Study
• Best marks are submitted

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BTec Applied Science

• Course is divided into Biology, Chemistry and
  Physics, with three teachers
• There are NO EXAMS in BTec!
• BTec in APPLIED SCIENCE all related to Science
  in the real world.

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BTec Assessment

• The course is divided into 18 topics
• 7 about Biology, 6 about Chemistry, 5 about
  Physics
• Each topic has assignments to help pupils to
  LEARN about the area
• Each topic then has a further assignment to TEST
  what pupils have learnt

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BTec Assessment

• EVERY assignment must be completed to pass the
  course
• Each assignment must achieve a PASS, a MERIT or a
  DISTINCTION
• A pass in all 17 assignments is equivalent to two
  GCSE passes at grade C
• A merit in all 17 assignments is equivalent to
  two GCSE passes at grade B
• A distinction in all 17 assignments is equivalent
  to two GCSE passes at grade A

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Making the Grade

• There will be plenty of time to complete
  assignments, mainly during lessons
• Progress will be tracked, to ensure that work is
  up to date
• There will be review and catch up sessions during
  lessons and after school
• Pupils must complete all assignments let
  teachers know if there are problems or need extra
  help is needed!

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Why BTec?

• No examinations!
• All assignments can be completed during the
  course
• Learn a lot about Science in the real world
• BTec could lead to a career in Science
  technician, animal handling, etc.
• BTec could lead to further studies at college
  Applied Science, BTec level 3

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How can Parents help??

• Ask pupils about their lessons
• Look for homework (3 per week)
• Encourage research and thinking things through
• Ensure that coursework is handed in on time
• Contact us if you have concerns
• Revision Guides are available for 21st Century
  Science Courses (3.80 each double or 10 for 3
  Triple)