GCSE SCIENCE-SINGLE

This is the core Science curriculum and will be taught over two years leading to one Science GCSE. The examination board in this subject is OCR and the specification being followed is Science B - Gateway Science.

During the course you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop your interest in, and enthusiasm for, science
  
• Acquire scientific skills which you can use to analyse and evaluate scientific ideas and their implications for society
  
• Develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods
  

During the course you will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics in equal amounts with two modules for each subject :

Year 10

• Biology – Understanding Ourselves
  
• Chemistry – Carbon Chemistry
  
• Physics – Energy for the Home

Year 11

• Biology - Understanding Our Environment
  
• Chemistry - Rocks and Metals
  
• Physics - Living for the Future
  

During the course you will be assessed in the following ways :

There will be two written examination papers:
1. Year 10 modules will be tested in June 2011 and is worth 33 % of the final mark
Year 11 modules will be tested in June 2012 and is worth 33% of the final mark.

Scientific Skills will also be assessed internally by your science teachers in two ways:
1.Can do tasks – these are worth 14% of the final marks
2. A report on Science in the News – this is worth 20% of the final marks.

Who should take this course?

All pupils are required to take this course as part of their core curriculum. However, the Single Award alone is recommended for pupils who do not reach Level 5 at the end of Key Stage 3. Also, if your interests and career aspirations lie out of Science and you are certain that you do not require further science qualifications.

If you would like more information about this subject you should speak to your Science Teacher.