GCSE Science at Ousedale School
| Qualification | GCSE - Double Award Co-ordinated |
| Examining Board | AQA |
| Syllabus | 3462 |
| Head Of Department | Mr G Clarke |
Introduction to Course
Science is the means by which we understand and explain the natural events we see happening in and and to the world around us; from the electricity we use so often to why a plant produces flowers; from why a cell divides to why the sun shines. The explanation and understanding for all these phenomena is the realm of science. The analytical skills of questioning, investigation and communicating are very important in future employment and across most areas of further and higher education. We aim for all of our students to achieve the best results they can and to be aware of the importance of science in their lives.
Course Content
All students will follow the same course based on the Double Award Co-ordinated scheme and this will begin in Year 9 from the middle of May onwards. The course leads to two GCSEs with the opportunity to achieve the full range of grades. The course is divided into 12 units:
Year 10
- Human Biology
- Plants and Cells
- Rates of Reaction
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Periodic Table and Bonding
- Forces and Movement
- Food and Population
- Genetics and Reproduction
- Rocks and Atmosphere
- Oil
- Waves
- Radioactivity and Energy
Year 11
These units make use of a wide range of teaching resources including textbooks, worksheets and practical work. Practical work is particularly important as 25% of the final grade is awarded through students' individual practical investigations. The progress of each student is monitored through homework assignments, classwork and end-of-unit tests.
Course Assessment
Internal Assessment: Practical Techniques: 25%
External Assessment: Written Papers 1, 2 and 3: 75%
There are 2 different levels of exam entry; Foundation / Higher, each carrying a limited range of grades. Students will be entered for the level indicated by their work throughout the course.