Science

Introduction

Science is about finding out how the world works. It is about asking questions about the natural world and testing answers to those questions. Questions like: Why does an aircraft fly? How does the internet work? How are bacteria both good and bad for us?

What will I do?

All students study Combined Science GCSEs – Trilogy. Work towards these qualifications starts in year 9. If you chose to do triple science then you will study for separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Double Science

You will do GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy which is worth two GCSEs. These GCSEs will be an average of your performance across all of the exam papers – 4 exam papers at 1 hour 15 minutes each paper.

This programme will give you a total of two GCSEs.

How can Double Science help me in the future?

This course provides the detailed scientific knowledge required to study at Level 3 – any A Level in Science or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Science currently on offer and it is a requirement for Beauty Therapy Level 3. It is a desirable subject for most courses and jobs.

The course will help you to understand the world around you and make informed decisions about science in the media.

Triple Science

Triple Science can only be chosen by pupils with a proven track record of academic achievement and effort. Due to the rigour of this course pupils will need a current grade of at least a 3d to select this subject and will be chosen based on their effort across the year.

You will achieve three separate GCSEs:

1. GCSE Biology
2. GCSE Chemistry
3. GCSE Physics

How will I be assessed?

Two 1 hour 45 minute written answer exams in June of Year 11 for each of the GCSEs

What skills will I learn?

• Observing—being accurate, alert, systematic
• Inquiring—asking, interviewing, corresponding
• Investigating—formulating questions
• Researching—locating a problem, learning background, setting up investigations, analysing data, drawing conclusions
• Recording—tabulating, charting, working systematically, recording completely
• Classifying—identifying groups and categories, deciding between alternatives
• Evaluating—recognizing good and poor features, knowing how to improve grades
• Analysing—seeing implications and relationships, picking out causes and effects, locating new problems
• Experimenting—recognizing a question, planning a procedure, collecting data, recording data, analysing data, drawing conclusions
• Discussing—learning to contribute ideas, listening to ideas of others, keeping on the topic, arriving at conclusions

How can Triple Science help me in the future?

A pupil choosing to follow the Triple Science course demonstrates a high interest and talent in science making it easier to access courses in science-based subjects at A Level and university level. If you are considering a science related career and you thoroughly enjoy Science then Triple Science is the course for you.

There are various careers in Science. Here are some examples:

• Climate Change Analysts
• Environmental Scientist
• Meteorologist
• Soil and Water Conservationist
• Astronomer
• Chemist
• Forensic Science Technician
• Physicist

GCSE Science provides you with a suitable foundation for the continued study of the science at a more advanced level e.g.

• A Level Biology;
• A Level Chemistry;
• A Level Physics;
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.

How do I find out more?

See Mrs Sayer – Head of Science Faculty

Email: v.sayer@oakwood.ac