Science

Science GCSE Pathways 1 & 2

GCSE Science involves the study of Life Processes and Living Things (Biology), Materials and their Properties (Chemistry) & Physical Properties (Physics).
The Science specifications we follow are called OCR Gateway Science B. The main aim of these courses is to make Science relevant to everyday life.

In pathway 2 most students will follow a course entitled “GCSE Science” which is equivalent to Single Award Science. A second GCSE can be added entitled “GCSE Additional Science” equivalent to Double Award Science.

In science lessons students will explore how ideas and evidence in science have developed, for example they may use resources exploring the development of advances in gene technology. This is all part of “How science works”.

During the GCSE Science course students will attempt a number of practical tasks which count towards their GCSE grade. The main coursework component is a controlled assignment set by the exam board. GCSE Additional Science has a Data Task and Research Task as the coursework component. For each GCSE there are two written exams to be taken.

In pathway 1 there is the opportunity for students to follow a course in all 3 separate sciences, and will be most suitable for students gaining a level 6 or above in their KS3 Science Teacher Assessments. This will benefit those who are thinking of going on to study Sciences at AS and A Level.

Full details of the GCSE specifications can be viewed at the exam group website (www.ocr.org.uk) if you want more information.

There are many jobs that build on from GCSE Science qualifications such as medical, teaching, technical work, engineering and computing.

Students who follow the GCSE in Science have the opportunity to develop enterprise skills such as:

Team Work
Effective communication
Creativity
‘Can-do’ attitude
Initiative
Organising & planning
Problem solving
Making ethical decisions

BTEC Science Pathway 1

The Science faculty will also offer a BTEC level 2 course in Applied Science for a number of students thought suitable.

BTEC courses are designed to provide work related qualifications and have been developed to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to prepare learners for employment.

From September 2011 we will offer the Edexcel BTEC level 2 Certificate, the Edexcel BTEC level 2 Extended Certificate and the Edexcel BTEC level 2 Diploma in Applied Science.

All three courses in Applied Science consist of three Mandatory units: Chemistry & Our Earth, Energy & our Universe and Biology & Our Environment. The Extended Certificate and Diploma require study of further units that we can choose to suit the students.

Students can gain qualifications equivalent to 1,2 or 4 GCSEs, grade C and above.

Students will only be able to study the BTEC level 2 Diploma in Applied Science if they choose Additional Science from the first option column.
The final grade for each of these courses will be achieved by building up a portfolio of assignments. There are no written examinations. As BTEC science is 100% coursework, all assignments must be completed for the student to pass. Good attendance and dedication is extremely important.

This course is only suitable for students who can commit to completing all assignments.

By following the BTEC Science course students will develop enterprise skills such as: