SCIENCE - G.C.S.E. TRIPLE AWARD
Pupils in sets 1-3 will take this route.
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Pupils do three separate GCSE courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
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This course is ideal for pupils who wish to do A level Sciences.
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The School reserve the right to move pupils to BTEC 1st Diploma course worth 4 GCSE's if it is felt that pupils would achieve better grades from this route. Parents and pupils would always be consulted before such a change.
What Will I Study?
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In year 9 pupils will complete Key Stage 3 work in the first term -
The remainder of year 9 will be used to teach the bulk of the "Core" science units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Core science is the compulsory part of all GCSE science courses
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A rota system operates through out years 9, 10 and 11 so that equal time is spent on the three subjects
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Whenever possible, each science unit of work is taught by a teacher specialising in that particular subject
To do well in the Triple Award course you need to:
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think clearly and logically
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communicate effectively
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be able to use apparatus carefully and safely
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use your imagination to solve problems and understand things you cannot see
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understand and use scientific language including symbols and equations
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be well organised
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be aware of scientific issues that are in the news – reading a newspaper regularly and/or watching the news on television are a big help in preparing for the exams in January of year 10.
How Will I Be Assessed?
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Each teaching unit (typically 12 to 15 lessons) ends with an internal test. these do not count towards the GCSE grades but they are an important diagnostic tool, allowing pupils to identify what they do (and do not) know or understand
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End of unit tests are used alongside examinations results to re-group pupils on a regular basis
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GCSE examinations are spread throughout years 9, 10 and 11
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Pupils will take their first GCSE exams in January of Year 10, their second set in January of Year 11 and finally, in June of year 11 pupils take a further three written examinations. The final grade is a combination of all these examinations and coursework tasks which will be carried out throughout Years 9, 10 and 11.
What Can It Lead To?
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You need science for all kinds of jobs. e.g. vet, doctor, dentist, nurse, engineer, rocket scientist! There are too many to list them all. The one thing these jobs have in common is that they are challenging, varied and usually well-paid. This region offers excellent job prospects to people with Science qualifications at all levels. Indeed a national shortage of students qualified in Science means that employment prospects have never been better.
SCIENCE - BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science
What Will I Study?
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All pupils in sets 4, 5, 6 and 7 will study the BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science.
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This course leads to the equivalent of four GCSE’s at grades A* - C
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Assessment is purely through a series of coursework tasks completed throughout the course.
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In year 9 pupils will complete Key Stage 3 work in the first term
This is a vocational qualification, which has been developed to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to prepare learners to be competent users of science in the workplace. You will complete coursework in these topics :-
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Chemistry Applications
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Physical Science Applications
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Biological Systems
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Scientific Principles
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Science and the World of Work
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Working with Science
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Anatomy and Physiology
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Environmental Science
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Plants and Food
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Forensic Science
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Science in Medicine
To do well in the Applied Science course you need to:
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think clearly and logically
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communicate effectively
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be able to plan how to use apparatus carefully and safely
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use your imagination to solve problems and understand things you cannot see
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understand and use scientific language including symbols and equations
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be able to use scientific formulae
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be well organised
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be prepared to go back over marked work and improve it
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have good ICT skills
How Will I Be Assessed?
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The qualification is gained purely through coursework units that are assessed by your teacher. Your assessment will include assignments, performance-based observation and time-constrained assessment. There is no external written or practical examination in this course.
What Can It Lead To?
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Upon successful completion of a BTEC First qualification, learners may progress into employment and/or continue their study in the vocational area.
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The BTEC First course is not NOT good preparation for A-level Science courses but is excellent for those pupils wishing to move on to GNVQ courses, apprenticeships or employment.
Useful Web Links
Science Section On School Website
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