Separate Sciences (GCSE

This course is offered to students, by invitation only. Invitation to study this route is dependant on continued work throughout Year 9, the end of Year 9 exam and teacher feedback. It is well suited to students who have demonstrated a keen interest and an aptitude for the subject in Year 9. It should be noted that it is not a pre-requisite for the study of A Level Sciences. It aims to encourage you to explore and theorise in Science, develops a critical approach to scientific evidence and helps to prepare you for further studies in Science. The course will include all of the elements from Combined Science: Trilogy, but in addition extra units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied leading to separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs. Please note that students must take all three GCSEs if given this option.

BRIEF OVERVIEW:

Included in the course are all the parts of what good science is at GCSE level: whether it be investigating, observing, experimenting or testing out ideas and thinking about them. The way scientific ideas flow through the specification supports you in building a deep understanding of science. We know this will involve talking about, reading and writing about science plus the actual doing, as well as representing science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models. GCSE Separate Sciences offers students a chance to gain a more in depth knowledge of Chemistry, Biology and Physics and to build on areas covered in combined Science in more detail as well as covering extra content. This course is great preparation for studying Science in more depth at undergraduate and postgraduate degree level. To enhance understanding of key scientific concepts, build on topics covered in combined Science and prepare students to study Science at the next level. Students will develop their knowledge in the following areas:

BIOLOGY: 1) Cell Biology 2) Organisation 3) Infection and Response 4) Bioenergetics 5) Homeostasis and Response 6) Inheritance, Variation and Evolution 7) Ecology

CHEMISTRY:

1) Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table 2) Bonding, Structure and the Properties of Matter 4) Quantitative Chemistry 5) Chemical Changes 6) Energy Changes 7) The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change 8) Organic Chemistry 9) Chemical Analysis 10) Chemistry of the Atmosphere 11) Using Resources Magnetism and Electromagnetism 6) Particle Model of Matter 7) Atomic Structure 8) Space Physics

ASSESSMENT:

Students will sit 6 exams - 2 Biology, 2 Chemistry, 2 Physics. Each paper will be 1 hour and 45 minutes long. The students will achieve 3 separate GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). The students will either sit the Higher Tier examination (graded from 9-4), or the Foundation Tier examination (graded from 5-1). This decision will be based on their ability to access the higher problem solving, maths skills and scientific language needed for the examinations. There will also be 24 required practical experiments that students have to complete through-out the course. Aspects of required practical work, including correct use of equipment and analysis of outcome are also assessed in the exams.

ADDITIONAL LESSON:

Studying the Separate Science route means you are gaining an additional GCSE. As a result, we run an additional, compulsory science lesson as a Period 7 or lunchtime lesson each week. Separate Science students are required to attend this lesson if they undertake the Separate Science route.

HOW WILL THIS GCSE HELP ME IN THE FUTURE:

Employers are crying out for candidates with sciencebased skills.

“The types of skills you learn studying all three Sciences can be really helpful for all sorts of different careers,” says Naomi Weir, Assistant Director at Campaign for Science and Engineering. “Whether it’s doing analytical stuff or developing a scientific way of thinking.” Separate Science courses can lead on to study at A Level and beyond. Careers in Medicine, Veterinary Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, MidWifery, Child Care, Sports Science, Meteorology, Architecture, Chemical Engineering and Horticulture are accessible through successful completion of this course.

Skills acquired: understanding of the effects of Science on society; knowledge of the material, physical and living worlds; how to use hypothesis and evidence to understand Science; observational, enquiry and problem-solving skills; skills in Communication, Mathematics and Technology

COURSE OVERVIEW:

The Cambridge National is a fantastic course and provides students with the practical knowledge needed for a future career in a sporting, medical or health environment. The type of person to take this course will be passionate about the wider sports industry rather than be focused practically on how well they perform in several sports. The course has fantastic topics for students to learn about the body, physical training, technology, and nutrition. Assessment is mostly through pieces of coursework to showcase their knowledge and understanding (There will be one short exam). If students are interested in a career in the sports industry in the future or would simply like to learn more about how to look after their body more, then this is the course for them!

WHAT DOES THIS QUALIFICATION COVER?

Students will complete 3 modules in the two years: • Reducing the Risk of Injury • Applying Principles of Training • Nutrition and Sports Performance

HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?

• One 75 minute eExam

• Two centre assessed tasks; OCR moderated

HOW IS THE COURSE GRADED?

Rather than 9-1 like a GCSE this course is graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction

HOW WILL I USE THESE QUALIFICATIONS IN THE FUTURE:

Each of these courses is the equivalent to a full GCSE and holds the same recognition and weight in terms of a qualification. If you wish to pursue further study either at A Level or further sports related vocational courses, then this will lead very well into those. Equally if you are considering apprenticeships in the sports industry then this course will provide you with an excellent skillset in preparation for this.