Core science

Core Science

Head of Science: Daniel Rule d.rule@brighouse.calderdale.sch.uk

Course Structure The course is split into four units: – B1 Biology These three units are – C1 Chemistry examined over two papers.

– P1 Physics – Controlled assessment

Exam dates The examined content of Core Science is covered in two exam papers: Paper 1 - SCA1 – 16th May, pm Paper 2 – SCA2 – 24th May, pm

Unit Content • Below is a summary of the course content for each exam.

• The coloured headings used for each section are taken from the revision guide to help you locate the relevant content.

Paper 1 – SCA1 • • •

Keeping healthy Nerves and hormones The use and abuse of drugs • The fundamental ideas in chemistry • Limestone and building materials • Metals and their uses • Crude oil and fuels • Transfer of energy by heating processes • Energy and efficiency • The usefulness of electrical appliances

Paper 2 – SCA2 • Interdependence and adaptation • Energy and biomass in food chains • Waste materials from plants and animals • Genetic variation and its control • Evolution • Other useful substances from crude oil • Plant oils and their uses • Changes in the Earth and its atmosphere • Methods we use to generate electricity • The use of waves for communication.

Preparation for exams Start now if you have not already done so.

Give someone your notes and get them to test you. This is the only way to find out if you really know it.

Continue to revise and be tested until you are confident you know the course content.

Attend revision sessions at school.

Look through your book and revision guide to identify topics you are less confident with.

Mind maps are also a useful way of organising and summarising each unit.

Now is the time to start practising past exam questions and applying your knowledge.

Get help with these – don’t struggle on your own, speak to your teacher as soon as possible. .

Producing revision notes that makes the content more structured, concise and memorable is very effective.

Start revising! You now need to learn the content for the exam

Find a revision technique that suits you. If you need some help with this ask your teacher!

Remember 1. Ask for help with sections you don’t understand.

2. Learn it!

3. Keep asking for help.

Revision Sessions and Revision guides Revision Sessions • Every Tuesday starting February 28th after school Revision Guides • Available to buy for £2.75 – ask your Science teacher.

Useful websites • AQA Core Science website for the specification and past papers – http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/science-a-4405

• BBC Bitesize for AQA Core Science for excellent revision material and mini-tests – http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/

• Online video science lessons specifically for AQA Core Science (free registration required) – http://www.my-gcsescience.com/core-science/

• Bubbl – make mindmaps online – https://bubbl.us/

Contact If you would like any further information or help then please contact your son/daughter’s Science teacher or myself (Daniel Rule, Head of Science: d.rule@brighouse.calderdale.sch.uk)