Science (AQA)

The study of Science at GCSE aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding which will enable them to make informed decisions about scientific matters such as genetic engineering, global warming and sustainable development: increasingly important and relevant issues in our modern world. As well as learning about the key scientific theories underpinning the world around us, we also develop students’ practical skills so they are able to successfully use specialist equipment, work safely and analyse results.

The Science Department have chosen to follow the AQA specification. Core concepts in each of the scientific subjects are taught in Year 9 that are common to both options which may be pursued at Year 10 From the beginning of Year 10 the girls will study, as a minimum, the material required for the Combined Science course, which ensures all students achieve at least two GCSEs in Science. The studying of additional material in each of the Sciences in order to obtain three Separate Science GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics is also possible.

The specifications we have chosen allow us to teach Science as three separate subjects so that girls receive as much specialist teaching as possible. Either Science option provides a solid foundation from which to go on and study Science at A Level.

Route 1: Combined Science

There will be six examinations at the end of Year 11 for the girls following the Combined Science course: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each paper is worth 16.7% of the overall grade. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. There are 16 set practical tasks that the girls will need to complete during their GCSE Combined Science course The girls’ practical skills and ability to analyse the data will be assessed by their teacher during the normal teaching programme

Route 2: Separate Sciences

There will be six examinations at the end of Year 11 for the girls studying the Separate Sciences: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics Each of these papers will be longer and cover more content. Each paper will constitute 50% of each GCSE.

Each separate science course contains eight set practical tasks through which the girls will be exposed to a wide range of practical techniques and methods of analysing and evaluating results. These tasks will all be completed as part of the normal teaching programme