Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Science is part of the core curriculum at Key Stage 4 and compulsory at GCSE level for all pupils.

Science plus Additional Science leads to an award of two grades; one at the end of Year 10 and one at the end of Year 11.  Pupils study 18 modules over two years - 6 in Biology, 6 in Chemistry and 6 in Physics.  Triple Award Science is offered to the most gifted Science students.  This involves extra modules, exams and coursework.

Year 10

• You and Your Genes
• Keeping Healthy
• Life on Earth
• Air Quality
• Material Choices
• Chemicals in our Lives
• The Earth in the Universe
• Radiation and Life
• Sustainable Energy

Year 11

• Homeostasis
• Growth and Development
• Brain and Mind
• Chemical Patterns
• Chemicals of the Natural Environment
• Chemical Synthesis
• Explaining Motion
• Electric Circuits
• The Wave Model of Radiation

Assessment

There are two tiers of entry for GCSE examinations

• Foundation Tier pupils can achieve Grades C - G
• Higher Tier pupils can achieve Grades A* - D

Assessment is by two methods:

• Module Tests taken in January and June
• Year 10 Coursework - Case Study and Data Analysis
• Year 11 Coursework - Scientific Investigation

(Coursework from September 2011 to be done as Controlled Assessments).

BTEC

BTEC is 100% coursework based, where pupils build a portfolio of work rather than sitting exams. The Certificate is equivalent to 1 GCSE and the Extended Certificate is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

The modules covered in the Certificate are:

• Chemistry and our Earth
• Energy and our Universe
• Biology and our Environment

In addition, for the Extended Certificate pupils cover:

• Applications of Chemical Substances
• Applications of Physical Substances
• Health Applications of Life Science

or

• Health Applications of Life Science
• The Living Body

Pupils can achieve the following from completing the BTEC:

• Pass - equivalent to C Grade at GCSE
• Merit - equivalent to B Grade at GCSE
• Distinction - equivalent to A Grade at GCSE

Revision Workshops

During the two GCSE years, the Science Department offers students the opportunity to take part in revision sessions both before and after school leading up to modular exams.