GCSE Science Head of Department - Jonathan Newell
You should do this course if...
You want to re-sit GCSE Science either for a future career choice or as a valuable qualification in its own right.
A pass in GCSE Science is necessary if you want to teach or to enter many health-related careers.
Throughout your life you will have contact with the products of Science and Technology. This course enables you to develop an understanding of how the ideas of scientists lead to the discoveries that affect your everyday life.
Skills you will develop on this course:
- Practical skills involving experimental work. Research skills, book and internet.
- Numerical skills involving data handling and graphical analysis.
- Debating and presentation skills.
- Examination skills.
Topics studied
Biology:
This unit looks at the nervous system and hormones, nutrition and exercise, the effect of drugs on the body, infectious diseases and immunity, genetics and gene technology, evolution and human impact on the environment.
Chemistry:
This unit looks at atomic structure and bonding, metals and their properties, organic compounds from crude oil, plant oils and gases of the earth’s atmosphere.
Physics:
This unit looks at energy, heat and electricity, renewable sources of energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity and the universe.
ISA
You will be required to carry out investigations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and you will be assessed on your practical skills while you are carrying these out. You will also have a 45 minute written test on this investigation.
More Infomation
How will you learn?
You will experience a range of learning and teaching activities including tasks which are teacher led, student led (e.g. presentations), conducted in small groups and in pairs. There will also be a focus on revision of topics already covered in your school science lessons.
You will carry out practical work in all three areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
You will look at past exam questions to familiarise yourself with the style of the exam.
Where does the course lead?
To a variety of careers for which a knowledge of science is necessary and useful.
Assessment and Exams:
There are six short exams, which are sat in November, March and June (two each session)
Biology 1a and b
Objective exams: 30 minutes. The papers each carry 12.5% of the total marks and are comprised of multiple choice questions all of which are compulsory.
Chemistry 1a and b
Objective exams: 30 minutes. The papers each carry 12.5% of the total marks and are comprised of multiple choice questions all of which are compulsory.
Physics 1a and b
Objective exams: 30 minutes. The papers each carry 12.5% of the total marks and are comprised of multiple choice questions all of which are compulsory.
Science Centre-Assessed Unit
This carries 25% of the total marks. It comprises an Investigation Skills Assignment, which is normal class practical work, followed by an externally set, internally assessed test taking 45 minutes, as well as a Practical Skills Assessment.
Entry Requirements:
A grade D or E for GCSE Science.