KS4
GCSE Science lesson
Year 11 Science
Students either follow the ‘Double Award’ or ‘Triple Science’ pathways of Edexcel 360Science.
Double award
In Year 10 students study ‘Core Science’ which includes 4 Biology topics, 4 Chemistry topics and 4 Physics topics. In Year 11 they study 12 more topics for ‘Additional Science’ and so end up with 2 GCSEs. The course is a study of traditional scientific concepts placed in the context of contemporary scientific issues.
For example students will study genetics in the context of gene therapy and genetic engineering and will study electricity in the context of mobile phone and computer technology.
A large emphasis is placed on ‘How Science works’ and the science that affects students’ everyday lives, making it an enjoyable course that students feel is relevant to them. Students are assessed in a number of ways including externally-assessed multiple choice and structured answer exams, internally-assessed activities and teacher assessment of students’ practical skills.
Triple Science
The Triple Science option is offered to our higher-ability scientists. Students are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately by specialist teachers and will achieve a GCSE grade for each. The students will study the same topics as in ‘Double Award’ but will also study extension topics in each subject which extend their understanding of the subject and is an excellent preparation for further study at A-level.
