GCSE Sciences - an introduction to the changes from September 2016

Objectives Explain the national changes being made to GCSE science teaching from September 2016 Explain how Malmesbury School’s Science faculty is responding to these changes Describe the different routes through science teaching and the outcomes for students. Explain how decisions will be made about which route your child will follow. Outline progression to A level sciences

Main changes to GCSE science from September 2016 Move from letter to number grades End of a single GCSE called “Science” Dual award (previously core and additional) now a combined qualification with all assessment at end of year 11 (2018) End of coursework and controlled assessment Introduction of required practical activities

Malmesbury School response to changes Introduction of a year 9 transition course to bridge gap between key stages 3 and 4. Change of exam board from OCR Gateway to AQA Trilogy combined science or Separate sciences Introduction of the Entry Level Certificate to provide greater support to less able students alongside GCSE.

Why the change of exam board? Provides a range of routes through key stage 4 science which will meet the needs of all our students. Extra material for separate sciences (triple) is integrated through the 2 years rather than being additional ‘bolt-on’ units at the end of year 11. Style of exams makes them more accessible to students and allows them to really demonstrate their scientific understanding.

Tiering and grading

New GCSE grading structure In the first year, the same proportion of students that achieve a grade 7 and above as currently get A and above achieve a grade 4 and above as currently get C and above achieve a grade 1 and above as currently get a G and above

What does the GCSE ‘good pass’ mean? ■In the future, for the reformed GCSEs, the Government’s definition of ‘good pass’ will be set at grade 5. ■A grade 5 will be awarded to around the top third of pupils gaining the equivalent of a grade C and bottom third of a grade B. This means that there will be fewer pupils achieving a good pass than in previous years. ■A grade 4 will continue to be a level 2 achievement (equivalent to a low grade C now). We would not expect employers, colleges and universities to raise the bar to a grade 5 if, for example, a grade 4 would meet their requirements. ■Important to remember that the GCSE ‘good pass’ allows parents and students to hold schools and the Government to account – this is currently set at a GCSE grade C.

Practical Science Assessment GCSE:  Students do at least 8 practical activities (16 for combined science) covering specific techniques  Written questions about practical work will make up at least 15% of the total marks for the qualification  There will be no separate grade for practical skills  Students studying combined science will receive one of 17 grades from 1-1 to 9-9

Revision guides and support materials

Which group will my child be in? Students will be broadly set for year 10 based on the end of year 9 exam, other assessments completed through the year, attainment at the end of key stage 3, CAT score and teacher judgement. Decisions on entry to combined/separate or foundation/higher tier will not be made until the beginning of year 11. ‘Mock’ exams have been written by AQA which we will use at the end of year 10 to get the most accurate measure of students’ potential.

Progression to A level Currently students require a B grade in a subject if they wish to study it at A level For A levels in biology, chemistry or physics this can be two B grades in core and additional science or in the separate GCSE. As yet no final decision has been made regarding the new number grade required but will probably be around grades 6 or 7 as these are most closely equivalent to grade B.

Summary 6 exams in year 11 regardless of tier or combined/separate sciences No coursework but 16 (24 for separate) required practicals to be completed in class over the two years No decision of tier or type of entry until year 11 Number grades rather than letters

Objectives Explain the national changes being made to GCSE science teaching from September 2016 Explain how Malmesbury School’s Science faculty is responding to these changes Describe the different routes through science teaching and the outcomes for students. Explain how decisions will be made about which route your child will follow. Outline progression to A level sciences