Science Curriculum

Rationale To provide pathways in science to allow all students to achieve To provide an option within science that gives an advantage to students in the university application process To ensure the “triple science” pathway leads to success for students

“Triple” Pathway September Y9 commence Science GCSE course No external examinations that year Internal examination to confirm acceptance onto triple science course (1 class only – approx. 35 students- students will be invited) September Y10 continue with Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs Internal examinations in June for Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs to determine if still suitable for the Triple Science course. September Y11 continue with Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs External examinations in June for all 3 GCSEs (6 x 1hr 45min) 3 GCSEs awarded in August MAXIMUM THREE GCSES AWARDED IN TOTAL

“Double” Pathway September Y9 commence Science GCSE course No external examinations that year - however internal examination in June. September Y10 continue with Combined Science course worth 2 GCSEs (all 3 sciences still studied) Internal examinations in June for Combined Science GCSE September Y11 continue with Combined Science GCSE External examinations in June for Combined Science GCSE (6 x 1hr 15min) 2 GCSEs awarded in August MAXIMUM TWO GCSES AWARDED IN TOTAL

“Alternative” Pathway September Y9 commence Core Science GCSE No external examinations that year Internal examination to ascertain suitability of Entry Level Certificate (ELC) Double Award course September Y10 commence ELC course and Combined Science GCSE over 2 years (if appropriate) Sept Y11 continue with ELC course and Combined Science GCSE Content is assessed continually during the course using small written examinations and practical assessments External examinations for Combined Science GCSE in June ELC and Combined Science awarded in August MAXIMUM THREE GCSES EQUIVALENTS AWARDED IN TOTAL

Science Pathways Y9 to Y11 Year 9 GCSE Science DONE BY ALL STUDENTS Approx one term per Biology/Chemistry/Physics (teach 2/3 of each) Internal Test at the end of the first term to inform pathway choice Students will follow one of the FOUR pathways QUAD SCIENCE Students Opt for Astronomy in Y9 Options In Y10 students study individual sciences in their normal 6 periods. Study Astronomy in their 3 period option block Qualifications by the end of Y11 GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry GCSE Physics GCSE Astronomy TRIPLE SCIENCE A minority of students will follow this path (max 1 class) and will be selected for this path using an internal examination at the end of Y9. Study individual sciences in their normal 6 periods Qualifications by the end of Y11 GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry GCSE Physics COMBINED SCIENCE The majority of students will follow this path. Students who are not selected for the triple pathway will study the Combined Science course which is worth 2 GCSEs Qualifications by the end of Y11 GCSE Combined Science (worth 2) ALTERNATIVE Two groups of approximately 12 students each will be selected for this path at the end of Y9. Study ELC Double Award Science and Combined Science GCSEs (if appropriate) Qualifications by the end of Y11 ELC Double Award Science Combined Science GCSE (worth 2)