GCSE Science at Roundwood Park

Core and Additional Science Separate Science What are the differences between the Science options?

Core and Additional Science Separate Science Core Science (Biology/Chemistry/ Physics) Additional Science (Biology/Chemistry/ Physics) Biology Chemistry Physics 3 separate grades 2 separate grades

Year 9 have already started content from B1, C1 and will start P1 in the summer term. Need to achieve a C grade in the 3 end of unit tests in Year 9

Why choose separate science? Can gain an extra GCSE Provides the best foundation for students to go on to study A-level Sciences Make a smoother transition to the ‘jump’ of A-level science Provides the opportunity to gain an good understanding across a broader range of rich and relevant topics Enjoy hard work and can manage workload and homework successfully Working at a grade C or above during the Year 9 end of unit exams

Why choose core and additional? Provides the opportunity to gain an good understanding across a wide range of rich and relevant topics in three subjects Slightly lower workload Can go on to study A-level Sciences Provides the opportunity to consolidate core Science from Year 9 and prepare in the best possible way to meet your potential in two Science GCSEs

What’s extra in the Unit 3 exams? Gas exchange Transport system Heart and circulation The kidney Osmosis Biogas History and structure of the periodic table Water Energy calculations Ion analysis Organic chemistry Medical applications of physics Hydraulics and levers Magnetic fields Transformers Circular motion Lenses

How are the courses examined? No changes to Science GCSEs until September 2016 AQA Science Specification

How are the courses examined? Core Science Three 60 minute exams in B1 C1 P1 (25% each) Coursework based on either B1/C1/P1 (25% each) Additional Science Three 60 minute exams in B2 C2 P2 (25% each) Coursework based on either B2/C2/P2 (25% each)

How are the courses examined? Biology Three 60 minute exams on B1 B2 B3 (25% each) Coursework based on either B2/B3 (25%) Chemistry Three 60 minute exams on C1 C2 C3 (25% each) Coursework based on either C2/C3 (25%) Physics Three 60 minute exams on P1 P2 P3 (25% each) Coursework based on either P2/P3 (25%)

What if I can’t make up my mind? Do you think you might study A-level sciences? Do you enjoy being stretched and challenged? Can you manage your workload well? Speak to your Science teacher who will be able to discuss what is best for you as a learner and a scientist.

Summary Core/AdditionalSeparates 2 GCSES3 GCSES 2 separate grades3 separate grades Learn biology/chemistry/physics 1 piece of coursework for each GCSE (= 2) 1 piece of coursework for each GCSE (= 3) 3 exams for each GCSE (= 6)3 exams for each GCSE (= 9) 2 teachers3 teachers 2 pieces of H/L per week3 pieces of H/L per week Can go on to study A levels sciencesBest preparation for A level sciences