SCIENCE at Penwortham Girls’ High School

GCSE Science Completed in Year 10 – July 2008 Coursework Should we choose our children Case Study Size of Craters Data Analysis – January 2009 Unit 1 B1, C1, P1 17% – June 2009 Unit 2 B2, C2, P2 17% – June 2009 Unit 3 B3, C3, P3 17% – June 2009 Ideas in Context 17% A grade will be awarded in Year 11 for GCSE Science All students have achieved the qualification of GCSE Science provided sat all modular examinations. 33%

GCSE Additional Science Completed in Year 11 – July 2009 Coursework Full Practical Investigation – 33% – January 2010 Unit 1 B4, C4, P4 17% – June 2010 Unit 2 B5, C5, P5 17% – June 2010 Unit 3 B6, C6, P6 17% – June 2010 Ideas in Context 17% This is the second GCSE in Additional Science

BTEC BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science – 3 units Biology Chemistry Physics – 100% Continual assessment in small projects Clear guidelines as to pass, merit and distinction criteria Continual feedback with opportunities to improve BTEC pass is equivalent of 2 Grade C GCSEs

Differences There are many areas that are covered in the GCSE Science and we will repeat to enhance subject knowledge and complete coursework. The following slides compare the Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics taught in both GCSE Science and Additional Science with the BTEC Applied Science.

Biology GCSE Science & Additional Science B1 You and Your Genes B2 Keeping Healthy B3 Life on Earth B4 Homeostasis B5 Growth and Development B6 Brain and Mind BTEC Applied Science Classification of Living Organisms Interdependance between organisms and environment Inheritance, variation and evolution Human Health

Chemistry GCSE Science & Additional Science C1 Air Quality C2 Material Choices C3 Food Matters C4 Chemical Patterns C5 Chemicals around us C6 Chemical Synthesis BTEC Applied Science Atomic structure and properties of elements and compounds Chemical Reactions Organic Chemistry The Earth and the environment

Physics GCSE Science & Additional Science P1 Earth n the Universe P2 Radiation for Life P3 Radioactive Materials P4 Explaining Motion P5 Electric Circuits P6 Wave model of Radiation BTEC Applied Science Energy and Energy Transfer Waves and Radiation Electricity Astronomy

Why Change? Students that have been invited are more likely to succeed at BTEC than GCSE Additional Science. Students will have greater success on their applications showing sustained commitment to a qualification. Students that would achieve grade C or higher and intend to continue their science studies at A’ level should not choose BTEC. Students with BTEC First Certificate will be looked at more favourably for continued study on BTEC towards the Diploma in Science.