1. Science Curriculum

2. 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

3. “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

4. “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

5. “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

6. 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)