1. Single Sciences St Robert of Newminster
‘Let your Light Shine’
Single Sciences St Robert of Newminster
GCSE Biology (8461)
GCSE Chemistry (8462)
GCSE Physics (8463)

2. Year 10 curriculum
In Year 10 practically all students will study the following:
English Language and English Literature (4)
Maths (4)
RE (2)
Science (4)
Core PE (1) (students can also add a PE option)
PSHE (1)
Plus additional subjects…

3. Year 10 curriculum (Sept 2017)
Plus:
Subject A - History or Geography (2) (all)
Subject B – French (Spanish) (3) (EBacc MFL)
Subject C - your choice (2)
Subject D - your choice (2)

4. What does taking Triple Science mean?X Y Y Y Y Y Y X X

6. The Purpose of This Evening
Your son/daughter will need to decide on their GCSE Science option
Two choices available:
Combined Science (leading to two GCSEs)
Single Science (leading to three GCSEs)

7. AQA GCSE Biology/Chemistry/Physics
What Is The Difference?
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy 4 hours of Science per week 6 exams in May/June exams per subject Each paper lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and accounts for 16.7% of GCSE Students will gain two GCSEs at the end of the course – graded 1 - 9
AQA GCSE Biology/Chemistry/Physics
6 hours of Science per week
6 exams in May/June 2019
2 exams per subject
Each paper lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and accounts for 50% of each GCSE subject
Students will gain three GCSEs at the end of the course – graded 1 - 9

8. Selection Process
Aimed at students who have a passion for science and enjoy exploring the subject outside of school
Offered to students who have shown they respond well to a challenge, are willing to work independently outside of the classroom and are prepared to put the extra work needed to complete an extra GCSE
Initial invitation has been aimed at students who have shown the best achievement in science over the academic year

9. What you can expect?
Specialist teachers that show enthusiasm towards teaching and have a detailed knowledge and understanding of their specialist subject
Support and guidance throughout the course to help develop their scientific understanding and inspire them to further their interest in science beyond their studies
Hands-on learning - students are now required to complete ten practical activities per subject over the two year course

10. What We Expect
Attitude: Single Science is an accelerated course, which adds a greater depth to students scientific knowledge and understanding. It is more demanding than Combined Science so students must have the correct attitude towards their studies
Effort, Inside and Outside the Classroom: homework tasks are an essential element of learning and must be completed to the best of each student’s ability
Hard work: preparation for assessments is very important. Students should treat internal assessments like real exams and prepare thoroughly. This enables their teachers to accurately determine areas of misunderstanding and give useful advice and support
Resources: revision guides are very useful in supporting each student’s learning and will be available to purchase, at reduced cost, from the department

11. Structure Changes
Single award content is no longer taught as a separate unit
Extra content is integrated into Combined Science schemes
This content is aimed at deepening student’s understanding and helps bridge the gap between GCSE and A level

12. Additional Content - Biology
Culturing Microorganisms
Plant Disease
The Brain
The Eye
Plant Hormones
DNA Structure
Cloning
The Theory of Evolution

13. Additional Content - Chemistry
Properties of Transition Metals
Properties of Matter and Nanotechnology
Titrations
Chemical Cells & Fuel Cells
Synthetic Polymers
Using Materials
The Haber Process

14. Additional Content - Physics
Static Electricity
Hazards of Radioactivity
Nuclear Fission & Fusion
Moments, Leavers & Gears
Pressure in Gasses and Hydraulic Systems
Lenses
Space Physics

15. Structure Change Investigative Skills Assessments (ISAs) have gone
Instead students will complete a series of practical activities to develop their scientific thinking skills
Single Science students will carry out two more practical activities per subject than Combined Science students (a total of thirty)

16. Life Beyond GCSE
Studying single sciences will be an advantage if your son/daughter intends to study an A level science
The course will introduce A level content earlier and also lay the foundations for science beyond St Robert’s for a Higher Education course in a science discipline

17. Other Things To Consider
Does your son/daughter intend to study Biology, Chemistry, Physics or any science related degree at University?
Do they want to lose a subject option by choosing Single Science?

18. Any Questions?