Science, Years 10 - 11

What is GCSE Science all about?
GCSE Science involves the study of:

  • Living Processes and Living Things (Biology)
  • Material and their Properties (Chemistry)
  • Physical Processes (Physics)

In your Science lessons, as well as studying theory, you will carry out practical investigations, such as finding out the effect of temperature on germination, what conditions affect how fast chemicals react or the use of immersion heaters in heating water.

Science is taught in 9 x 40 for 360 minutes per week. You will be taught by specialist Biology, Chemistry and Physics teachers in a rota system. At the end of Year 10 you will sit GCSE Science and at the end of Year 11 GCSE Additional Science giving you two separate grades in Science. Some students may be selected to work towards separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics in Year 11, working at a faster pace; this will lead to 3 separate GCSE grades

How does it follow on from what I have learnt before?
Your GCSE Science lessons carry on from the work you have already done in Key Stage 3. You will meet some new topics during the course which will develop from earlier topics you will have covered in Key Stage 3.

Why do I have to take Science at GCSE?
Throughout your life you will have contact with the products of Science and technology. Think how many people own mobile phones. Even the advice you receive from your doctor is based on Science. Almost every day you will encounter articles in the newspapers and on TV about issues linked to space Science. In your Science lessons you will develop the skills to help you understand and use our scientific knowledge in the context of your everyday life. Scientific knowledge has developed over time and new discoveries continue to be made in all parts of the world. In your Science lessons you will explore how ideas and evidence in Science have developed, for example you may use resources exploring the development of digital signals or examining the discovery of antibiotics.

How will I be tested?
In GCSE Science there are six multiple choice papers, two in each Science, which you will sit at the end of Year 10. These make up 60% of your final mark. Written papers, marked at school make up a further 30% and your teachers’ assessment of your practical skills make up the final 10%. Additional Science follows a similar pattern. There are two tiers of entry for Science: Foundation and Higher. These are designed to enable students to enter the tier which best matches their ability. The Foundation tier of entry allows access to grades G – C; the Higher tier D – A*. Decisions about tiers of entry will be made shortly before the final examinations in each year.

Is there any coursework?
No, teachers’ assessment of your practical work based on tasks set by the exam board makes up 10% of your final mark.

What about my results?
You will receive your final result for GCSE Science towards the end of August of Year 10 and for GCSE Additional Science at a similar time the following year. If you are sitting three separate Sciences you will receive all three grades at the end of Year 11.

What other skills might I develop?
While you are doing this course you will also have the chance to develop skills in application of number, IT, communication, problem solving, working with others and in improving your own performance.

What can I do next with GCSE Science?
When you receive your results you may wish to continue your study of Science. The options open to you depend on the results achieved and your own interests. Your teacher will be able to help you select the appropriate course. You may wish to study a science subject beyond GCSE. You have the choice of opting for Biology, Chemistry or Physics (or a combination of these) at AS or A Level or as part of the IB Diploma Programme. Please note that the minimum expected requirement for entry onto a post-16 science course at St. Christopher’s is grade B in both GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science. There are many jobs and careers that build on a GCSE Science qualification such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, environmental studies, teaching, engineering and computing.