The Sciences
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Knowledge Organiser |
Exam Board: AQA
Why study the Sciences?
Science is everywhere. It is involved in all aspects of our lives and as the rate of scientific development is not set to abate it will remain a very important part of our lives. Some of our children will need to have studied science to help understand and have an opinion on the implications of new scientific discoveries whilst others will be involved in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) industries.
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
Science is a compulsory subject for all students however students will still need to choose between two distinct pathways. Either pathway will allow successful students to move onto science A-levels.
GCSE Combined Science (AQA combined science, Trilogy)
This option means that the students will gain two GCSEs. The course consists of two modules of biology, chemistry and physics. This will be assessed through 6 exams at the end of the course. There is no longer a controlled assessment element to the course; alternatively the students will have to complete 16 required practicals in class, which will be assessed alongside the content of the course.The final assessments will be in the form of 6 exams each lasting 1 hour 15 minutes.
GCSE Separate Sciences (AQA Biology, AQA Chemistry and AQA Physics)
This is the more challenging of the two options and all three GCSE must be taken together. Each GCSE contains all the subject content of the combined Science and an additional third as well. Each qualification has 8 required practicals which will be assessed alongside the content of the course. The final assessment will be in the form of 6 exams lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.
How will the skills that I develop help me in my future career?
Science teaches people to analyse information and develop solutions which are skills applicable to a whole range of occupations. There are also a whole range of STEM professions. The broad range of science helps prepare students for careers ranging from the medical profession to nuclear scientists and engineering to forensic science.
Who do I need to contact?
For more information, please email Mr O’Connell – nick.oconnell@sirthomasfremantle.org
