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Science

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Why do students study science?

Studying GCSE Science is essential for:

Career opportunities- STEM, healthcare, sports and engineering sector (level 3 technical apprenticeships)
Higher education
Critical thinking, understanding the world

Career Opportunities: GCSE Science provides a strong foundation for many careers, especially in STEM fields like medicine, engineering, and environmental science.
Higher Education: Many university courses, particularly those related to science and technology, require GCSE Science as a prerequisite.
Critical Thinking: Science subjects develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis, which are valuable in various aspects of life.
Understanding the World: GCSE Science helps you understand the world around you and the scientific principles that govern it. This knowledge is essential for informed decision-making and citizenship.
Future-Proofing: Science is constantly evolving, and GCSE Science equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate a rapidly changing world.

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What do employers think about science?

Employers generally view GCSE Science as a valuable qualification.

While the specific requirements vary depending on the job, GCSE Science can be a significant asset when applying for roles that require problem-solving and analytical thinking.

It demonstrates a solid foundation in scientific knowledge and skills, which are essential for many industries, including healthcare, sports and engineering.

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How is science assessed?

Combined Foundation

Combined grades, 11-55

Combined Higher

Combined grades, 44-99

Separate Foundation

Separate grades for each science, 1-5

Grades are worked out on an average of all their science papers

6 exam papers altogether: 2x biology, 2x chemistry, 2 x physics.

Each paper is 1h15mins (1hr45mins for separate).

Separate Higher

Separate grades for each science, 4-9

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What's on each exam paper?

Biology

Paper 1:
B1 Cell biology
B2 Organisation
B3 Infection & response
B4 Bioenergetics

Paper 2:
B5 Homeostasis & response
B6 Inheritance, variation & evolution
B7 Ecology

Chemistry

Paper 1:
C1 Atomic structure & periodic table
C2 Bonding & structure
C3 Quantitative chemistry
C4 Chemical changes
C5 Energy of changes

Paper 2:
C6 Rate and extent of reactions
C7 Organic chemistry
C8 Chemical analysis
C9 Earth and atmosphere
C10 Using resources

Physics

Paper 1:
P1 Energy
P2 Electricity
P3 Particle model of matter
P4 Atomic structure

Paper 2:
P5 Forces
P6 Waves
P7 Magnetism
P8 Space* (separate only)

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Exams Dates

6 exam papers altogether: 2x biology, 2x chemistry, 2 x physics.

Each paper is 1h15mins (1hr45mins for separate).

	Biology	Chemistry	Physics
Paper 1	11th May	17^th May	25^th May
Paper 2	10^th June	15^th June	18^th June

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Independent Study Programme

Step 1

Identify Gaps

Step 2

Relearn

Step 3

Recall

Step 4

Practice

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Step 1 Identifying Gaps

This step is crucial because it pinpoints areas where understanding is weak, allowing students to focus revision efforts effectively.

We have identified topics you’ve struggled with at your end of Y10 mocks- this is informing our homework programme.

We will keep analysing your future mocks to identify gaps.

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Step 2 Relearn-homework

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Step 2 Relearn-independent revision

BBC bitesize

Similar to an online revision guide, organised in topic order with clear information and videos to help understand a topic.

Ensure your child is on the correct revision page, i.e. AQA combined science.

Short (5min) video clips that cover a small part of the science course.

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Science Study Lounge

https://sites.google.com/wickersley.net/science/science-study-lounge

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Try and complete retrieval grids from memory.

Revisit any gaps in knowledge before moving on to exam style questions

Step 3 Recall-homework

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Step 3 Recall-independent revision

This step helps consolidate understanding and identify areas that still need improvement.

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Once secure in the knowledge and understanding it is time to start applying this to exam style questions

Step 4 Practice-homework

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Help them devise a realistic revision schedule – little and often

Quiz them using their Q&A flashcards

Suggest some places they can go to find help.

Encourage them to use exam questions and mark schemes

Encourage them to complete the revision homework programme - Science homework set once a week on Wednesday, they should spend a total of around 1 hour on it.

How can you help as a parent?