Science @ Key Stage Four
Science is a core subject in the National Curriculum. This means that every student must follow a KS4 Science course at every school in the country.Most students will follow either the GCSE course or the Applied Science programme. Both courses have equal value and allow access to the full range of grades from A* to G. The two qualifications differ in the way that they are assessed. Teachers will recommend students for one of the two based on our Key Stage 3 information. Some students will follow a Certificate of Achievement course which runs alongside the GCSE. In most cases these students will be entered for both. The course is very practical and "hands on".Students may opt to take separate GCSE qualifications in each of the three Sciences. This means selecting 'Triple Science' in one option column alongside the core science that all students will follow. This is particularly recommended for able students who enjoy science and are aiming for a level six or seven in their SAT assessments. The Department for Education regards triple science as an excellent preparation for many A level subjects and also for a large number of professional and technical careers. Employment areas include medicine, ICT, engineering, electronics, pharmacy and pharmacology, the armed forces, telecommunications, forensics, environmental science, aerospace and scientific research.
The course comprises units of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. There are a total of six examinations that will be taken before the end of year 10. These 30 minute tests will be multiple choice in format and count for 75% of the mark. The other 25% of the mark is awarded for school based skills assessment.Successful students will be offered the chance to progress onto the Additional Science GCSE course and achieve a second grade.
In the GCSE Applied Science course, the emphasis is placed upon practical skills and the vocational importance of the subject. All students can gain grades C to G and a higher tier entry allows access to the A*, A and B grades.
Most of the assessment in the course takes the form of internally marked portfolio work. Linking with local industries is an important element of in the development of these portfolios.
Two of the three units that comprise the two year course are assessed entirely by means of the se portfolios. The third is an examined unit. Examinations take place in year 11 and account for one third of the total assessment.