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Science

Examining Board

We follow the AQA syllabus in Science.  At KS4, students study GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics  

All the GCSE courses have the same basic structure which is comprised of 100% terminal examination and required practicals that will be examined in the written papers.

All qualifications will be linear meaning that students will sit their examinations at the end of courses.

Written assessments

All written assessments will consist of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions.  All papers will assess knowledge and understanding from a distinct topic area.

Working Scientifically and Practical Assessment

All Science courses include investigating, observing, experimenting, testing out and thinking about ideas.  They also include required practicals that must be carried out by all students with a record that they have done this.  Questions in the written assessment will relate to these practicals.  Here at Newstead we will include many more practical exercises that will enhance student learning.

How can you help your daughter with Science?

  • Encourage her to use scientific vocabulary and display key words around the house.
  • Test her regularly on topics covered.
  • Check her homework.
  • Get her to discuss what she has done in science lessons and get her to teach you some science every week.
  • Watch relevant television programmes. Check the TV guide at the weekend and suggest programmes to watch during the week.
  • Discuss scientific articles in the Newspaper. Ask your daughter to suggest reasons, or expand on points raised.

Useful Websites and Books

SharePoint contains a wealth of resources to support learning provided by the Science Department. Revision summaries for every topic are there which can be printed, annotated and used to aid learning.

Depending on your daughter's interests, magazines such as How it Works, New Scientist or National Geographic are all available which will help broaden your daughters understanding and appreciation of Science.

Past papers, mark schemes and examiners reports should be used as the exams approach as they are one of the best ways to practice exam questions. These are accessible from the AQA website link below:

Recommended Websites:

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ 
www.kerboodle.com/ 

GCSE Biology (8461)

Topics will include: cells, mitosis, transport in cells; the digestive system, the circulatory system, plant organs and systems; communicable diseases in plants and humans; photosynthesis and respiration; homeostasis, the nervous system, hormonal communication; reproduction, variation and evolution; classification; interdependence and competition; organization of an ecosystem, and biodiversity.

There are two papers.

Paper 1 - What's assessed?

Topics 1–4: Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.

Paper 2 - What's assessed?

Topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Foundation and Higher Tier
  • 100 marks each paper
  • 50% of GCSE each paper

Questions

  • Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

Exam Specification

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461/

Past Papers

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461/assessment-resources

GCSE Chemistry (8462)

Topics will include: atomic structure and the periodic table; bonding, structure and the properties of matter; quantitative chemistry; chemical changes; energy changes; the rate and extent of chemical changes; organic chemistry; chemical analysis; and the chemistry of the atmosphere.

There are two papers.

Paper 1 - What's assessed?

Topics 1–5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Paper 2 - What's assessed?

Topics 6–10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Foundation and Higher Tier
  • 100 marks each paper
  • 50% of GCSE each paper

Questions

  • Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

Exam Specification

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462/

Past Papers

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462/assessment-resources

GCSE Physics (8463)

Topics will include: forces; energy; waves; electricity; magnetism and electromagnetism; the particle model of matter; atomic structure and space physics.

There are two papers:

Paper 1 - What's assessed?

Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.

Paper 2 - What's assessed?

Topics 5-8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics.

Questions in paper 2 may draw on an understanding of energy changes and transfers due to heating, mechanical and electrical work and the concept of energy conservation from Energy and Electricity.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Foundation and Higher Tier
  • 100 marks each paper
  • 50% of GCSE each paper

Questions

  • Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

Exam Specification

 www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463/

Past Papers

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463/assessment-resources

Students will complete their required practicals as part of their class work and will not be completing them at home.

Head of Biology: Mrs J Lebreuilly 

Acting Head of Chemistry: Ms R Choudhury

Head of Physics: Ms M Boyle

Please email jlebreuilly@newsteadwood.co.uk rchoudhury@newsteadwood.co.uk mboyle@newsteadwood.co.uk or any member of the science team.

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