Currently the OCR Gateway suite of science GCSEs are taught leading to qualifications in Science and Additional Science. There is the opportunity for the more able students to study for the separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE qualifications. Throughout the GCSE course, pupils are taught in small groups by specialist teachers.

 

The GCSE course starts for the more pupils at the start of Year 9. The remaining pupils of the year group start their GCSE course at the start of Year 10. This allows the more able pupils study for the three separate sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Although there are two levels of entry (Foundation and Higher), the majority of the pupils at St Felix will be entered for the Higher tier (A* - D grades) with some entered for the Foundation tier (C – G grades).

The specifications are presented in two parts – the procedural (‘How Science Works’) and the substantive content. For each course, there are two examination papers (each lasting 1 hour) and form two-thirds of the total marks for the course. The aims of all the courses are to:

Develop pupils interest in, and enthusiasm, for science

Develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods

Acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society

Acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning

Visit Adrian Hill's Physics site at http://www.hill4u.com