Year 9 Science Curriculum
The reformed GCSEs The QCA and DfE accredited the new Science GCSEs just over two weeks ago. To summarise - all students must now sit either Combined Science GCSE (Double Science) or Separate Science GCSEs (Triple Science).
What is in GCSE Science? Science is made up of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These are three quite different disciplines within one overall subject. Biology requires a clear understanding of how living systems work and the ability to describe and explain them. Good literacy skills are essential. Chemistry requires a combination of literacy and numeracy skills applied to describing trends and explaining reactions between substances. Physics is a very mathematical science often looking at the numerical relationships between phenomena.
GCSE changes 1. Controlled assessments have been replaced by a series of core practicals which will be tested in the final exams. 2. Students will need to learn most of the formulae. 3. Some old content has been removed and some new content has been added. 4. All students will sit the same number of exams.
Grading Separate Sciences A 9 point scale, 9 1 where 9 is the equivalent of the top of the current A* and 1 is the bottom of the current G. Combined Science A 17 point scale which starts at 9,9 then 8,9 then 8,8 down to 1,1.
GCSE Science 9-1 We are going to continue to use AQA and students will follow one of two pathways. GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Equivalent to Core and Additional Science. Separate Science GCSEs: Biology, Chemistry & Physics. Both pathways provide an excellent preparation to study science at KS5.
AQA Science specifications
Oxford University Press/ Kerboodle
What is covered? The Triple Science covers exactly the same topics as the Combined Science: Trilogy. It has extra content which is clearly identified in the new text books (currently available in draft form) added to the end of some of the chapters.
For example Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Triple content Wednesday, 18 May 2016 Higher content
When will the new GCSEs start? Year 9 students have started their new GCSE Science courses already. We have chosen topics that students would usually study in Year 9 (as part of the KS3 curriculum) but we are planning lessons using the new resources to ensure that students are prepared for the new GCSEs.
Thank you! Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Individual sessions Core practicals On-line Exam focus
Practical Assessment The following is new and replaces the ISA coursework
Outline of this section of the presentation What is the practical assessment An example of a practical skill measuring density Typical questions from the specimen paper
What is the practical Assessment? Practical work is at the heart of science By carrying out carefully considered practical work, students will enhance their investigative thinking, improve their mastery of techniques and consolidate their understanding of key scientific concepts. from AQA There is now a Required practical summary document. It provides detailed sample lessons that meet the specified practical skills.
Why do practical work? Wednesday, 18 May 2016 Reasons for doing practical work are:- 1. To support and consolidate scientific concepts (knowledge and understanding). 2. To develop investigative skills. 3. To build and master practical skills Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the practical activities as listed in the required practical document. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification. Many of our questions will also focus on investigative skills and how well students can apply what they know to practical situations often in novel contexts. from AQA
What will we do in the classroom? Example : Density 1. In the classroom we will do the investigations suggested by AQA 2. This will include notes taken by the students and any calculations required. 3. We will explore data collecting, presenting, analysis and evaluation.
Lets do the Investigation Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Lets do the investigation Wednesday, 18 May 2016 Regular shape Use a ruler and measure the length of all sides in cm. Next multiply all three numbers together. This is volume in cm 3. Place the block on the balance and measure the mass. Now calculate the density. Irregular shape Fill the eureka can with water and place a measuring cylinder as shown in diagram. Place the object in the can and measure the water displaced into the measuring cylinder (cm 3 ). Measure the mass of the object and calculate the density
Question from specimen paper Wednesday, 18 May 2016
More detailed question from specimen paper Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Answer Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Answer Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Practical requirement summary 1. Required practicals defined by the exam board 2. Measurement skills and analytical skills will be tested in the exam papers 3. No ISA coursework but now incorporated into the final exams.
How can you help your child? Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Thank you! Individual sessions. Core practicals On-line Exam focus
Developing Science Students Outside the Classroom Establishing Routines Resources Show my Homework Kerboodle Revision Guides Class Notebook Revision Folders and Strategies
What do you think? Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Establish Routines Discuss with your child Nominate days off Regular slots for homework & study (4 evenings). Build up to 5 evenings as exams approach (after Easter). Choose a routine to suit them e.g. work for 30 min with 15 min break then repeat. Encourage a total of at least 8 hours per week to start, build up to 10. Create a study area which is well equipped and free from distractions. Rewards!!
Get Revising Planning Tool Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Be Familiar with Resources SMH
Be Familiar with Resources Kerboodle
Science Text Books on Kerboodle
Class Notebook Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Class Notebook Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Revision Folder o Start to build resources as topics are taught. o Mind maps 30 min per topic o Add completed exam papers o Label clearly o Avoid duplication
Quality Revision Other Strategies Flash Cards Quizlet Look/cover/write/check
Exam Questions AQA Exam Board Trilogy/separate sciences
Putting it into Practice Wednesday, 18 May 2016 Encourage students to read over notes from class Extract important information that must be remembered (e.g. physics equations). Address any gaps in notes or gaps in knowledge (e.g. use Kerboodle) Respond to marking comments and make improvements in a different colour. Build a revision resource for the topic taught (e.g. mind map, index cards) Test knowledge by completing past paper questions and/or end of topic questions in text books and revision guides.
Thank you! Individual sessions. Core practicals On-line Exam focus
Exam focus 1. Number and length of exams for each course (Double award trilogy and triple award Biology, Chemistry & Physics) 2. Exam structure: level of demand, type of questions 3. Command words 4. Data sheets (equations in Physics, Chemistry) 5. Answering questions (underlining key info, showing working, planning extended response) 6. Exam preparation strategies (open book, timed, using mark scheme, examiners reports)
Double award Combined Science Trilogy 6 exams 1¼ hours each 70 marks each 2 Biology, 2 Chemistry, 2 Physics Foundation & Higher tier Total of 6 1¼ hour exams Triple award Biology, Chemistry, Physics 2 exams per GCSE 1¾ hours each 100 marks each Foundation & Higher tier Total of 6 1¾ hour exams
Exam structure Wednesday, 18 May 2016 Ramping is where the difficulty of a question increases progressively. It is used within a question and throughout a paper.
Exam structure Combine a variety of question types multiple choice link box sentence completion short answer calculations labelling and drawing diagrams graphs chemical equations extended response practical skills Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Multiple choice Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Link box Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Sentence completion Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Short answer Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Calculations (low demand) Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Calculations (high demand) Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Labelling and drawing diagrams
Graphs Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Chemical equations Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Extended response Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Practical skills Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Command words Wednesday, 18 May 2016 question keywords tell you what the examiner wants you to do very important to know! calculate compare complete describe evaluate explain state, give, name, write down suggest use the information in the passage to
Data sheets Wednesday, 18 May 2016 Given in the exam: important that students are familiar with them learn how to use them
Data sheets In Physics exams: some equations are given most must be learnt
Exam technique: top tips underline keywords / information in the question (e.g. command words) show all working in calculations plan extended response use keywords / scientific vocabulary
Exam preparation: Using past papers open book: answer with revision guide / notes / exercise book timed: to recreate the time pressure of the real thing collaborate: share understanding with another student mark schemes: identify areas of weakness, develop familiarity with examiners expectations examiners reports: highlight most common mistakes
Thank you! Individual sessions. Core practicals On-line Exam focus