GCSE Science Presentation by Princes Risborough Science Department
Why The Changes? After the Green Paper 2003 the QCA asked the DfES to revise KS4 science. The 14-19 White Paper re-enforced enforced most students should take two GCSEs in Science. The Government papers were aimed at encouraging more students to study science Post-16.
MAIN CHANGES Change of emphasis from knowledge to understanding and application of skills. Strong emphasis on the science of contemporary issues. Wider range of assessment methods. End to current system of coursework, replaced with a variety of school based tasks. No terminal examination. Smaller core of content that is relevant to all pupils.
Edexcel AIMS and APPROCHES (1) Balanced approach based on: * evaluating evidence and the implication of science on society * exploring, theorising and modelling in science Procedural and technical knowledge of science. Internal assessment designed to support teaching and learning.
Edexcel AIMS and APPROCHES (2) Content to be relevant and encourage pupils to engage and challenge the science they meet in their everyday lives. Flexible framework to support students needs by a range of teaching and learning activities
EFFECTS ON LESSONS (1) Practical work and associated activities to promote understanding and develop skills Teachers to teach how science works explicitly and progressively Include a wider repertoire of writing and other recording of work include opportunities for discussion and debate of science Issues to be set in contexts which reflect contemporary science issues and are relevant to pupils experiences and present and future lives
EFFECTS ON LESSONS (2) Include more opportunities for enquiries which are pupil-led led Pupils to build, explore and apply their understanding of science rather than just learn about some science Pupils to make more use of secondary data and information such as can be obtained through the Internet
GCSE in Science Biology (B1) to cover: : Variation, Responding to change and Inter-relationships relationships Chemistry (C1) to cover: : The earth's sea and atmosphere, Materials from the earth, Acids, Obtaining and using metals and Fuels Physics (P1) to cover: : Solar System, The electromagnetic spectrum, Waves and the Universe, Generation and Transmission of Electricity, Energy and the future
Core Science Assessment Controlled Assessment 25% Students will complete three pieces of work (Part A, Part B and Part C). Part A is a planning task. Part B is an observation task with the collecting of primary data. Part C is a conclusions task. These tasks are related to the Core Practicals within the units of the GCSE in Science. External Assessment 75% 3 x 1 hour structured papers (B1, C1, P1)
Dates Of Assessments Controlled Assessments - Throughout the duration of the course. External Assessments November, March and June (starting in Nov 2011) 40% of assessment must be taken in the terminal session.
Controlled Assessments (1) Part A Planning (1 hour) Covering: o Choosing equipment o Develop a hypothesis o Variables and control o Data and range o Identification and mitigation of risk.
Controlled Assessments (2) B Observations (1 hour) Covering: o Range & presentation o Repeatability & accuracy.
Controlled Assessments (3) C Conclusions (1 hour) Covering on primary evidence: o Processing data including graph drawing o Conclusions o Evaluation of method o Review of hypothesis Conclusion based on secondary methods and data
External Assessment Each paper (B1, C1, P1) 1 hour Structured papers - three types of question: 1. multiple choice used only where this will provide credible evidence of knowledge and skills 2. structured short answers - for maths, How Science Works or theory 3. longer answers worth 6 marks - to fulfil the requirement for quality of written communication and help provide stretch and challenge. Tiered papers (Foundation or Higher) Each worth 25%
How Science Works HSW is identified in the scheme of work and is primarily about: Helping students engage with science. Helping students challenge the science they meet in everyday life. Helping students question the workings of science. Helping students understand the impact of science on society and their lives.
How Science Works Five strands to HSW 1. Identify questions and how scientists look for the answers 2. Evaluate scientific claims 3. Question scientific reports and communicate own findings 4. Consider scientific findings 5. Make informed judgements about science
REVISION Look Cover Write Check Highlighting key phrases and words Flash cards Identify weak and strong areas Draw diagram and then label from memory
ICT RESOURCES (1) In School Resources: Chemistry Set 2000 Sunflower Media Multilearn Chemical Revision GCSE Revision Intel Microscopes Data Logging ActiveTeach
ICT RESOURCES (2) Off Site Resources: Moodle Sunflower Media GCSE Revision BBC Bitesize S-Cool Creative Chemistry School Science (ASE site)
Mind maps (1) Why Mind Map? summarizes information. consolidates information from different research sources. thinking through complex problems presenting information that shows the overall structure of your subject. Mind Maps are also very quick to review, as it is easy to refresh information in your mind just by glancing at one. used to connect ideas and show how they interrelate.
MIND MAPS (2) HOW TO MIND MAP: Use just key words, or wherever possible images. Make the centre a clear and strong start from here and work out. Put key words on lines. Use colour to depict themes, associations and to make things stand out. Anything that stands out on the page will stand out in your mind. Use arrows and diagrams to show links between different elements. Don't get stuck in one area. If you dry up in one area go to another branch. Be creative. Creativity aids memory.
Additional Science Biology (B2) to cover: The building blocks of cells, Organisms and energy and Anatomy Chemistry (C2) to cover: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Ionic and covalent compounds, Chemical reactions and quantitative chemistry Physics (P2) to cover: Static and current electricity, Controlling and using electric current, Motion and forces, Momentum, energy, work and power, Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion, Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive materials.
Additional Science Assessment Controlled Assessment 25% Students will complete three pieces of work (Part A, Part B and Part C). Part A is a planning task. Part B is an observation task with the collecting of primary data. Part C is a conclusions task. These tasks are related to the Additional Practicals within the units of the GCSE in Science. External Assessment 75% 3 x 1 hour structured papers (B2, C2, P2) The same structure as for GCSE Science
Separate Science GCSE s The science specific topics from GCSE Science and Additional Science contribute to GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics For separate sciences there is one extension units for each science (B3, C3 and P3)
Extension Units Biology (B3) Biorhythms, Behaviour and Biotechnology Chemistry (C3) Qualitative and Quantitative analysis, Electrolytic processes, Gas, equilibria and ammonia and Organic chemistry. Physics (P3) Radiation in treatment and medicine eg: X-rays and ECGs, Production - uses and risks of ionising radiation, Particle accelerators and Kinetic theory and gases
Assessment for Separate Science GCSE s For each GCSE the student wishes to achieve they must take the External and Controlled assessment for that science eg: For GCSE Biology a student would have to take B1, B2, B3 (same layout as B1 and B2) and a Biology controlled assessment
Science Post GCSE AS Biology Two module exams and Coursework A2 Biology Two module exams, Coursework and a Synoptic paper
Science Post GCSE AS Chemistry Two module exams and Laboratory Skills A2 Chemistry Two module exams and Laboratory Skills
Science Post GCSE AS Science (Double Award) Six Units Three externally assessed Three portfolio
Science Post A Level Students who have studied science courses at A Level at Princes Risborough have gone on to: Study Pharmacy, Chemistry, Physiotherapy, Mathematics and other courses at Universities around the UK. Gain employment in the Pharmaceutical and Sports Leisure Industry also in Animal Care and in a variety of other fields