Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 - GCSE

Details: Category: Biology

At GCSE, the Science Department offers either Science and Additional Science or Triple Science. All Science areas are taught by subject specialists in mixed ability groupings and the GCSE teaching starts in Year 9.

Science and Additional Science

The course aims to develop pupils’ interest and enthusiasm for science, develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods and to acquire a knowledge and understanding of Biology and how science works, also focusing on its essential role in society. There are a variety of teaching methods used to enable pupils to acquire scientific skills and knowledge and the understanding necessary to progress to advanced level, if desired. Pupils are expected to utilise all resources, including those available on the VLE, to supplement their studies.

A copy of the Science and Additional Science syllabi can be downloaded from the AQA website. Pupils study the Science A component of the course and are examined at the end of Year 10 by three 1 hour papers (one in each science) and through an Investigative Skills Assessment (ISA). In Year 11 they take three more 1 hour papers and another ISA for the Additional Science GCSE.

Pupils may complete more than one ISA and the best mark will be submitted. This consists of: a planning and research lesson; a 45 minute written paper where they write a method for investigation; a practical lesson in which pupils collect data and draw a graph to represent this data; and a second 50 minute paper where their knowledge and How Science Works Skills are assessed. These are run under exam conditions and pupils are encouraged to take these seriously since they contribute 25% of each GCSE.

Triple Science

Pupils complete the Science and Additional Science Units, but they also complete a third unit which includes areas of study such as: The Heart and circulatory system, The Kidneys and more detailed work on microorganisms. Within these topics, pupils also carry out more in-depth practical work.

A copy of the Biology Triple science syllabus is available from the AQA website. Pupils are assessed in all three Units at the end of Year 11, through three 1 hour examinations at the end of Year 11.

Pupils also complete a Centre Assessed Unit which comprises of an Investigative Skills Assessment which is worth 25% of their Biology GCSE. Pupils may complete more than one ISA in Biology and the best mark will be submitted. This consists of: a planning and research lesson; a 45 minute written paper where they write a method for investigation; a practical lesson in which pupils collect data and draw a graph to represent this data; and a second 50 minute paper where their knowledge and How Science Works Skills are assessed.