Pupils are placed in Sets by the Department, based on performance and ability. Three different courses are offered to GCSE pupils, and each set will follow a Science course that is most well suited to the class.

 

Science course	Number of GCSEs gained at the end of Year 11
Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)	3
Science Double Award	2
Applied Science (Single award)	1

 

To study at Advanced Level pupils must have a grade ‘B’ or better in that particular Science.

 

Separate Sciences (‘Triple Science’) GCSE The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are assessed independently of each other and pupils will be awarded a separate grade for each one.

 

Written external examination 90%	When?	Controlled assessment (practical) 10%
Chemistry 1 Biology 1 Physics1 80 marks per paper 1hr 45 min per paper.	End of Year 10	30 marks each: one Chemistry assessment one Biology assessment one Physics assessment
Chemistry 2 Biology 2 Physics2 80 marks per paper 1hr 45 min per paper.	End of Year 11

 

Every external, written examination is available in two Tiers: Foundation Tier (which allows grades C to G) and Upper Tier (which allows grades A* to E). The Controlled Assessments (practical) are all on the same tier. A good mark in the practical tasks can allow a Foundation Tier candidate to gain a B-grade overall (as long as their written paper marks are good).

 

Science Double Award The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are assessed in separate examinations, but marks are combined to give an overall double grade for Science. This course contains less content than the separate sciences course, but pupils are still able to study science at Advanced Level if they have a grade ‘B’ in that particular science.

 

Written external examination 90%	When?	Controlled assessment (practical) 10%
Chemistry 1 Biology 1 Physics1 60 marks per paper 1hr 15 min per paper	End of Year 10	Pupils will complete two assessments from the following: one Chemistry assessment (30 marks) one Biology assessment (30 marks) one Physics assessment (30 marks)
Chemistry 2 Biology 2 Physics2 60 marks per paper 1hr 15 min per paper	End of Year 11

 

 

Applied Science (Single award) The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are all integrated in each unit. This course offers more opportunities to conduct practical work, with 30% of the marks awarded for practical tasks. Marks from the following 4 Units are all combined to give an overall grade for Science.

 

Examination	When?
Unit 1 – Science in the modern world 75 marks 1hr 30 min	External examination at the end of Yr 10
Unit 2 – Science to support our lifestyles 75 marks 1hr 30 min.	External examination at the end of Yr 11
Unit 3 – Task based assessment 60 marks	Practical assessment November-December of Yr 11
Unit 4 – Practical assessment 60 marks	Practical assessment January-February of Yr 11

 

Entry Requirements:

You should achieve a grade B or above in GCSE Chemistry. You should have sat higher tier papers.

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or form other substances. Many people think of chemists as scientists with a white coat mixing strange fluids in a laboratory, but the truth is that we are all chemists. Understanding the basic concepts of chemistry is important to almost all professions. Chemistry is part of everything in our lives. All existing material is a matter — even our own bodies. Chemistry is about everything that we do, from growing and cooking food to cleaning our homes and our bodies and launching a space shuttle. Chemistry is one of the physical sciences that helps us describe and explain our world.

What will I learn whilst studying Chemistry?

By studying the Chemistry course you will develop an essential knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts and the skills needed for their use in new and changing situations. You will make links between theory and experimentation, appreciating the contributions of chemistry to society and looking at responsible ways of using scientific knowledge and evidence. Lessons will include class presentations, practical tasks, discussion periods, pupil presentations and individual reading and study. You are encouraged to use a wide range of resources including school textbooks, magazines and relevant software as well as the wealth of information available on the Internet.

Course Content:

Year 12 (AS Level)

Unit 1 – The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and simple reactions

Unit 2 – Energy, Rate and Chemistry of Carbon Compounds

Year 13 (A Level) Both of the above units and the following:

Unit 3 – Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

Unit 4 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis

Unit 5 – Practical Examination

Possible Careers:

A Level success is vitally important if you are to continue with a further study in Chemistry or an area such as Medicine, Pharmacy or one of the Biological Sciences. AS/A standard will be of great benefit to those of you with an interest in any scientific field e.g. Engineering, Environment or Geology. The range of skills you develop by following this course can be transferable to all kinds of jobs and a high percentage of people with qualifications in Chemistry move on to work in the fields of banking, accountancy, business management and the information technology sector.

Link to the website of the course :

https://www.cbac.co.uk/qualifications/science/as-a-level/chemistry-as-a-level-2015/?language_id=2