GCSE Science Assessment

WHAT IS THE SPEED OF SOUND?Learning Objectives

• To help you and your child understand which science GCSE’s your child will undertake in Years 10 & 11.

• To explain how your child will be assessed.

• To explain what we will do and what you can do to help your child to achieve at least, their G2B in science.

What Science GCSE’s can you expect to achieve?

• Two SEPARATE GCSE’s

• Core Science – all teaching and assessment in Year 10.

• Additional Science – all teaching and assessment in Year 11

What happened to the 3 Sciences?

PHYSICSCHEMISTRY

BIOLOGY

What is: GCSE Core Science?

• Equal weighting given to Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

• All learners follow AQA Science A GCSE

Assessment: B1

1 hour written exam

25%

C1

1 hour written exam

25%

P1

1 hour writte

n exam

25%

CAU

25%

The Route Map of Core GCSE External Exams

Chemistry

OR

Physics

OR

Biology

JANUARY 2012

JUNE 2012

Chemistry

OR

Physics

OR

Biology

Chemistry

OR

Physics

OR

Biology

Exam DatesJanuary 2012 Exams

Biology 12 January

Chemistry 18 January

Physics 20 January

June 2012 Exams

Biology 12 June

Chemistry 15 June

Physics 20 June

Controlled Assessment Unit

• Also known as ‘Investigative Skills Assignment’ or ‘ISA’s’

• Worth 25% of the final GCSE.

• Will take a week to complete.

The ISA week

• Days 1&2 – A Hypothesis is provided Pupils plan the an investigation to test

the hypothesis.

• Day 3 – Section 1 - 45 minute written paper

Completed in class, marked by the teacher – externally moderated.

The ISA week

• Day 4 – Practical work Pupils carry out the investigation they

have devised.

• Day 5 – Section 2, 50 minute written paper

It will include questions related to their findings in the experiment.

Completed in class, marked by the teacher – externally moderated. – 40%

What is: GCSE Additional Science?

• Equal weighting given to Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

• Suitable course for pupils of all abilities

• Assessment: B2

1 hour written exam

25%

C2

1 hour written exam

25%

P3

1 hour writte

n exam

25%

CAU

25%

The Route Map of GCSE Exams

Chemistry

OR

Physics

OR

Biology

JANUARY 2013

JUNE 2013

Chemistry

OR

Physics

OR

Biology

Chemistry

OR

Physics

OR

Biology

OCR Nationals Level 2 Award - in Science

For those pupils who respond better to continual assessment rather than exams.

Allows learners of every ability gain qualifications that represent their true understanding and ability.

How we monitor our pupils performance

How do our pupils’ monitor their performance?

What else do we do?

After school revision lessons available to all pupils prior to external exams.

Parent call – to inform you of imminent exams.

What can you do?

Be aware of looming exam dates and ensure your child is taking all steps to revise.

Use your child’s G2B to monitor their performance in external and internal exams.

Contact your child’s science teacher or Mr Barker if you have any concerns.

WHAT IS THE SPEED OF SOUND?Learning Objectives

• To inform you which science GCSE’s your child will undertake in years 10 & 11.

• To explain how your child will be assessed in their science GCSEs.

• To explain what we will do and what you can do to help your child to achieve at least their G2B in science.