GCSE
Applied Science Single Award
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Studying the GCSE Applied Science (Single Award) to provides insight into, and experience of how science works, whilst stimulating learners' curiosity and encouraging them to develop an understanding of science, its applications and its relationship to the individual and society. This GCSE is not designed to enable progression to level 3 qualifications in Science. This WJEC GCSE Applied Science (Single Award) specification will enable learners to develop:
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Unit 1 |
Unit 2 |
Unit 3 |
Unit 4 |
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What students will learn and the weighting of the exam |
SCIENCE IN THE MODERN WORLD
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of qualification
Exam in the summer of Year 10
This unit includes the following topics:
1.1 Modern living and energy 1.1.1 Underpinning energy concepts 1.1.2 Generating electricity 1.1.3 Making use of energy 1.1.4 Building electric circuits
1.2 Obtaining resources from our planet 1.2.1 Obtaining clean water 1.2.2 Our planet 1.2.3 Producing useful compounds in the laboratory
1.3 Our planet 1.3.1 Our place in the Universe 1.3.2 World of life 1.3.3 Transfer and recycling of nutrients
1.4 Protecting our environment
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SCIENCE TO SUPPORT OUR LIFESTYLES
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 30% of qualification
Exam in the summer of Year 11
This unit includes the following topics:
2.1 Health, fitness and sport 2.1.1 Factors affecting human health 2.1.2 Diagnosis and treatment 2.1.3 Fighting disease 2.1.4 Exercise and fitness in humans
2.2 Controlling processes 2.2.1 Controlling chemical reactions 2.2.2 Controlling nuclear reactions |
TASK BASED ASSESSMENT
20% of qualification
Assessment to be undertaken between Nov-Dec of Year 11
ACTIVITY 1 - Carrying out a practical investigation in an applied scientific context (45 marks)
Learners will formulate a plan, analyse and evaluate data, under a high level of control. Learners must work individually and no teacher feedback or assistance is allowed. When obtaining results, learners will be permitted to work in groups of no more than three, under a limited level of control (provided their plans are sufficiently similar). Teacher assistance should not normally be required but may be given if equipment failure occurs. Activity 1 will be completed in three sessions of 60 minutes duration.
ACTIVITY 2 - Analysis of data in an applied scientific context (15 marks) Activity 2 will be carried out under a high level of control and will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. Learners must work individually and no teacher feedback or assistance is allowed. Learners will analyse data which will allow them to develop the skills that enable them to:
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PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
10% of qualification
Assessment to be undertaken between Jan-Feb of Year 11
Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks)
Learners will be permitted to work in groups of no more than three, to obtain results from a given experimental method. This will be carried out under a limited level of control i.e. learners may work with others to obtain results but they must provide their own responses to the questions set. Teacher assistance should not normally be required, but may be given if equipment failure occurs. Section A will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration.
Section B - Analysing and evaluating results (24 marks)
Learners will be assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate the data obtained in section A. They will require access to their section A assessment in order to complete this. Section B will be carried out under a high level of control i.e. learners must work individually. This section is to be completed with no teacher feedback or assistance allowed and under formal supervision. Section B will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration.
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In Unit 1 and Unit 2 exams, learners must:
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO3 Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
The table below shows the weighting of each assessment objective for each unit and the qualification as a whole.
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Key vocabulary: Essential words for students to be able to explain and use |
The document from the link below is essential in allowing pupils access to key terms used in the development and evaluation of specified practicals. It is an invaluable revision resource in preparation for Unit 3 – the practical assessment. |
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Skills |
There are many skills listed in the exam syllabus. Please see Appendix A and B of the syllabus for a summary of the mathematical and practical skills required. Use the link below. |
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Additional Resources |
Please use the link below to access
tredegarschoolcomy.sharepoint.com Please note – a QR code will be provided in parents evening and in each newsletter. This QR code will provide additional resources to aid revision. These resources cannot be linked to this document due to copyright issues as the website is open to the general public. |
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How parents can help |
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Extra-curricular opportunities & visits |
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Homework expectations |
Homework will be set by individual teachers at a time which best suits the scheme of work. This should be completed to the best of the pupils’ ability. |
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Double Award Science
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WJEC Double Award Science encourages learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, science and to recognise its importance in their own lives and to society. Studying GCSE Science (Double Award) provides the foundations for understanding the material world. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all learners should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They should be helped to appreciate how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a small number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are both inter-linked and are of universal application. These key ideas include:
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Year 10 modules |
Unit 1 |
Unit 2 |
Unit 3 |
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What students will learn and the weighting of the exam
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BIOLOGY 1
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 15% of qualification
Exam in the summer of Year 10
This unit includes the following topics: 1.1 Cells and movement across membranes 1.2 Respiration and the respiratory system in humans 1.3 Digestion and the digestive system in humans 1.4 Circulatory system in humans 1.5 Plants and photosynthesis 1.6 Ecosystems and human impact on the environment |
CHEMISTRY 1
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 15% of qualification
Exam in the summer of Year 10
This unit includes the following topics: 2.1 The nature of substances and chemical reactions 2.2 Atomic structure and the Periodic Table 2.3 Water 2.4 The ever-changing Earth 2.5 Rate of chemical change |
PHYSICS 1
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 15% of qualification
Exam in the summer of Year 10
This unit includes the following topics: 3.1 Electric circuits 3.2 Generating electricity 3.3 Making use of energy 3.4 Domestic electricity 3.5 Features of waves |
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Year 11 modules |
Unit 4 |
Unit 5 |
Unit 6 |
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What students will learn and the weighting of the exam
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BIOLOGY 2
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 15% of qualification
Exam in the summer of Year 11
This unit includes the following topics:
4.1 Classification and biodiversity 4.2 Cell division and stem cells 4.3 DNA and inheritance 4.4 Variation and evolution 4.5 Response and regulation 4.6 Disease, defence and treatment |
CHEMISTRY 2
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 15% of qualification
Exam in the summer of Year 11
This unit includes the following topics:
5.1 Bonding, structure and properties 5.2 Acids, bases and salts 5.3 Metals and their extraction 5.4 Chemical reactions and energy 5.5 Crude oil, fuels and carbon compounds |
PHYSICS 2
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 15% of qualification
Exam in the summer of Year 11
This unit includes the following topics:
6.1 Distance, speed and acceleration 6.2 Newton's laws 6.3 Work and energy 6.4 Stars and planets 6.5 Types of radiation 6.6 Half-life |
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Unit 7 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
2 Practical assessments: 1 hour each. Both followed by a written exam: 1 hour each. 10% of qualification overall
Exam any time from the first week of January to the second week of February in Year 11 This assessment gives learners the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work scientifically. This will include experimental skills and strategies and skills in analysis and evaluation.
The tasks will be externally marked by WJEC and will change on an annual basis. |
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Key assessments |
In Units 1 and Unit 6 exams, learners must:
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO3 Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
The table below shows the weighting of each assessment objective for each unit and the qualification as a whole. |
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In Unit 7, learners must complete Section A and Section B
Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks) Learners will be permitted to work in groups of no more than three, to obtain results from a given experimental method. This will be carried out under a limited level of control i.e. learners may work with others to obtain results but they must provide their own responses to the questions set. Teacher assistance should not normally be required, but may be given if equipment failure occurs. Section A will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. Section B - Analysing and evaluating results (24 marks) Learners will be assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate the data obtained in section A. They will require access to their section A assessment in order to complete this. Section B will be carried out under a high level of control i.e. learners must work individually. This section is to be completed with no teacher feedback or assistance allowed and under formal supervision. Section B will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. |
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Key vocabulary: Essential words for students to be able to explain and use |
The document from the link below is essential in allowing pupils access to key terms used in the development and evaluation of specified practicals. It is an invaluable revision resource in preparation for Unit 3 – the practical assessment. |
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Skills |
There are many skills listed in the exam syllabus. Please see Appendix A and B of the syllabus for a summary of the mathematical and practical skills required. Use the link below. |
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Additional Resources |
Please use the link below to access
tredegarschoolcomy.sharepoint.com
Please note – a QR code will be provided in parents evening and in each newsletter. This QR code will provide additional resoucres to aid revision. These resources cannot be linked to this document due to copyright issues as the website is open to the general public. |
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How parents can help
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Extra-curricular opportunities & visits
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Homework expectations
Homework will be set by individual teachers at a time which best suits the scheme of work. This should be completed to the best of the pupils’ ability. |
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Separate Award Science - Biology
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Studying GCSE Biology provides the foundations for understanding the material world. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all learners should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They should be helped to appreciate how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a small number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are both inter-linked, and are of universal application. These key ideas include:
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Unit 1 |
Unit 2 |
Unit 3 |
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What students will learn and the weighting of the exam |
CELLS, ORGAN SYSTEMS and ECOSYSTEMS
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 45% of qualification
Exams in the summer of Year 10
This unit includes the following topics:
1.1 Cells and movement across membranes 1.2 Respiration and the respiratory system in humans 1.3 Digestion and the digestive system in humans 1.4 Circulatory system in humans 1.5 Plants and photosynthesis 1.6 Ecosystems, nutrient cycles and human impact on the environment |
VARIATION, HOMEOSTASIS and MICRO-ORGANISMS
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 45% of qualification
Exams in the summer of Year 11
This unit includes the following topics:
2.1 Classification and biodiversity 2.2 Cell division and stem cells 2.3 DNA and inheritance 2.4 Variation and evolution 2.5 Response and regulation 2.6 Kidneys and homeostasis 2.7 Micro-organisms and their applications 2.8 Disease, defence and treatment |
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
Practical assessment: 1 hour. Written exam: 1 hour. 10% of qualification
Exam any time from the first week of January to the second week of February in Year 11 This assessment gives learners the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work scientifically. This will include experimental skills and strategies and skills in analysis and evaluation.
The tasks will be externally marked by WJEC and will change on an annual basis. |
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Key assessments |
In Unit 1 and Unit 2 exams, learners must:
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO3 Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: · make judgements and reach conclusions · develop and refine practical design and procedures
The table below shows the weighting of each assessment objective for each unit and the qualification as a whole.
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Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks) Learners will be permitted to work in groups of no more than three, to obtain results from a given experimental method. This will be carried out under a limited level of control i.e. learners may work with others to obtain results but they must provide their own responses to the questions set. Teacher assistance should not normally be required, but may be given if equipment failure occurs. Section A will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. Section B - Analysing and evaluating results (24 marks) Learners will be assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate the data obtained in section A. They will require access to their section A assessment in order to complete this. Section B will be carried out under a high level of control i.e. learners must work individually. This section is to be completed with no teacher feedback or assistance allowed and under formal supervision. Section B will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. |
||||
|
Key vocabulary: Essential words for students to be able to explain and use |
The document from the link below is essential in allowing pupils access to key terms used in the development and evaluation of specified practicals. It is an invaluable revision resource in preparation for Unit 3 – the practical assessment.
|
|||||
|
Skills |
There are many skills listed in the exam syllabus. Please see Appendix A and B of the syllabus for a summary of the mathematical and practical skills required. Use the link below. |
|||||
|
Additional Resources |
Please use the link below to access
tredegarschoolcomy.sharepoint.com Please note – a QR code will be provided in parents evening and in each newsletter. This QR code will provide additional resoucres to aid revision. These resources cannot be linked to this document due to copyright issues as the website is open to the general public. |
|||||
|
How parents can help Provide your child with a scientific calculator
Actively encourage your child to use the resource link above. Familiarise yourselves with what is available in the resource link above and help your child to plan how they will best use the material provided.
Ask your child to show you their GCSE Pod accounts and their school email. This way you will know that he/she is actively using the valuable resources that will help them to revise effectively. |
Extra-curricular opportunities & visits
To be announced as and when opportunites arise
Science Ambassadors represent the department. When positions become available, pupils will be invited to put forward their application
Science Ambassadors will be trained in the use of Virtual Reality headsets, they will then run a VR after school club for pupils
A STEM book club runs for Science Ambassadors |
Homework expectations
Homework will be set by individual teachers at a time which best suits the scheme of work. This should be completed to the best of the pupils’ ability. |
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Separate Award Science - Chemistry
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Studying GCSE Chemistry provides the foundations for understanding the material world. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all learners should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They should be helped to appreciate how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a small number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are both inter-linked, and are of universal application. These key ideas include:
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Unit 1 |
Unit 2 |
Unit 3 |
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What students will learn and the weighting of the exam |
CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES, REACTIONS and ESSENTIAL RESOURCES
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes. 45% of overall qualification
Exams in the summer of Year 10
This unit includes the following topics:
1.1 The nature of substances and chemical reactions 1.2 Atomic structure and the Periodic Table 1.3 Water 1.4 The ever-changing Earth 1.5 Rate of chemical change 1.6 Limestone |
CHEMICAL BONDING, APPLICATION OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes. 45% of qualification
Exams in the summer of Year 11
This unit includes the following topics:
2.1 Bonding, structure and properties 2.2 Acids, bases and salts 2.3 Metals and their extraction 2.4 Chemical reactions and energy 2.5 Crude oil, fuels and organic chemistry 2.6 Reversible reactions, industrial processes and important chemicals |
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
Practical assessment: 1 hour. Written exam: 1 hour. 10% of qualification
Exam any time from the first week of January to the second week of February in Year 11 This assessment gives learners the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work scientifically. This will include experimental skills and strategies and skills in analysis and evaluation.
The tasks will be externally marked by WJEC and will change on an annual basis. |
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|
Key assessments |
In Unit 1 and Unit 2 exams, learners must:
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO3 Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
The table below shows the weighting of each assessment objective for each unit and the qualification as a whole.
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Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks) Learners will be permitted to work in groups of no more than three, to obtain results from a given experimental method. This will be carried out under a limited level of control i.e. learners may work with others to obtain results but they must provide their own responses to the questions set. Teacher assistance should not normally be required, but may be given if equipment failure occurs. Section A will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. Section B - Analysing and evaluating results (24 marks) Learners will be assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate the data obtained in section A. They will require access to their section A assessment in order to complete this. Section B will be carried out under a high level of control i.e. learners must work individually. This section is to be completed with no teacher feedback or assistance allowed and under formal supervision. Section B will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. |
||||
|
Key vocabulary: Essential words for students to be able to explain and use |
The document from the link below is essential in allowing pupils access to key terms used in the development and evaluation of specified practicals. It is an invaluable revision resource in preparation for Unit 3 – the practical assessment. |
|||||
|
Skills |
There are many skills listed in the exam syllabus. Please see Appendix A and B of the syllabus for a summary of the mathematical and practical skills required. Use the link below. |
|||||
|
Additional Resources |
Please use the link below to access
https://tredegarschoolcomy.sharepoint.com Please note – a QR code will be provided in parents evening and in each newsletter. This QR code will provide additional resoucres to aid revision. These resources cannot be linked to this document due to copyright issues as the website is open to the general public. |
|||||
|
How parents can help
|
Extra-curricular opportunities & visits
|
Homework expectations
Homework will be set by individual teachers at a time which best suits the scheme of work. This should be completed to the best of the pupils’ ability. |
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Separate Award Science - Physics
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Studying GCSE Physics provides the foundations for understanding the material world. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all learners should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They should be helped to appreciate how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a small number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are both inter-linked, and are of universal application. These key ideas include:
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Unit 1 |
Unit 2 |
Unit 3 |
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What students will learn and the weighting of the exam |
ELECTRICITY, ENERGY and WAVES
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 45% of qualification
Exams in the summer of Year 10
This unit includes the following topics: 1.1 Electric circuits 1.2 Generating electricity 1.3 Making use of energy 1.4 Domestic electricity 1.5 Features of waves 1.6 The total internal reflection of waves 1.7 Seismic waves 1.8 Kinetic theory 1.9 Electromagnetism |
FORCES, SPACE and RADIOACTIVITY
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 45% of qualification
Exams in the summer of Year 11
This unit includes the following topics: 2.1 Distance, speed and acceleration 2.2 Newton's laws 2.3 Work and energy 2.4 Further motion concepts 2.5 Stars and planets 2.6 The Universe 2.7 Types of radiation 2.8 Half-life 2.9 Nuclear decay and nuclear energy |
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
Practical assessment: 1 hour. Written exam: 1 hour. 10% of qualification
Exam any time from the first week of January to the second week of February in Year 11 This assessment gives learners the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work scientifically. This will include experimental skills and strategies and skills in analysis and evaluation.
The tasks will be externally marked by WJEC and will change on an annual basis. |
|||
|
Key assessments |
In Unit 1 and Unit 2 exams, learners must: AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures AO3 Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: · make judgements and reach conclusions · develop and refine practical design and procedures The table below shows the weighting of each assessment objective for each unit and the qualification as a whole.
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Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks) Learners will be permitted to work in groups of no more than three, to obtain results from a given experimental method. This will be carried out under a limited level of control i.e. learners may work with others to obtain results but they must provide their own responses to the questions set. Teacher assistance should not normally be required, but may be given if equipment failure occurs. Section A will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. Section B - Analysing and evaluating results (24 marks) Learners will be assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate the data obtained in section A. They will require access to their section A assessment in order to complete this. Section B will be carried out under a high level of control i.e. learners must work individually. This section is to be completed with no teacher feedback or assistance allowed and under formal supervision. Section B will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. |
||||
|
Key vocabulary: Essential words for students to be able to explain and use |
The document from the link below is essential in allowing pupils access to key terms used in the development and evaluation of specified practicals. It is an invaluable revision resource in preparation for Unit 3 – the practical assessment. |
|||||
|
Skills |
There are many skills listed in the exam syllabus. Please see Appendix A and B of the syllabus for a summary of the mathematical and practical skills required. Use the link below. |
|||||
|
Additional Resources |
Please use the link below to access · a Padlet platform with revision links for each topic · exam syllabus · WJEC Question Bank link – past paper and mark scheme access · Careers in STEM links · Revision guide links https://tredegarschoolcomy.sharepoint.com Please note – a QR code will be provided in parents evening and in each newsletter. This QR code will provide additional resoucres to aid revision. These resources cannot be linked to this document due to copyright issues as the website is open to the general public. |
|||||
|
How parents can help Provide your child with a scientific calculator
Actively encourage your child to use the resource link above. Familiarise yourselves with what is available in the resource link above and help your child to plan how they will best use the material provided.
Ask your child to show you their GCSE Pod accounts and their school email. This way you will know that he/she is actively using the valuable resources that will help them to revise effectively. |
Extra-curricular opportunities & visits
To be announced as and when opportunites arise
Science Ambassadors represent the department. When positions become available, pupils will be invited to put forward their application
Science Ambassadors will be trained in the use of Virtual Reality headsets, they will then run a VR after school club for pupils
A STEM book club runs for Science Ambassadors |
Homework expectations
Homework will be set by individual teachers at a time which best suits the scheme of work. This should be completed to the best of the pupils’ ability. |
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GCSE Resources
Specimen papers Y10 and Y11 plus practical
Y10 Separate Award Chemistry Past Papers
Y10 Separate Award Biology Past Papers
Y10 Separate Award Physics Past Papers
- Biology Syllabus
- Chemistry Syllabus
- Double Award Syllabus
- Physics Syllabus
- Single Award Applied Science Syllabus
WJEC Exam Walk Throughs
Aimed at learners, these Exam Walk Throughs resources offer practical hints and tips on how to effectively approach questions in examination papers. Using questions from past exam papers, each PPT with audio help and audio script in the notes will walk you through a mock examination paper, helping you revise and practise useful exam techniques. You can complete the “mock” in a single sitting, tackle one or two questions at a time or revisit some parts of the presentation to reinforce your learning.
Make sure you download the PPT to ensure the audio function works effectively, make sure your speakers /headphones are on and don’t forget to ask your teacher if there is anything you are unsure of.
CLICK HERE
January Practical Exam
Revision Guides - Year 10
Revision Guides - Year 11
CGP Revision Guide Links
Separate Award Biology Y10 & Y11 Book
Separate Award Chemistry Y10 & Y11 Book
Separate Award Physics Y10 & Y11 Book
Double Award Science (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) Y10 & Y11 Book