GCSE

Applied Science Double Award

Purpose of the course

Studying the GCSE Applied Science (Double Award) 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. It should also prepare candidates to make informed decisions about further study and training opportunities in applied science.

This WJEC GCSE Applied Science (Double Award) specification will enable learners to develop:

essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of science and how they relate to each other
knowledge and understanding of science and its applications
interest in, and enthusiasm for science, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with science
competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
understanding of the scientific process
practical, problem-solving, enquiry and scientific modelling skills and understanding in laboratory, and work-related contexts
understanding of the relationships between data, evidence and explanations and their ability to evaluate scientific methods, evidence and conclusions
understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues
communication, mathematical and technological skills in scientific contexts

What students will learn and the weighting of the exam

Unit 1

ENERGY, RESOURCES and the ENVIRONMENT

Written examination:

1 hour 30 minutes

22.5% of qualification

Exam in the summer of Year 10

This unit includes the following topics:

1.1 Energy and life

1.1.1 The cell and respiration

1.1.2 Obtaining the materials for respiration

1.2 Modern living and energy

1.2.1 Underpinning energy concepts

1.2.2 Generating electricity

1.2.3 Making use of energy

1.2.4 Building electric circuits

1.3 Obtaining resources from our planet

1.3.1 Obtaining clean water

1.3.2 Our planet

1.3.3 Producing useful compounds in the laboratory

Unit 2

SPACE, HEALTH and LIFE

Written examination:

1 hour 30 minutes

22.5% of qualification

Exam in the summer of Year 10

This unit includes the following topics:

2.1. Our planet

2.1.1 Our place in the Universe

2.1.2 World of life

2.1.3 Transfer and recycling of nutrients

2.2. Protecting our environment

2.3. Health, fitness and sport

2.3.1 Factors affecting human health

2.3.2 Diagnosis and treatment

2.3.3 Fighting disease

2.3.4 Exercise and fitness in humans

Unit 3

FOOD, MATERIALS and PROCESSES

Written examination:

1 hour 30 minutes

25% of qualification

Exam in the summer 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:

use mathematical methods to analyse data
draw evidence-based conclusions
assess the quality of evidence given
evaluate methods
suggest improvements.

Unit 4

TASK BASED ASSESSMENT

20% of qualification

Exam in the summer of Year 11

The assessment consists of three activities:

ACTIVITY 1 - Carrying out a practical investigation in an applied scientific

context (35 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

ACTIVITY 2 - Analysis of data in an applied scientific context (15 marks)

This will be carried out under a high level of control and will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. Learners must work invididually and no teacher

feedback or assistance is allowed.

Learners will analyse data which will allow them to develop the skills that enable them to:

use mathematical methods to analyse data
draw evidence-based conclusions
assess the quality of evidence given
evaluate methods
suggest improvements

ACTIVITY 3 - Risk assessment (10 marks)

This will be carried out under a high level of control and will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration. Learners must work invididually and no teacher

feedback or assistance is allowed.

Learners will assess risks associated with the collection of numerical and other data

and manage risks when using practical techniques, carrying out standard procedures

and solving practical problems. They will develop the skills to enable them to:

use chemical 'safety sheets' to identify chemical hazards
identify the risks that arise from carrying out procedures
suggest control measures to reduce risk
carry out risk assessments
follow health and safety procedures to manage risk.

Unit 5

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

10% of qualification

This assessment will be undertaken between Jan-Feb of Year 11

Each task comprises two sections:

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.

In Units 1-3 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.

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.

tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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.

https://tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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

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.

Applied Science Single Award

Purpose of the course

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:

knowledge and understanding of key areas of science and its application
interest in, and enthusiasm for science
competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
understanding of the scientific process
practical, problem-solving, enquiry and scientific modelling skills and understanding in laboratory, and work-related contexts
understanding of the relationships between data, evidence and explanations and their ability to evaluate scientific methods, evidence and conclusions
understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues
communication, mathematical and technological skills in scientific contexts.

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

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

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

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:

use mathematical methods to analyse data
draw evidence-based conclusions
assess the quality of evidence given
evaluate methods
suggest improvements.

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.

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.

Key vocabulary:

Essential words for students to be able to explain and use

tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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.

tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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

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.

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.

BTEC Science

SOW_BTEC Applications of Science Award

Double Award Science

Purpose of the course

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:

the use of conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena
the assumption that every effect has one or more cause
that change is driven by differences between different objects and systems when they interact
that many such interactions occur over a distance without direct contact
that science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review
that quantitative analysis is a central element both of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry.

Year 10 modules

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

What students will learn and the weighting of the exam

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

Year 11 modules

Unit 4

Unit 5

Unit 6

What students will learn and the weighting of the exam

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

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.

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:

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.

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.

Key vocabulary:

Essential words for students to be able to explain and use

tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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.

tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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

tredegarschoolcomy.sharepoint.com

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 opportunities 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.

Separate Award Science - Biology

Purpose of the course

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:

the use of conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena
the assumption that every effect has one or more cause
that change is driven by differences between different objects and systems when they interact
that many such interactions occur over a distance without direct contact
that science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review
that quantitative analysis is a central element both of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry.

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

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.

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.

Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks)

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

tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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.

https://tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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

tredegarschoolcomy.sharepoint.com

How parents can help

Provide your child with a scientific calculator

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.

Separate Award Science - Chemistry

Purpose of the course

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:

the use of conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena
the assumption that every effect has one or more cause
that change is driven by differences between different objects and systems when they interact
that many such interactions occur over a distance without direct contact
that science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review
that quantitative analysis is a central element both of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry.

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

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.

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.

Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks)

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

https://tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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.

https://tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

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

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.

Separate Award Science - Physics

Purpose of the course

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:

the use of conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena
the assumption that every effect has one or more cause
that change is driven by differences between different objects and systems when they interact
that many such interactions occur over a distance without direct contact
that science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review
that quantitative analysis is a central element both of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry.

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

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.

Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks)

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

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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

· 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

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How parents can help

Provide your child with a scientific calculator

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.