KS4 Science
GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science
This Course is concept-led developed to meet the needs of students seeking a deeper understanding of basic scientific ideas. The course focuses on scientific explanations, scientific models and the work of scientists.
Additional (Applied)
This course will develop students’ practical competence and problem-solving abilities in work-related contexts. The focus is on the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to achieve reliable and meaningful results from investigative Science. This course may be more appropriate for those students interested in post-16 courses, which involve the practice of Science, including a range of AS/A-levels as well as vocational courses.
Assessment
Assessmant for each of the courses is flexible. It has also been designed to ensure that the assessment in each course is fit for purpose – it suits the aims of the course, and the students, here’s the outline:
GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science
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Three question papers of short, objective-style questions, each testing three modules. These papers may be sat in either January or June, and are set and marked by OCR. (Total marks = 50%)
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An ‘Ideas in Context’ paper, taken at the end of the course, set and marked by OCR. This is not a synoptic paper, and is based on pre-release material. (Total marks = 16.7%)
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Internal assessment, developed to be part of normal teaching and learning, teacher-marked and moderated by OCR. (Total marks = 33.3%)
For GCSE Science there is a Case Study (20%), where students look closely at a topical science-based issue. Students can report their findings in a variety of ways, for example, written report, PowerPoint presentation, public information leaflet, script for a radio interview etc. This varied approach is both very motivating for students, and well-suited to fit into your normal teaching. Practical work is an important aspect of the course, and in the second element of internal assessment, Data Analysis (13.3%), students interpretation and evaluation skills are recorded. This activity is not assessing students planning or collection of the data, and again should be part of normal teaching and learning.
For GCSE Additional Science there is a Practical Investigation. There is no prediction hoop for students to jump through. This opens up the possibility for more open-ended investigations should they wish to do them.
GCSE Additional Applied Science
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Three question papers of short, objective-style questions, each testing one module. These papers may be sat in either January or June, and are set and marked by OCR. (Total marks = 50%)
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Internal assessment has been reduced in extent in the light of feedback from Pilot schools, and is now streamlined to a Work-Related Portfolio comprising of six standard procedures (one from each module (12%), a suitability test (21%), and a work-related report (17%).
