St Andrew the apostle Greek orthodox secondary school

ST ANDREW THE APOSTLE GREEK ORTHODOX SECONDARY SCHOOL GCSE PRESENTATION EVENING SCIENCE INTRODUCTION AQA AQA believe that science has something to suit students of all abilities and aspirations. AQA have developed a new, accredited GCSE course, and with this philosophy in mind: with first exams in 2018, theyll engage and challenge students to reach their scientific potential. Over 1000 teachers have helped create the new qualifications through surveys, focus groups, papers, and resource development COURSE INFORMATION GCSE Biology,

Chemistry & Physics Commonly known as triple science. Worth 3 GCSEs More demanding than the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy course as there is more content to learn. GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Commonly known as double science. Worth 2 GCSEs Less content than the triple science course. PREPARATION FOR GCSE Year 9 All students will be placed on the triple science

course. Four groups At the end of the year students will be evaluated based on their progress and ability, and a decision will be made as to whether they continue with the triple science or move on to the Trilogy course (Double). Year 10 Currently three triple science groups and one double science group. At the end of year 10 students on the triple science course will be evaluated and those capable will continue triple science. Those not, will be considered for the Trilogy Science course.

The same will happen for current Trilogy students, but support will be put in place to catch up on topics missed for students moving on to triple Year 11 The courses students are on at this stage will be final. Only under exceptional circumstances will students be considered for triple science and support will be put in place for that. At the end of the year students will be evaluated for each discipline based on GCSE results. A decision will be made as to whether they can choose the discipline they want for A-Level. PREPARATION FOR GCSE CONTINUED

Year 9 There are currently four groups with all students considered for triple science. One advance group, two intermediate groups and one developing group. Each group has four science lessons per week: 2 single lessons and one Year 10 Year 11 Three groups considered for triple science and one group considered for double science.

All four groups are studying the same topics. Triple science will need to learn the topics over the space of one year. Double over two years. Three double lessons Triple science will learn the extra topics not taught in double science. Double science will revisit weaker topics and develop practical and revision techniques. ASSESSMENTS There will be rigorous assessments throughout the year to analyse student

attainment & progress. Triple Science: 6 exam papers (2 per discipline). 1hr 45mins each. Each paper worth 50% of final grade. In addition, triple science students are required to complete 28 practical activities, which they will be assessed on a selection of them in their exams. Double Science: 6 exam papers (2 per discipline). 1hr 15mins each. Each paper worth 16.7% of final grade. In addition, double science students are required to complete 21 practical activities, which they will be assessed on a selection of them in their exams. RESOURCES AQA GCSE, Biology Third Edition, OUP (Chemistry & Physics separate) AQA GCSE, Biology for GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy, Third Edition, OUP (Chemistry & Physics separate) CGP New Grade 9-1 GCSE Biology AQA Complete Revision & Practice CGP New Grade 9-1 GCSE Biology for AQA: Student Book CGP New Grade 9-1 GCSE Biology: AQA Exam Practice Workbook CGP New GCSE Biology: AQA Answers (for Exam Practice Workbook)

The same books can be purchased for Chemistry and Physics. They can also be purchased for the Combined Science Trilogy course. GCSE Bitesize SUPPORT Homework Club Teacher Drop In Sessions Science Workshops Student-Parent Workshops EXPECTATIONS STUDENTS Attendance 100% (unless physically unable to move) Get to lesson on time Complete ALL homework given on time See teacher for any helpDO NOT LEAVE IT (even if everyone else in the class understands) In addition to the required equipment please have:

Scientific calculator Non-permanent marker Glue stick Revise every week on the lesson you have had using additional resources PARENT Support your child as best as you can with homework and revision Support your child in getting to school on time Allow your child to have small breaks in between revision Attend any parent workshops if you can Contact class teacher (in the first instance) or myself if you have any concerns