the Thomas Hardye School YEAR NINE PARENTS INFORMATION SCIENCE

The Team Mr Andrew Ellison – Head of Science Dr Jeremy Rowe – Head of Biology Dr Tim Rand – Head of Physics Mr Dave Thompson– Head of Chemistry Mr Andy Sammons – BTEC Mrs Judith Wardlaw – Industry Liaison 21 science teachers 5 technicians/admin staff

LINEAR GCSE COURSES…changes to previous years no “modules” All science GCSEs start in year 9 All exams are at the end of a GCSE course No retakes of any part of the GCSE Triple award Science Double award Science Two possible Routes

TRIPLE AWARD Three separate GCSEs in science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics We follow the AQA triple award syllabus They are graded separately. Taught by two teachers in year 9 (8 lessons per fortnight) Then 3 teachers in years 10 and 11 (9 lessons per fortnight).

There are 9 examined units and three ISAs B1, B2 and B3 are all Biology units C1, C2 and C3 are all Chemistry units P1, P2 and P3 are all Physics units Very challenging – suitable for most able only Faster pace TRIPLE AWARD Weighting: Unit 1 exams = 25% Unit 2 exams = 25% Unit 3 exams = 25% ISA = 25% Weighting: Unit 1 exams = 25% Unit 2 exams = 25% Unit 3 exams = 25% ISA = 25%

CORE SCIENCE Taught in year 9 ADDITIONAL SCIENCE Taught in year 10 FURTHER ADDITIONAL SCIENCE Taught in year 11 B1B2 B3 C1C2C3 P1P2 P “TRIPLE AWARD” SCIENCE COURSE ISAs are completed at the end of year 10 and during year 11 All exams in May/June year 11

two separate science GCSEs. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are still taught separately but it leads to 2 GCSEs, not 3. Graded separately DOUBLE AWARD

Core science (B1, C1, P1) - examined summer of year 10 Additional science (B2, C2, P2) - examined summer of year 11 Slower pace than triple award Misses out B3, C3 and P3 units Core Science GCSE is completed in year 10, leaving only Additional Science (B2, C2, P2) to be examined in year 11. DOUBLE AWARD

When are the exams? CORE science is the first science GCSE. 3 exam papers, in summer of year 10. Additional Science is the second GCSE. 3 exam papers in summer of year 11. NO RETAKES!

CORE SCIENCE Taught in years 9 and 10 ADDITIONAL SCIENCE Taught in year 11 CORE ISA B1 B2 ADDITIONAL ISA C1 C2 P1 P Examined in May/June year 10 Examined in May/June year 11 “DOUBLE AWARD” SCIENCE COURSE

What are the written exams like? For both triple and double award, papers are in 2 tiers – Foundation and Higher We enter all triple award students for Higher tier. Higher ability students of the double award science are typically entered for Higher tier. BOTH TIERS CONTAIN LONG ANSWER (6 MARK) QUESTIONS

Example of a long answer question….. In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly and using specialist terms where appropriate. Describe what happens to a star much bigger than the Sun, once the star reaches the end of the ‘main sequence’ period of its life cycle. Your answer should include the names of the stages the star passes through.

What about controlled assessments? Students take an ISA – Investigative Skills Assignment in each science subject This comprises 25% of each of the Science GCSE exams (Core science, Additional science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

What does my son/daughter have to do for the ISA? Research experimental methods for a given investigation. Plan an experiment and draw a blank table of results. Under exam conditions, complete ISA paper 1 written exam paper Carry out the experiment, collecting results. Draw a graph Evaluate their method and results, then Under exam conditions, complete ISA paper 2 written exam paper

When will students take their ISAs? Skills needed, such as research skills, data analysis, practical skills and “how science works” are built into lessons and homework tasks from year 9 They will complete each Science ISA in one day off timetable. Double AwardTriple Award Core ISA taken in Y10Biology ISA in Y10 or Y11 Additional ISA taken in Y11Chemistry ISA in Y10 or Y11 Physics ISA in Y10 or Y11

How can I help my child prepare for their ISAs? Information booklet FROG AQA website SCIENCE-CONTROLLED-ASSESSMENT- LEAFLET.PDF SCIENCE-CONTROLLED-ASSESSMENT- LEAFLET.PDF

Foundation tier grades C – G Higher tier grades A* - D: longer answer questions, more data analysis, application of knowledge. Double award students can therefore still be entered for higher tier and gain up to two A* GCSEs in science.

So….triple or double…??? If borderline, better to opt for double. Two good grades better than three weak ones. Access to A levels only if GRADES are good, not by the number of grades achieved. (Many of our external students in year 12 have followed double award) A levels are built upon the Core and Additional Science. Students will not be disadvantaged if they do double.

Frequently Asked Questions: How will we decide if a student follows double or triple award? Information from middle schools CATs, teacher assessment from middle schools and results from Key stage 2 tests. All students are set this term with students of similar ability according to data we have Taught at same pace for the first term. Tests at half term (exam style questions). Test at Christmas (exam style questions) to make final decision

Can a student change groups? At the moment, all students are being taught the same content. After Christmas, we will re-set according to middle school data but also our own understanding of your child’s abilities and needs (homework and test results) Possible set changes after the internal summer exams in year 10, depending upon results.

What resources are available for my son/daughter? CGP revision guides are excellent and can be purchased from science dept at reduced price (£2.75 each) Revision notes and quizzes on bitesizebitesize

Can students get A* grades in double award? Yes! Access to grades A*-C if Higher tier paper taken. Level of entry is decided by teacher, based on work throughout years 9 and 10 Core and Additional science are graded separately.

2014 A*-C : 79%

Assessment There will be a formal class test each half term. These are composed of past exam style questions with a mark scheme produced by AQA. Tests are differentiated to allow all students to demonstrate the progress they should be making. Results to these tests will help provide information for Reviews, enable tracking of individual and group progress. It will also help us to make an informed decision about tier of entry choice for external exams.

STEM CLUBS Many STEM clubs – run by enthusiastic science teachers! Research opportunities Chance to enter competitions Chance to win CREST awards F1 in schools Fossil Club Scentsational science Earthquake detectors club Astronomy Green Fuel and Sustainability Electronics Lego league Green power Car

TRIPS FLORIDA! Science Live (O2) Southampton Uni

Astronaut Training Camp Eurospace Centre - Belgium Here’s some of the activities included in this amazing trip: ■ Complete missions on board the US Space Shuttle… ■ Practise on the multi-axis chair, Moon gravity simulator and the zero gravity wall… ■ Build and launch rockets and satellites… ■ learn about the solar system, space exploration and everyday life and work in space…