Your guide to GCSE Science

Transcription

1 Yor gide to Igniting yor passion for B Physics Biology dditional Pathways pplied Level 1 and 2 (CF) dditional pplied Eight good reasons to choose WJEC No nnecessary changes to the content Increased flexibility enables candidates to combine tier nits along the way Bilt on WJEC s strengths, identified by reglators in the s review last year Developed in consltation with teachers, examiners and academic instittions Free new online resorces, inclding interactive Teachers Gides and tagged exam qestions Free CPD training corses pproachable, personal spport from or sbject specialist and administrative staff Making science relevant to stdents life and work

2 welcome! Eight new specifications 1 Stdents develop their nderstanding of science and scientific processes The prpose of this brochre is to introdce or specifications accredited for teaching from September The new specifications have been refreshed and dditional Frther develops scientific concepts Biology Physics Separate sbjects, designed to inspire, motivate and challenge B in the context of life and work dditional pplied Develops knowledge and skills in vocational contexts Pathways pplied, Level 1 and 2 (CF) Develops knowledge and skills in vocational contexts pdated to bild on the strengths identified in the most recent review by reglators. There are no nnecessary changes to content bt consltation with teachers and academic instittions has led to the inclsion of some new material which appropriately reflects the processes and techniqes sed by scientists working today. Changes to WJEC s - at a glance Increased qalification provision which allows mixing and matching of qalifications to meet learners needs Controlled ssessment replaces corsework We are introdcing a new B specification Site of qalifications caters for a range of teaching styles and allows progression throgh a variety of rotes Very manageable reqirements for controlled assessment, advocating a realistic se of time and resorces Brand new WJEC Pathways qalification set in a vocational context Strctres of assessment and separate science sbjects Biology Physics We have retained and even increased the flexibility of or specifications, enabling candidates to combine fond - ation and higher tier nits to change levels along the way. We are also dditional Biology 1 Biology 2 Biology 3 Biology (1 ) %) (1 ) Physics 3 Physics (1 ) 3 short tasks 1 investigation (1 ) (1 ) introdcing an exciting new Pathways qalification in pplied. B and dditional pplied B dditional pplied Space, Energy & Life (50%) at Work (40%) & Life in the Modern World Unit 3 Developing Skills in (1 ) Skills at Work (60%) (1 ) External assessment Internal assessment alification and B candidates may also take dditional or dditional pplied.

3 Covers the complsory National Crriclm Programme of Stdy for in England and Wales - an ideal preparation for stdents progressing to dditional or dditional pplied. Stdents learn abot the processes ndertaken by the scientific commnity to validate their knowledge of the world, and investigate ways in which science impacts on society - and vice versa. Biology 1 daptation, Evoltion and Body Maintenance Variety of Life, daptation & Competition Monitoring the Environment, Energy Flow & Ntrient Transfer Inheritance Variation Evoltion Response & Reglation Health 1 The Earth and its Resorces Elements & the Periodic Table Componds Metals Non-metals Reactions of cids The Prodction & ses of Fels & Plastics The Ever-changing Earth Energy, Radiation and the Universe Generation of Transmission of Energy Spply & the Home Energy Transfer The Characteristics of Waves Ionising Radiation The Solar System & its Place in an Evolving Universe Controlled ssessment Three short, crosssbject exercises based pon sbject content of Biology 1, 1 and Research & se of Information Practical work & Hypothesis testing Experimental Techniqes & Safety SCIENCE Biology, and Physics These separate qalifications allow highly motivated stdents to explore the individal sbjects in greater depth. Two of the nits in each sbject are common to and dditional, so stdents have the flexibility to delay their final decisions ntil learning is well nder way. Topics are designed to inspire and enthse stdents with their contemporary relevance and vital importance in today s society. Biology 1 daptation, Evoltion and Body Maintenance Variety of Life, daptation & Competition Monitoring the Environment, Energy Flow & Ntrient Transfer Inheritance Variation Evoltion Response & Reglation Health 1 hor examination Biology 2 Cells and Metabolism, Digestion and Respiration, Biodiversity Cells & Cell Processes Sbstances Enter & Leave Cells throgh the Cell Membrane Photosynthesis Respiration Digestion Respiratory System Biodiversity & Environment 1 hor examination Biology 3 Transport in Plants and nimals, Homeostasis, Microorganisms and Disease Plants, Water & Ntrients Blood & Circlation Nervos System Role of the Kidney in Homeostasis Microorganisms & Disease Microorganisms & their pplications 1 hor examination Biology Investigation Candidates mst complete one scientific investigation, based on the sbject content of Biology Units 1, 2 and 3. The strctre is: Introdctory/ backgrond experimental work Investigatory planning & research Investigation & report Controlled assessment approx 6 8 hors BIOLOGY 1 hor examination 1 hor examination dditional 1 hor examination Bilds on, increasing the depth of scientific concepts stdents have already learned. Stdents refine their research skills, stdy the effects of science on society, develop their awareness of risk and nderstand the importance of scale in science. Biology 2 Cells and Metabolism, Digestion and Respiration, Biodiversity Cells & Cell Processes Sbstances Enter & Leave Cells throgh the Cell Membrane Photosynthesis Respiration Digestion Respiratory System Biodiversity & Environment I hor examination 2 toms, Bonding and Chemical Change tomic Strctre & the Periodic table Reactions of lkali Metals & Halogens Chemical Bonding, Strctre & Properties Rate of Chemical Change Basic Organic Chemical Calclations Water 1 hor examination, Forces and Nclear Physics Simple Electrical Circits Distance, Speed and cceleration The Effect of Forces Interactions between Objects The Half-Life of Radioactive Materials & the Natre of Nclear Radiations Nclear Strctre, Fission & Fsion 1 hor examination 3-4 hors 63 marks dditional One investigation chosen from a list of three, each based pon the sbject content of Biology 2, 2 and (controlled assessment) approx 6-8 hors DDITIONL SCIENCE 1 The Earth and its Resorces Elements & the Periodic Table Componds Metals Non-metals Reactions of cids The Prodction & Uses of Fels & Plastics The Ever-Changing Earth 1 hor examination Energy, Radiation and the Universe Generation of Transmission of Energy Spply & the Home Energy Transfer The Characteristics of Waves Ionising Radiation The Solar System & its Place in an Evolving Universe 1 hor examination 2 toms, Bonding and Chemical Change tomic Strctre & the Periodic Table Reactions of lkali Metals & Halogens Chemical Bonding, Strctre & Properties Rate of Chemical Change Basic Organic Chemical Calclations Water 1 hor examination, Forces and Nclear Physics Simple Electrical Circits Distance, Speed & cceleration The Effect of Forces Interactions between objects The half life of Radioactive Materials & the Natre of Nclear Radiations Nclear Strctre, Fission & Fsion 1 hor examination 3 The Chemical Indstry and nalysis dditional Organic Reversible Reactions, Indstrial Processes & Important Chemicals Titration & Mole Calclations Limestone Chemical nalysis 1 hor examination Physics 3 Electromagnetism, Waves, Kinetic Theory, Ncleosynthesis Electromagnetism The Properties of Waves & their se in investigating the strctre of the Earth Motion Kinetic Theory The Origin of the Chemical Elements 1 hor examination Investigation Candidates mst complete one scientific investigation, based on the sbject content of Units 1, 2 and 3. The strctre is: Introdctory/ backgrond experimental work Investigatory planning & research Investigation & report Controlled assessment approx 6 8 hors Physics Investigation Candidates mst complete one scientific investigation, based on the sbject content of Physics Units 1, 2 and 3. The strctre is: Introdctory/ backgrond experimental work Investigatory planning & research Investigation & report Controlled assessment approx 6 8 hors CHEMISTRY PHYSICS

4 B This new qalification places the science we learn into the context of the environment in which we live and work. It involves the application of science and the solving of practical problems. B is designed to prepare candidates for frther stdy in applied and vocational science, or for employment in indstry. If they wish, stdents may follow B with dditional. Space, Energy and Life and Life in the Modern World Unit 3 Developing Skills in (Controlled ssessment) Or changing world The biosphere Sstainability Environmental pressres Exploring Space The Electromagnetic Spectrm The Big Bang Planetary Energy for Spporting Lifestyles Usefl energy prodction Making the most of or energy Energy se & or Planet 1¼ hor examination (with section based pon pre-release) 70 marks 50% weighting Chemicals for a prpose The basics for nderstanding chemical change Using netralisation reactions Metals & their extraction Polymerisation - making plastics for Healthy Living Genetic conselling Lifestyle & Health Diagnosis & treatment 1 hor examination Working safely in science Carrying ot practical tasks Stdents develop practical skills in the contexts described in Units 1 and 2. Two practical tasks: Task - a practical investigation Task B - an investigation sing data collected from a variety of sorces (srveys, internet searches, libraries etc) pprox. 4½ hors SCIENCE B dditional pplied This single award is separate from or B and can follow either. It is intended to inspire stdents who wish to stdy science in a vocational context after a general science corse and is an alternative to dditional. The for headings have been chosen to help learners connect what they learn with the way in which science is sed to solve problems in the real world. at Work and Health People and organisations working with health Physiological changes associated with exercise Movement and the hman body Monitoring and improving health and fitness Materials for a Prpose People, organisations and indstry Selecting materials for a prpose Scientific Detection People and procedres Backgrond Carrying ot analysis Prodcing Food for the Ftre People and reglation Food Prodction Food Processing Skills at Work (Controlled ssessment) This nit covers the practical skills needed in the laboratory, indstry and workplace, to: Manage Health and Safety Devise and Carry Ot a Scientific Investigation The Controlled ssessment is based pon the themes fond in and comprises three tasks: Task - Risk ssessment of a work based activity Task B - Practical ctivity Task C - Practical ctivity DDITIONL PPLIED SCIENCE 1 hor examination 40% weighting approx 9 hors 94 marks 60% weighting

5 WJEC Pathways pplied Inclsive, responsive, accessible WJEC's level 1 and 2 Pathways pplied qalifications are set within the alifications and Credit Framework (CF), designed to provide stdents, learning providers and employers with a reglated, flexible qalifications framework recognising the widest possible range of achievement. These new qalifications give mch of the nderpinning knowledge and nderstanding needed for the National Occpational Standards in Laboratory and Laboratory and ssociated Technical ctivities. They also provide the opportnity to develop a range of practical and essential skills Flexible combinations WJEC s Pathways pplied nits can be combined with other WJEC qalifications. For example, learners may take B in year 10 and follow this with 15 credits of pplied nits in year 11, achieving a certificate in WJEC Pathways pplied. Learners who take and dditional may also pick p credits from the Pathways pplied as part of an enrichment programme. Units have been designed to have common core content at Levels 1 and 2. This allows centres to co-teach learners, enabling each learner to achieve the most appropriate level in a particlar nit. The decision on the level of the qalification that learners achieve is then made at the cash-in stage. From Level 1, learners can progress to a range of Level 2 qalifications, sch as Level 2 Pathways pplied, relevant science-based NV qalifications sch as Laboratory and ssociated Technical ctivities Level 2. From Level 2, learners can progress to Level 3 Vocational and pplied qalifications, inclding GCE pplied or relevant science-based NV qalifications, for example Laboratory and ssociated Technical ctivities Level 3. Making teaching vocationally relevant The content of WJEC s Pathways pplied qalification is all vocationally relevant. Within the Health and Physiology nit, for example, stdents learn how the physiological systems of the body are affected by the lifestyle choices individals make. They stdy the effects of factors sch as diet, exercise, smoking and drinking, and demonstrate these throgh specific physiological tests. To see sch tests taking place in real workplaces, centres may arrange visits to see medical technicians at work in hospitals or other health care environments. ssessment ll WJEC Pathways pplied (CF) nits are internally assessed and externally moderated. Level 1 and 2 nits are assessed throgh controlled assessment. Stdents are entered for the appropriate level of assessment once learning for a nit is completed, allowing individals to progress at the rate which best sits their needs. Model assignments are available from WJEC, and these can be adapted by centres to sit the needs of their learners and resorces. Units and grading alifications are available as wards, Certificates, Extended Certificates and Diplomas, depending on the nmber of credits achieved. Level 2 qalifications are graded Distinction*, Distinction, Merit and Pass, and Level 1 qalifications graded Merit and Pass. Level 1 Mandatory Units for Diploma Credit Vale The impacts of Obtaining Usefl Sbstances 2 Making Usefl Componds 3 Mimicking Sensory Systems to Solve Problems 5 How Hman ctivity ffects the Environment 3 How the Body Responds to Change 2 Health and Safety in 5 Using to Test Claims 5 Optional nits for Diploma Chemical Detection 5 for a Healthy Body 5 Making Electronic Circits 5 Controlling the Growth of Micro-organisms 5 of Movement 5 Energy for the Ftre 5 Obtaining Clean Water 5 and Clothing 5 Crops and Sstainability 5 Using to Care for nimals 5 Level 2 Mandatory Units for Diploma Credit Vale Environmental and Social Impacts of Obtaining Usefl Sbstances 2 Using to Prepare Usefl Componds 3 Using to Enhance Sensory Perception 5 of Hman ctivity on the Environment 3 Maintaining and Improving Optimal State 2 Health and Safety in Scientific Investigations 5 Testing Claims Scientifically 5 alification Size Level 1 Level 2 ward (minimm of 5 credits) t least 3 credits at level 1 t least 3 credits at level 2 Certificate (15 credits) t least 8 credits at level 1 t least 8 credits at level 2 Extended certificate (30 credits) t least 16 credits at level 1 t least 16 credits at level 2 Diploma (60 credits) t least 31 credits at level 1 t least 31 credits at level 2 There is a wide range of stimlating nits available, as set ot opposite. Optional nits for Diploma Scientific Detection 10 Health and Physiology 5 Using Electronics to Make Devices 5 Using to Prevent Infection 5 Biometric Soltions 5 of Movement 5 Harvesting Light for a Prpose 5 Energy Captre for the Ftre 5 Obtaining Clean Water 5 and Intelligent Clothing 5 Growing Crops for the Ftre 5 of nimal Care 5 Frther information abot WJEC s Pathways pplied, inclding details of the rles of combination, is available on

6 Fs What is the minimm reqirement for candidates who want to take GCE S/ level in Biology//Physics? The content of either or B and dditional will generally be reqired as a minimm. re candidates still able to re-take nits? Yes, bt there is a maximm of one re-take for any given nit. What is the 40% terminal assessment rle? Candidates mst complete at least 40% of the assessment at the end of the corse. What is the National Crriclm (NC) complsory programme of stdy? This is a legally binding core of science that mst be taght to learners aged It is covered within and B, and all three Biology, and Physics. Can a candidate opt to stdy s in and Physics bt not Biology? No, the NC complsory programme of stdy incldes aspects of all three sbjects. Resorces Teachers Gides accompanying the specifications are available on WJEC s website. They inclde interactive links to relevant resorces, and a digital databank inclding tagged examination qestions which can be sed to create worksheets or tests as practice for candidates. WJEC is working closely with (National Grid for Learning Wales) to create a stimlating new range of online science resorces bridging Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. Stdents can learn interactively and progress according to their ability, rather than their year grop. New textbooks Hodder's comprehensive new textbooks WJEC and WJEC dditional, by drian Schmit and Jeremy Pollard, will spport teaching by providing inspirational ideas and stimli - how to evalate science and draw conclsions; the implications of science for society and the importance of practical work. They will be available from in the 2011 smmer and atmn terms respectively. Other sorces of information Usefl information can also be obtained from: the Society of Biology Institte of Physics Royal Society of and the ssociation for Edcation Researchers in Residence brings together researchers, yong people and teachers via exciting and innovative placements in secondary schools and colleges across the UK, and can provide p to 24 hrs of spport for schools. For more information go to STEM Clbs Network (, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) allows stdents to explore STEM sbjects in a stimlating learning environment, away from the constraints of the school timetable or a prescribed crriclm. Frther information is available from and for details abot local schemes, visit For more information abot spport for Physics Teachers within the Institte of Physics, go to or contact ngharad Thomas ngharad.thomas@iop.org (National Officer Wales). For more information abot the British ssociation or details abot Crest wards, go to or contact Liz Terry wales@britishscienceassociation.org (Regional Officer Wales) Spport - ask the experts, dditional and separate sciences Biology Sbject Officer Dr Janet Jones janet.jones@wjec.co.k Sbject Officer Jonathan Owen jonathan.owen@wjec.co.k Physics Sbject Officer Gareth Kelly gareth.kelly@wjec.co.k Sbject Spport Officer Rhian Naish rhian.naish@wjec.co.k B, pplied and dditional pplied Sbject Officer Brian Harris brian.harris@wjec.co.k Sbject Spport Officer Sarah Price sarah.price@wjec.co.k Sbject Spport Officer Matthew Roberts matthew.roberts@wjec.co.k Training corses Information abot free training corses in locations throghot England and Wales, leading p to the introdction of the new specifications can be fond on or website - WJEC, 245 Western vene, Cardiff, CF5 2YX science@wjec.co.k