21st Century Science
GCSE Science
From September 2006 the Science Department at Nicholas Breakspear RC School will be teaching different GCSE courses for science, called Twenty First Century Science.
What is Twenty First Century Science?
Twenty First Century Science is a set of new GCSE science courses for key stage 4 (14 to 16 year olds). The courses are matched to the needs of young people..
Why is the school changing its science course?
The National Curriculum for key stage 4 science has changed. From September 2006 all schools in England and Wales must teach courses which match the new National Curriculum..
Why do we need a new science curriculum?
We need a science curriculum that offers greater flexibility and genuine choice to cope with the diversity of students' interests and aspirations.
All of us, as citizens, need to be able to cope with the science that shapes our lives. We are on the receiving end of scientific ideas and technical information in many different roles such as householder, parent, patient, voter or juror.
Some young people aspire to be scientists, or to work in careers where knowledge of science is essential. So educating the next generations of science practitioners is also crucial.
Students need both science for citizens, and science for scientists.
Why has the school chosen Twenty First Century Science?
These courses are 'tried and tested'. Twenty First Century Science courses have been successfully trialled in a large pilot across England and Wales. Over 10 000 students have already been taught using these courses, and many have now progressed to further study.
The courses are also tailored to the needs of different young people. For example, at Nicholas Breakspear we are offering GCSE Science that could be combined with either GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Additional Applied Science.
What are the courses like?
GCSE Science - everyone studies this course. It features many of the major theories of science in a way that encourages students to appreciate their importance to everyday life. The course also explores how scientific information is obtained, how reliable it is, what its limitations are, and how this information helps society to make important decisions. Students are prepared to deal with issues involving science which they may meet, for example, mobile phone safety, decisions about childhood vaccinations, and sustainable use of resources.
Most students will want to expand their study of science, because they are interested in the subject, and also to provide grounding for possible further study of science post-GCSE. Different options are available for students to choose from.
GCSE Additional Science - appropriate for students who may wish to progress to A levels in science subjects. This course explores scientific concepts in more depth, and develops students' understanding of how scientists work.
GCSE Additional Applied Science - appropriate for students who may wish to progress to more vocational, work-related courses post-16. Students may also progress to A level Applied Science.
GCSE Biology / Chemistry / Physics - appropriate for students who may wish to progress to A levels in science subjects and will achieve a level 6 or above. This course explores scientific concepts in more depth, and develops students' understanding of how scientists work, but provides three separate GCSE grades instead of two. It is expected that only those students that are higher attainers and that are more motivated will be able to access this, since there is no increase in time allowance.
When are the examinations?
Every January and June.
Is there any assessment during the course?
Some of the total marks for the course are given for work students do during the course. This percentage of marks for this work is:
- GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science = 33.3%
- GCSE additional Applied Science = 50%
How will I know when it is due?
The majority of the centre-assessed work will be completed by the end of year 10 for GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science. For GCSE Additional Applied Science it will be finished by April in year 11.
How many GCSE grades will students get?
A student taking just GCSE Science will be awarded one GCSE grade for Science. Students who take GCSE Science and either Additional Science or Additional Applied Science will be awarded two GCSE grades. Because the courses are independent, these two grades may be different..
Where can I buy textbooks and study aids to help with the course?
The Science Department at Nicholas Breakspear RC School advises students to buy the workbooks, at a reduced price, from the school, but, alternatively, you can contact the publisher, Oxford University Press, through the Twenty First Century Science website (see below). Unfortunately, older revision guides, although still useful, will not include all the information needed for these new GCSEs.
Where can I get more information?
If you need to ask any questions, please do not hesitate to email Mr. Searle (searlea@nicholasbreakspear.herts.sch.uk).
You can also find more information at the Twenty First Century Science website,
www.twentyfirstcenturyscience.org
or
The Awarding Body, OCR, also have information on their website for GCSE science courses,
The government's regulatory body that oversees all qualifications is the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority,
Where have the new courses come from?
A partnership between the University of York Science Education Group, and the Nuffield Curriculum Centre developed the courses. OCR, one of the main Awarding Bodies, is responsible for all the examinations, and textbooks and other study materials are published by Oxford University Press.
