KS4 Science

GCSE SCIENCE and BTEC LEVEL 2 APPLIED SCIENCE

(OCR 21st Century Science; EDEXCEL BTEC Level 2 Applied Science)

 

Course Description and Assessment details

 

In Year 9 from September 2011, following an introduction to Science at Settle College, we offer two Science course options.

 

Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Applied Science

 

As an alternative pathway to traditional GCSE qualifications, we are pleased to offer a vocational qualification: BTEC First in Applied Science.  This course is suitable for students who do not wish to follow a route through GCSE Science.

 

The BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science builds on Key Stage 3 Science and covers the compulsory Key Stage 4 Science and How Science Works requirements.  The course focuses on how Science is used in the Science industry and this is reflected when completing activities and assignments.  The course aims to develop good laboratory practical skills.

 

BTEC Applied Science is assessed internally from assignments produced by learners, and is 100% controlled assessment.   To do well on this course, students will need to have good organisation skills, the ability to work independently and be able to learn new skills and techniques.

 

Over the course of Years 9 to 11, the BTEC Applied Science can be completed as a Certificate equivalent to one GCSE, an Extended Certificate equivalent to two GCSEs or a Diploma equivalent to 4 GCSEs.  It will also be possible in Year 11 for students who have completed the Extended Diploma to take an Additional Science GCSE qualification.  If successful, this would allow these students to access traditional A-Level Science courses.  The Level 2 BTEC courses allow students who successfully complete them to access the Level 3 BTEC in Applied Science (Forensics) post 16.

 

OCR 21st Century Science GCSE Science Suite

 

21st Century Science is a suite of GCSE courses, offering a modern interesting and challenging curriculum that seeks to meet the needs of students. 

 

Each student will take all three Science GCSE courses.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

Each one is assessed through modular exams and controlled assessment.

 

At the heart of each 21st Century Science option is the idea of Science for Citizens.  This aims to build on the Science studied at Key Stage 3 in a way that will help students to engage with an increasingly scientific world.  Students need a clear understanding of scientific concepts and of how scientific data is obtained, how reliable it is and therefore how far we can rely upon it.  Students will explore these aspects of Science preparing them to deal with decisions such as childhood vaccinations, GM food scares and mobile telephone safety as well as new science-based issues as they arise. 

 

Students will cover the detailed scientific theory, models and ideas necessary to access A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  This part of the course contains a considerable amount of practical work.  Assessment for each Science GCSE is through 3 modular exams each 1 hour long and controlled assessment.  The weighting is 75% for the exams and 25% for the controlled assessment. All three courses will run from Year 9 into Year 11.

 

Successful completion of this course will give students the option to study Science courses in the Sixth Form at AS and A2-Levels.

 

Progress Routes and Careers

 

  • Students completing either Triple Award or Additional Science GCSE can progress to AS-Levels in any scientific subject including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, or the BTEC Applied Science (Forensic Science).
  • Students completing Level 2 BTEC can progress to Level 3 BTEC Applied Science (Forensics).

 

Any combination of Science qualifications provides a basic qualification for a wide range of jobs and careers as most areas of work and study benefit from an understanding of Science.