Exam Board: Edexcel
This is a double award subject and takes up two of your three options.
During the first term you will be learning content for an externally assessed examination in January on Cells, Chemical Properties, and Waves. Alongside this you will be completing an internally assessed coursework module on Genetics.
After Christmas you will be preparing for an externally marked practical assessment in May on any topic from Electrical Circuits and Energy, Burning Fuels, Enzymes or Diffusion. You will have to plan an experiment, obtain data and then evaluate the procedure and collected data under exam conditions. Alongside this you will be completing an internally assessed coursework module on Laboratory Techniques which allows you to analyse a variety of scientific procedures such as titrations, chromatography and calorimetry. After the exam, students complete an individual scientific investigation on a topic of their choosing which is marked internally after summer.
13 begins with preparation for the final externally marked assessment to be sat in January. You will learn key ideas and concepts relating to Chemical Reactions, Organs and Systems and Thermal Physics. After January, the remaining assignments on Astrophysics and another Lab techniques assignment are all internally marked. There will be an option to boost your grade by re-sitting an externally marked exam in June if necessary.
54% coursework / 46% examination
General college entry requirements plus recommended grade 4 or above in GCSE Science qualifications.
University courses
Nursing and midwifery/Health Sciences/Natural and Environmental Science
Apprenticeships
The course also opens up opportunities for apprenticeships with companies in the science industry e.g. chemical science/pharmaceutical development/laboratory technician/Research and development
Career paths
Environmental engineer/Higher education lecturer/Medical sales representative/Nanotechnologist/Science writer