Key Stage 4

The Twenty First Century Science course is based on contemporary issues with an emphasis on scientific literacy. In the Core course students develop the knowledge and understanding they need to engage, as informed citizens, with science-based issues.

Students may take additional modules in the Option programme to obtain a second GCSE in either an academic or a vocational ('applied') course.

Additional Science is a concept-led course for those who are aiming to take separate sciences at A-level.

The emphasis is on:

  • scientific explanations and models
  • applying science for the benefit of humanity
  • understanding ourselves and our world

Students must achieve good grades in this option and core science to be accepted on A-level Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses at QK.

Applied Science is a course which develops scientific knowledge and understanding in authentic, work-related contexts. The focus is on the practice of science, its procedures and the technical knowledge needed to work in the field.

Modules

Core

Biology

  • Your Genes (B1)
  • Keeping Healthy (B2)
  • Life on Earth (B3)

Chemistry

  • Air Quality (C1)
  • Material Choices (C2)
  • Food Matters (C3)

Physics

  • The Earth (P1)
  • Radiation and Life (P2)
  • Radioactive Materials (P3)

Additional

Biology

  • Homeostasis (B4)
  • Growth in Cells (B5)
  • Human Brain (B6)

Chemistry

  • Chemical Patterns (C4)
  • The Environment (C5)
  • Chemical Synthesis (C6)

Physics

  • Explaining Motion (P4)
  • Electric Circuits (P5)
  • Radiation as Wave (P6)

Applied

  • Life Care (AP1)
  • Scientific Detection (AP3)
  • Communications (AP5)

Assessment

GCSE Science A

Examiner: OCR
Specification: J630

Written Tests: 40 minutes each (50% of final grade)
Test 1 in Year 10 - Modules B1, C1, P1
Test 2 in Year 10 - Modules B2, C2, P2
Test 3 in Year 11 - Modules B3, C3, P3

Coursework (1) Data Anaylsis and (2) Case Study (33.3%)

Written Examination at end of the course, 45 minutes (16.7%)

GCSE Additional Science A

Examiner: OCR
Specification: J631

Written Tests: 40 minutes each (50% of final grade)
Test 1 in Year 10 - Modules B4, C4, P4
Test 2 in Year 11 - Modules B5, C5, P5
Test 3 in Year 11 - Modules B6, C6, P6

Practical Investigation (33.3%)
Written Examination at end of the course (16.7%)

GCSE Applied Science A

Examiner: OCR
Specification: J632

Written Examinations: 45 minutes each (50% of final grade)
AP1 and AP3 in Year 10
AP5 in Year 11

Work-Related Portfolio (50%)