| Core Science – Year 10 AQA Science A | Year 11 Additional Science Topic list | Year 11 Further additional Science (The Triple Science Option) – Topic list |
| B1.1 Keeping healthy B1.2 Nerves and hormones B1.3 The use and abuse of drugs B1.4 Interdependence and adaptation B1.5 Energy and biomass in food chains B1.6 Waste materials from plants and animals B1.7 Genetic variation and its control B1.8 Evolution
| B2.1 Cells and simple cell transport B2.2 Tissues, organs and organ systems B2.3 Photosynthesis B2.4 Organisms and their environment B2.5 Proteins – their functions and uses B2.6 Aerobic and anaerobic respiration B2.7 Cell division and inheritance B2.8 Speciation | B3.1 Movement of molecules in and out of cells B3.2 Transport systems in plants and animals B3.3 Homeostasis B3.4 Humans and their environment
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| C1.1 The fundamental ideas in chemistry C1.2 Limestone and building materials C1.3 Metals and their uses C1.4 Crude oil and fuels C1.5 Other useful substances from crude oil C1.6 Plant oils and their uses C1.7 Changes in the Earth and its atmosphere
| C2.1 Structure and bonding C2.2 How structure influences the properties and uses of substances C2.3 Atomic structure, analysis and quantitative chemistry C2.4 Rates of reaction C2.5 Exothermic and endothermic reactions C2.6 Acids, bases and salts C2.7 Electrolysis | C3.1 The periodic table C3.2 Water C3.3 Calculating and explaining energy changes C3.4 Further analysis and quantitative chemistry C3.5 The production of ammonia C3.6 Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters
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| P1.1 The transfer of energy by heating processes and the factors that affect the rate at which that energy is transferred P1.2 Energy and efficiency P1.3 The usefulness of electrical appliances P1.4 Methods we use to generate electricity P1.5 The use of waves for communication and to provide evidence that the universe is expanding | P2.1 Forces and their effects P2.2 The kinetic energy of objects speeding up or slowing down P2.3 Currents in electrical circuits P2.4 Using mains electricity safely and the power of electrical appliances P2.5 What happens when radioactive substances decay, and the uses and dangers of their emissions P2.6 Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion | P3.1 Medical applications of physics – X ray CT scanners, Ultrasound, Blood flowmeters etc) P3.2 Using physics to make things work – Mechanics and mechanisms P3.3 Keeping things moving – (electromagnetic machines) |
Who might enjoy this course?
In Year 10 all students study either Core Science, Level 2 BTEC Science, Applied Science or Certificate of Achievement in Science. To do GCSE Science you need to achieve a Key Stage 3 Level 5b or above.
What about exams?
The course is split into two separate GCSEs:
- Final exams for core science are in June of Year 10
- Final exams for the second GCSE are in June of Year 11
What are the entry levels?
There are two levels – Foundation (C-G) and Higher (A*-D).
What about coursework?
In Year 10 core science, 25% of the marks are based on practical work and controlled assessments, which assess your investigation skills. Some students in Year 11 do additional science with 25% coursework.
Are there any other tests apart from the final exams?
Yes, your controlled assessment.
What other skills might I develop?
Enquiry and research skills. How to understand information presented in a wide variety of styles and contents. How to judge scientific claims made in the media, for example in advertisements. How to base your opinions on evidence.
What could I do next with GCSE Science?
A grade of at least a C in GCSE Science is required for higher education. Many careers starting at age 16 value the skills learned from following a science course. Many university courses in technical subjects require A level sciences.