In Year 10 students are streamed on ability and start studying towards their GCSE examinations. 

We are in an enviable position that allows us to ensure that all students in science are taught by science specialists during Year 10 and 11.  Students completing the combined science qualification will be taught on rotation.

Leading up to the Year 11 GCSE examinations the science department offers a range of compulsory revision and drop in sessions – see the Science notice board for up-to-date times and venues. 

Year 10 and Year 11 students are taught the OCR 21st Century Science syllabus. From 2017 there will be only two potential pathways that students can follow. In pathway 1 students will study individual sciences, resulting in 3 GCSEs. In pathway 2 students will be taught the new Combined Science, with the outcome being 2 GCSEs. In following either pathway, students can achieve grades 1-9 and both provide a platform for students to study sciences to Advanced Level.

Assessment involves practice papers and end of unit exams that are made up from harder past OCR questions and focus on specific skills. We spend time using new metacognition techniques during feedback – giving students an opportunity to reflect on their progress and receive support on how to improve. There will be an emphasis on developing scientific literacy to support students in acquiring the skills needed for the extended writing questions. Each unit has targeted 6 mark questions to assist with this. GCSE exams will be taken at the end of Year 11.

The current Year 11 pupils (leavers 2017) are still following the legacy schemes where grades A*-A still apply. There are revision links in the section you can access by clicking on the link below.