12th Sept 17
Dear Parent/Guardians,
Year 10 Science Information
This letter is to inform you how your son’s Science courses will develop over the next two years.
In order to give all our students the best chance to achieve three Science qualifications we began our GCSE studies in Year 9.
As you may be aware Science GCSEs have changed and these changes will be fully implemented from summer 2018 when our current Y11 will be in the first national cohort to sit the new examinations.
The main changes include:
1. New subject content for each of the separate Sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics
2. A new GCSE Combined Science (double award) with content that is a subset of the three separate Sciences
3. The removal of controlled assessments (ISAs) as part of the examination
4. The replacement of A* to G grades with a 9 to 1 numerical system
We are working closely with the AQA examination board to efficiently implement these changes and as in previous years intend to take as many pupils as possible through the triple Science route to obtain three GCSEs. As such, in Year 9-10 your son will study of the full separate Science specification. In Y11 we will transfer some pupils onto the Combined Science if this is the best pathway for these pupils to achieve a better outcome in terms of a final grade. Pupils may still do A-Levels in Y12 if they study the Combined route provided they achieve the required entrance grade.
In Year 10 pupils will receive 9 Science lessons per 2 week cycle evenly split between Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They will be tested frequently by module tests in each subject the first being probably Biology around the beginning of October. There will be a Y10 Mock exam for each Science during the week of 25th June. The results of the tests, mock exam and informal teacher assessment will decide which set your son will be placed in Y11. This may decide whether your son will be doing Triple or Combined science and at what tier, Higher or Foundation.
How can pupils be supported/help themselves?
- Complete all homework tasks set by their class teachers.
- Make sure they have all their writing equipment, including yellow highlighter for correcting work.
- Read their revision guides on a regular basis. Your son will be provided with a revision guide this year to support his learning and help him with tests. Unlike most schools we are providing these guides without any additional cost to you. These can be used at home on a day-to-day basis to go over the topics covered in each lesson as well as in class. This has been shown to have a very positive effect on pupils’ progress.
- If you wish to purchase a text-book the school uses AQA Biology, Chemistry and Physics books published by Oxford University press. They are available in most book shops. Web site is , tel phone 01536452620.
The ISBN numbers are Biology 978 0 19 835937 1
Chemistry 978 0 19 835938 8
Physics 978 0 19 835939 5
- Make use of revision websites such as BBC Bitesize and S-cool which really help students to reach their potential.
Use revision sites and practice exam questions.
BBC Bitesize
Unit 1 & 2 Sciences: choose AQA exam board:
S-cool
AQA exam board website
A useful source of past exam papers and their mark schemes:
Science Department is committed to all pupils achieving the best they can and we would be grateful for your support. We will be following your son’s progress carefully and will contact you to discuss intervention support if we feel it is necessary.
If you would like any more information about your son’s Science course, or their progress, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the school.
Yours faithfully,
Mr Mario Miccoli
(Head of Science)