GCSE Core Science

General information

This course will enable students to acquire a body of scientific knowledge and to develop a good understanding of science.

Full specification information is available online at http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/subjectindex-s.php. Please visit this page and choose Science A (new) 4405.

Course content

Core Science consists of three units - namely Biology, Physics and Chemistry - and a practical component that is completed in class. There will be three science lessons per week.

Biology will include the study of diet, defence against disease, the nervous and endocrine systems, homeostasis, ecology, reproduction and evolution.

Chemistry will include the study of atomic structure and the periodic table; extracting and using calcium carbonate, metals and crude oil; plant oils; and the earth and its atmosphere.

Physics will include the study of heat transfer, kinetic theory, heating and insulating buildings, methods of generating electricity, and how the universe originated and evidence that it continues to expand.

Teaching and assessment

There will be one written test (one hour duration) for each unit. It may be possible to sit one unit in January and the rest in June.

Tests account for 75 per cent of the final grade. In addition there will be a practical component (ISA) set by the examination board and marked internally. This is worth 25 per cent of the final grade.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs - 3 D grades and 1 C grade.

Progression

Core Science is a very useful qualification for progression to Post-16 studies. Those intending to train as teachers are required to have this as a minimum science qualification.

Dates and times

This course begins in September. The duration of this course is one year.