Students will study GCSE combined sciences over 3 years. Building on knowledge from KS3 science where students have had a brief overview of topics covered at GCSE.
In each unit there are opportunities for students to develop investigative skills and gain a better understanding of “how science works”. We follow the new Gateway Science Combined Science A specification, within which there is a strong emphasis on Knowledge Recall (40%), Application of Knowledge (40%) and analysis/evaluation of experimental work (20%). The whole course is examined via 6 x 1hr 10 min exams at the end of Year 11. Different groups may proceed at a different pace.
Combined Chemistry is one part of the course which will provide students with two GCSE grades at the end of year 11 accounting for 33.4% of their Combined Science GCSE. The course requires an understanding of several core practical’s which cover the key concepts in Combined Chemistry.
Year 9 Programme of study
Matter 3 (C1, C2.1): The particle model, Atomic structure, Purity and Separating Mixtures
Matter 4 (C2.2):Bonding, Properties of materials
Year 10 Programme of study
Topic C3: Chemical reactions
C3.1 Introducing chemical reactions ; C3.2 Energetics ; C3.3 Types of chemical reactions ; C3.4 Electrolysis
Topic C4: Predicting and identifying reactions and products
C4.1 Predicting chemical reactions
Topic C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions
C5.1 Controlling reactions
C5.2 Equilibria
Year 11 Programme of study
Topic C6: Global challenges
C6.1 Improving processes and products
C6.2 Interpreting and interacting with Earth systems
Revision of all Combined Chemistry topics (C1; C2; C3; C4; C5; C6) and Required practicals.
Skills / Knowledge / Understanding
Students will be expected to develop their scientific, mathematical and investigative skills in all three subjects during their course of studies. Learn the key facts and equations for each topic of study.
Methods of assessment / accreditation structure
These courses are linear, with all the examinations taking place at the end of Year 11. Students will sit 6 examinations consisting of 6 papers of 1 hour 10 minutes; each exam is 16.7% of the course. There are two Chemistry papers C1-Cand C4-C6.
End of topic assessments; Examination Style Question Homework’s; Cumulative Knowledge tests, Mock examinations
On-going support, focused feedback and targets for improvement will be provided by their class teacher on the examination style homework’s.
In School Contacts
Please speak to your child’s Science Teacher or Mrs E Laxton (Head of Science): elaxton@saa.woodard.co.uk
How Parents and Carers can help
Have a conversation with your child about their day include subject specific words from the topic glossary
Ensuring homework is fully completed on time to the best of their ability. Students should use class notes, topic summary maps, and the revision guide can also be used to assist with homework, as well as the online text books (kerboodle).
Print past papers and mark schemes. Work on a mark a minute in exam conditions, and then use resources to fill in any gaps in another colour, and then use the mark scheme to mark and correct the work. Then encourage your child to talk to their class teacher about any areas which they struggled with or need further clarification.
Support the department by ensuring that your child attends any intervention sessions that they are invited to or which is being run for all students. These sessions can really make a difference to student success.
Resources, Software and Websites used
CPG Combined Science Revision Guide and Workbook
Exercise books; Topic Glossary and Topic on a page; Learning Grids
