The Specifications.
GCSE Science A (4405)
Unit 1: Biology 1
Written paper – 1 hour
60 marks – 25%
Structured and closed questions
At least one question assessing
Quality of Written
Communication in a science context
Unit 2: Chemistry 1
Written paper – 1 hour
60 marks – 25%
Structured and closed questions
At least one question assessing
Quality of Written
Communication in a science context
Unit 4: Controlled Assessment
Investigative Skills Assignment – two written assessments plus
one or two lessons for practical work and data processing
50 marks – 25%
■ AQA set the ISAs and send teachers all the information before the
course starts.
■ AQA outline the practical (or fieldwork) candidates should do
■ AQA say what data processing pupils should do
■ Teachers choose which of several ISAs to do and when
■ Pupils do do the ISA test in class time
■ Teachers mark their tests using marking guidance from AQA.
Unit 3: Physics 1
Written paper – 1 hour
60 marks – 25%
Structured and closed questions
At least one question assessing
Quality of Written
Communication in a science context
Present
Data
Measure
Design
B1
C1
P1
ISA
B2
C2
P2
ISA
B3
C3
P3
Each unit C1,
B1 etc. and
the ISA are
worth 25%.
ISA
ISA
ISA
One GCSE for
Science A. One
GCSE for
Additional
Science
Science A (Year 10)
Additional Science
(Year 11)
Biology
(Year 10 and 11)
Chemistry
Physics
(Year 10 and 11) (Year 10 and 11)
Once pupils have been given
their log in details they will
be able to log in at home (if
you have internet access).
Pupils will then have access
to a host of resources.
They will be able to access the text book, animations, videos etc.
A fantastic learning resource at home! They will also be able to complete homework
assignments that have been set by the teacher using the system.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qualifications/gcse.php
• For information about the course.
• Download past papers.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa
• For revision of content. Excellent animations and audio.
• Hard to beat as a fun way of checking knowledge.
• Content is tailored to different specifications. So pick AQA and off you go!
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org
• One of many very good web sites containing recent developments in science.
• Obviously this one contains articles of interest to teenagers.
• Will give ideas about future careers in science. Which are mind bogglingly
varied and accessible to people with a wide range of different abilities.