Pupils will be taught “Crucial!” lessons
in year 10 and 11.
These lessons are designed to improve their written communication
skills.
They will need to do things like describe how evidence supports a
conclusion and present a balanced argument.
New style exam questions will test this ability.
6 mark questions are back!
Discussing controversial issues and coming to decisions is an important part of the course. When
considering the issue pupils need to consider four different types of argument and then decide
which are the most important and come to an overall decision.
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)
Pupils have been given their
log in details. They are able
to log in at home (if you have
internet access).
Pupils have access to a host
of resources.
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.
You can access the “Milestones” that are used by the science staff on the School VLE.
This shows you what topics should be covered in each term and what topics will be
assessed in each of the the Assessment Fortnights.
We will be trialling SAM learning this year in science.
You need to have sent in an authorisation slip).
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.
Revision Guides will be available
soon.
We will send a letter home asking
if you would like one. They will
cost considerably less than they
are in the shops! They are a
good, concise, colourful
reference that covers all the
content you need for the exam.