Head of Department: Dr Swann
Introduction
Topics such as global warming clean energy and health issues are part of everyday life and crop up frequently on the news. A good science education can show how theory relates to the real world and helps to prepare pupils for the future. This course also shows that science is interesting and fun.
You can for example:
- Appreciate the lack of friction that allows you to zoom down a water slide
- Ride roller coasters with confidence
- Find out what makes sherbet fizz
- Learn how living things develop and adapt to changing environments.
Students of Single Award Science do not go on to study A Level Science.
Specification
This is a CCEA course. The detailed specification can be found in the CCEA Website (http://ccea.org.uk/ Choose Subject Microsite).
The CCEA GCSE Single Award Science Specification will be followed. It gives students a good basic knowledge of Science
through studying a unit of each of the Sciences.
- Unit 1 – Biology
- Unit 2 – Chemistry
- Unit 3 – Physics
- Unit 4 – Practical Work
Examination Summary
- Unit 1 – Biology 25 % written examination
- Unit 2 – Chemistry 25 % written examination
- Unit 3 – Physics 25 % written examination
- Unit 4 – Practical Work 25 % practical and written examination
Single Award Science students sit unit examinations in Year 11 and Year 12.
Career Pathways
Single Award Science introduces key aspects of science and its methodology. It gives students an overview of topics such as cells, atomic structure, and waves. This, broad practical course can help students appreciate the value of science while preparing them for related vocational studies and the world of work. Science is about discovery, creativity, problem solving and communication. Therefore, the skills gained could help build a career in many other areas such as accountancy, commerce, teaching, management, and marketing.
Transferable Skills
Many scientific and general skills are developed throughout this course. Pupils will improve their communication skills,
will think critically and logically, will develop their practical and mathematical skills and will learn time and personal
management skills.
