Depends on the examining body and type of award, (single or combined). The GCSE Science curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, and physics. The curriculum aims to develop scientific knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world situations.
| Skills | Outcomes |
| Biology | 1.Cell Biology: -Understand cell structure and function, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. – Explain processes such as diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. – Understand cell division (mitosis and meiosis) and the basics of stem cells. 2. Organisation: – Understand the structure and function of various tissues, organs, and organ systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive). – Explain the process of digestion and the role of enzymes. – Understand the transport systems in plants and animals. 3. Infection and Response: – Understand the causes and spread of diseases, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and protist pathogens. – Explain the body’s defense mechanisms and the role of the immune system. – Understand the development and use of vaccines and antibiotics. 4. Bioenergetics: -Understand photosynthesis and factors affecting it. – Explain respiration (aerobic and anaerobic) and its importance for energy release. 5. Homeostasis and Response: – Understand the concept of homeostasis and its importance in regulating internal conditions. – Explain the nervous and endocrine systems and their roles in homeostasis. – Understand human reproductive systems and hormonal control. 6. Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution: – Understand the principles of genetics, including DNA, genes, and chromosomes. – Explain inheritance patterns, genetic disorders, and the role of mutations. – Understand the theory of evolution and natural selection. 7. Ecology: – Explain ecosystems, trophic levels, and the flow of energy through food chains and webs. -Understand biodiversity, conservation, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. |
| Chemistry | 1. Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table: – Understand the structure of atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. – Explain the development and structure of the periodic table. – Understand elements, compounds, and mixtures. 2. Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter: – Understand ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding. – Explain the properties of substances based on their bonding and structure. – Understand states of matter and changes of state. 3. Quantitative Chemistry: – Perform calculations involving moles, concentrations, and reacting masses. – Understand the concepts of yield and atom economy. 4. Chemical Changes: – Explain the reactivity series and reactions of acids and bases. – Understand electrolysis and its applications. 5. Energy Changes: – Understand exothermic and endothermic reactions. – Explain energy changes in chemical reactions and their practical applications. 6. The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change: – Understand factors affecting reaction rates. – Explain reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium. 7. Organic Chemistry: – Understand the basics of organic chemistry, including hydrocarbons and functional groups. – Explain reactions of organic compounds and their uses. 8. Chemical Analysis: – Understand techniques for separating and analysing substances. – Explain the use of chromatography and spectroscopy. 9. Chemistry of the Atmosphere: – Understand the composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere. – Explain the impact of human activities on the environment. 10. Using Resources: -Understand the sustainable use of resources and the importance of recycling. -Explain methods for extracting and purifying metals. |
| Physics | 1. Energy: – Understand different forms of energy and the principle of conservation of energy. – Explain energy transfers, efficiency, and the use of energy resources. 2. Electricity: – Understand electric circuits, including series and parallel circuits. – Explain the concepts of current, voltage, and resistance. – Understand the generation and distribution of electrical power. 3. Particle Model of Matter: – Explain the states of matter and changes of state. -Understand the kinetic theory and gas laws. 4. Atomic Structure: – Understand the structure of the atom and nuclear radiation. – Explain radioactive decay, half-life, and the uses and dangers of radiation. 5. Forces: – Understand different types of forces and their effects. – Explain motion, including speed, velocity, and acceleration. -Understand the concepts of momentum and Newton’s laws of motion. 6. Waves: – Explain the properties and behaviour of waves, including sound and light. – Understand the electromagnetic spectrum and its applications. 7. Magnetism and Electromagnetism: – Understand magnetic fields and electromagnets. – Explain the principles of electromagnetic induction and its applications. 8. Space Physics: – Understand the structure and formation of the solar system. – Explain the life cycle of stars and the evidence for the Big Bang theory. |
Assessment
Examinations:
GCSE Science is typically assessed through a series of written examinations at the end of the course.
Exams include multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions.
Practical Skills:
Students are required to complete a series of practical experiments, known as Required Practicals, which are assessed through written exams.
This outline provides a broad overview of the GCSE Science curriculum, focusing on developing students’ scientific knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking abilities.
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