GCSE Science Exam Question

While the origin of the stars is well understood, there is still much debate about the origin of the Universe. Two major theories about the origin of the Universe are the Big Bang and the Steady State theories.Some evidence supports both theories. Other evidence supports only one theory.By considering the evidence, discuss why one of these theories is preferred by most scientists. (6 marks)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Welcome to BHBSYear 10 GCSE Science Information Session

22nd October 2015

Mr Foggo : Head of Science

Mr Cinderey : Head of KS4 Science

Aims of this session

To:

• Outline the format of GCSE Core Science

• Outline the nature of Controlled

Assessment Tasks

• Provide key dates

• Demonstrate some of the support

available

GCSE ‘Core’ ScienceCourse Structure

One full GCSE completed in Year 10

administered by Pearson Edexcel

Four components each contributing to 25% of

the total grade:

B1 Biology

C1 Chemistry

P1 Physics

Controlled Assessment Task (CAT)

Exam Dates for 2016

Year 10 Core Science Exams

These are real GCSE exams

Mock: 9th Feb 2016

B1: 17th May C1: 19th May P1: 25th May

Exams are only 7 months away!!

Key Assessment Dates

CAT’s

Two CAT’s to be completed during the first

four weeks back after Christmas.

(These are the real live ones!!)

Tiers of Entry

Grades range from A*- G

Students will be entered for either

Foundation or Higher tier for each of their three exams and entry tiers can

be mixed and matched.

E.g. Higher for B1 & P1, Foundation for

C1.

Myth Busting!

You can’t get a B grade by doing Foundation

exams YOU CAN!!

A student who has been entered for Foundation for all three exams can

still attain a B grade overall!!

(10 students did this last year)

Question: How?

A good CAT!

Entry tiers will be determined by using a combination of mock exam

result, teacher assessment and discussion with students and

parents/carers.

Please listen to our advice!!

Resits & Recertification

• No resits anymore – Year 10 is really

important. The grade you get from Year

10 stays with you forever.

• Recertification – students will need to sit

three new exams in June 2016.

• You get a new grade and keep the old

one.

• Costs £30

• Risk of hindering Year 11 Science grade.

Controlled Assessment Tasks

What are they?

Practical Investigations completed in school.

When are they?

Year 10 Core Science from the beginning of

January into early February

Students will complete 2 CATs and the best marks

will be selected.

Triple Science CATS: Start during the Summer term.

Controlled Assessment Tasks

Value? 25% of total mark. They cover the whole

range of A*-G. They give some students a good

opportunity to improve upon their target grade.

The final section is less familiar and is difficult, we

therefore target this area during classwork and

homework.

Students need to become familiar with the various

headings and prompts from the CAT booklet and

CAT conclusion advice.

(Available for download from the website)

Year 10 Assessment Booklet

• Contains all your key assessments

• Used to help you practise exam questions.

• Contains Practice Controlled Assessments that

could be on your exam paper

• Used to inform progress and exam entry tiers.

• Look after it £2 replacement

• Act on the feedback given!!!

What can YOU do to help pt 1?

• Science homework help – Monday &

Wednesday lunchtimes in Room 47

• VLE

• Science area of the school website

• Science report card

• Behave in lessons

• Ask a teacher service

What can YOU do to help pt 2?

• Use the revision trackers

• Act on the comments & feedback in your

books that your teachers have taken

time and effort to write.

• Exam preparation sessions – after Easter

• ActiveLearn

• Practise past exams papers

The End……..

GCSE Science is hard but

it doesn’t mean you

can’t do it.

With help and hard work

WE can do it.

My aim is to ensure that:

Students

• Know where to access

information

• Know what they can do to help

themselves

• Are actively involved in their

Science education