Topic outline

  • Biology

    WJEC Level 1/Level 2 GCSE in Biology

    What will I learn?

    The GCSE Biology course consists of three theory units plus a controlled practical investigation.

    1. Biology 1: “Adaptation, Evolution and Body Maintenance”
    2. Biology 2: “Cells and Metabolism, Digestion and Respiration, Biodiversity”
    3. Biology 3: “Transport in Plants and Animals, Homeostasis, Microorganisms and Disease”
    4. Biology Controlled Assessment: Investigation

    Each unit carries an equal weighting of 25%.

    How will I learn?

    • Notes taken in lessons.
    • In-class tests and assessments.
    • Regular practical work and investigations.
    • Using the on-line Moodle site.

    What skills will I need?

    Essential Skills Wales evidence can be accumulated naturally from the Biology contexts in the GCSE specifications. These are:

    • Application of Number
    • Communication
    • Information & Communication Technology
    • Problem Solving
    • Working with Others
    • Improving Own Learning and Performance

    The skills needed for GCSE Biology are Thinking, Communication, ICT and Number Skills. These are all developed in GCSE Biology, as described in the “Skills Framework for 3 to 19 Year-olds in Wales” document that can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Skills Framework in Wales .

    In general, the following skills will be used commonly on the course:

    • Thinking – challenging tasks that require students to apply ideas; encouraging students to think, question and talk together in groups to develop a deeper understanding of conceptually difficult ideas.
    • Communication – investigation write-ups and presentation of information in scientific reports; extended writing activities and QWC (Quality of Written Communication) questions.
    • ICT – modelling using Focus on Science Investigations; Moodle work; Internet research.
    • Number – calculations, measuring, recording, tabulating, graphing, reporting, presenting, concluding and evaluating.

    How will I be assessed?

    Biology units 1, 2 and 3 are assessed by external examinations held in January and June.  Units may be re-taken once only (with the better result counting) before aggregation for the GCSE award, but at least 40% of the assessment must be taken at the end of the course.  In practice this means that Unit 3 and the Biology Controlled Assessment will be sat once at the end of the course.  

    GCSE Biology is assessed are by tiered external examinations (B1, B2, B3) and by an untiered internally assessed controlled assessment investigation. Additionally, there will be in-class end-of-unit tests and homework tasks. These internal tasks will be used for student target setting and for measuring attainment against such targets. They will also be used to indicate the tier of examination entry for the student – Higher (grades A* - D) or Foundation (grades C - G).

    What happens after the course?

    • Students could follow A level Biology at Ysgol Friars if they attain a “B” grade or higher at GCSE Biology.
    • Students could follow Level 3 courses at a College of Further Education.

    What job opportunities are there?

    Advanced level qualifications in Biology are highly desirable, and in most cases essential for students considering careers in the medical sciences.  Biologists are employed in:

    • Health Care (doctors, nurses, radiographers, opticians, dieticians, physiotherapists, pharmacists)
    • Marine and Freshwater Biology
    • Agriculture
    • Horticultural and Forestry Industry
    • Laboratory work
    • Ecology
    • Work with Animals
    • Information Science
    • Genetics
    • Teaching and Lecturing

    • Chemistry

      WJEC Level 1/Level 2 GCSE in Chemistry

      What will I learn?

      The GCSE Chemistry course consists of three theory units plus a controlled practical investigation.

      1. Chemistry 1: “The Earth and its Resources”
      2. Chemistry 2: “Atoms, Bonding and Chemical Change”
      3. Chemistry 3: “The Chemical Industry and Analysis”
      4. Chemistry Controlled Assessment: Investigation

      Each unit carries an equal weighting of 25%.

      Chemistry units 1, 2 and 3 are assessed by external examinations held in January and June.  Units may be re-taken once only (with the better result counting) before aggregation for the GCSE award, but at least 40% of the assessment must be taken at the end of the course.  In practice this means that Unit 3 and the Chemistry Controlled Assessment will be sat once at the end of the course. 

      How will I learn?

      • Notes taken in lessons.
      • In-class tests and assessments.
      • Regular practical work and investigations.
      • Using the on-line Moodle site.

      What skills will I need?

      Essential Skills Wales evidence can be accumulated naturally from the Chemistry contexts in the GCSE specifications. These are: 

      • Application of Number
      • Communication
      • Information & Communication Technology
      • Problem Solving
      • Working with Others
      • Improving Own Learning and Performance

      The skills needed for GCSE Chemistry are Thinking, Communication, ICT and Number Skills. These are all developed in GCSE Chemistry, as described in the “Skills Framework for 3 to 19 Year-olds in Wales” document that can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Skills Framework in Wales .

      In general, the following skills will be used commonly on the course. 

      • Thinking – challenging tasks that require students to apply ideas; encouraging students to think, question and talk together in groups to develop a deeper understanding of conceptually difficult ideas.
      • Communication – investigation write-ups and presentation of information in scientific reports; extended writing activities and QWC (Quality of Written Communication) questions.
      • ICT – modelling using Focus on Science Investigations; Moodle work; Internet research.
      • Number – calculations, measuring, recording, tabulating, graphing, reporting, presenting, concluding and evaluating.

      How will I be assessed?

      GCSE Chemistry is assessed are by tiered external examinations (C1, C2, C3) and by an untiered internally assessed controlled assessment investigation. Additionally, there will be in-class end-of-unit tests and homework tasks. These internal tasks will be used for student target setting and for measuring attainment against such targets. They will also be used to indicate the tier of examination entry for the student – Higher (grades A* - D) or Foundation (grades C - G).

      What happens after the course?

      • Students could follow A level Chemistry at Ysgol Friars if they attain a “B” grade or higher at GCSE Chemistry.
      • Students could follow Level 3 courses at a College of Further Education.

      What job opportunities are there?

      Advanced level qualifications in Chemistry are highly desirable, and in most cases essential for students considering careers in the medical sciences.  The Royal Society has stated that obtaining a qualification in the chemical sciences provides students with many skills that employers value, including problem solving, communication, creativity and teamwork.  Chemical scientists are highly sought after in many exciting and varied fields of work, including:

       

      Chemistry related jobs                                                      Other jobs that can be accessed via the chemical sciences

      Analytical chemist                                                               Accountant

      Atmospheric chemist                                                            Astronomer

      Chemical engineer                                                               Banker

      Clinical biochemist                                                               Civil Servant

      Cosmetic scientist                                                                Computer programmer

      Crystallographer                                                                  Computer systems analyst

      Development chemist                                                           Consultant

      Electronics engineer                                                             Dentist (chemistry essential)

      Environmental chemist                                                         Dietician

      Forensic chemist                                                                 Doctor (chemistry essential)

      Formulation chemist                                                            Ecologist

      Geologist                                                                          Information scientist

      Health and safety adviser                                                     Journalist

      Laboratory technician                                                          Lawyer

      Marine chemist                                                                  Manager

      Medical laboratory scientists                                                  Nurse

      Pharmaceutical chemist                                                        Optometrist

      Process chemist                                                                  Patent Attorney

      Research chemist                                                                Pharmacist (chemistry essential)

                                                                                            Photographer

                                                                                            Physiotherapist                                                               

                                                                                            Radiographer

                                                                                            Sales and Marketing Manager

                                                                                            Science teacher

                                                                                            Science writer

                                                                                            Technical Sales Executive

                                                                                            University lecturer

                                                                                            Vet (chemistry essential)

                                                                                                                                                                             

      Chemistry/Physics related jobs

      Instrumentation technician

      Materials scientist

      Nuclear scientist

                                 

      Chemistry/Biology related jobs

      Biochemist

      Biotechnologist

      Food scientist

      Forester

      Geneticist

      Horticultural biologist

      Molecular biologist

      Toxicologist

      • Physics

        WJEC Level 1/Level 2 GCSE in Physics

        What will I learn?

        The GCSE Physics course consists of three theory units plus a controlled practical investigation.

        1. Physics 1: “Energy, Radiation & The Universe”
        2. Physics 2: ”Electricity, Forces & Nuclear Physics”
        3. Physics 3: “Electromagnetism, Waves, Kinetic Theory and Nucleosynthesis”
        4. Physics Controlled Assessment: Investigation

        Each section carries an equal weighting of 25%.

        How will I learn?

        • Notes taken in lessons.
        • In-class tests and assessments
        • Regular practical work and investigations.
        • Using the on-line moodle site

        What skills will I need?

        Essential Skills Wales evidence can be accumulated naturally from the Physics contexts in the GCSE specifications. These are: 

        • Application of Number
        • Communication
        • Information & Communication Technology
        • Problem Solving
        • Working with Others
        • Improving Own Learning and Performance

         The skills needed for GCSE Physics are Thinking, Communication, ICT and Number Skills. These are all developed in GCSE Physics, as described in the “Skills Framework for 3 to 19 Year-olds in Wales” document that can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Skills Framework in Wales .

        In general, the following skills will be used commonly on the course:

        • Thinking – challenging tasks that require students to apply ideas; encouraging students to think, question and talk together in groups to develop a deeper understanding of conceptually difficult ideas.
        • Communication – investigation write-ups and presentation of information in scientific reports; extended writing activities and QWC (Quality of Written Communication) questions.
        • ICT – modelling using Sunflower Interactive and Focus on Science Investigations; Moodle work; Internet research.
        • Number – calculations, measuring, recording, tabulating, graphing, reporting, presenting, concluding and evaluating.

        How will I be assessed?

        Physics units 1, 2 and 3 are assessed by external examinations held in January and June.  Units may be re-taken once only (with the better result counting) before aggregation for the GCSE award, but at least 40% of the assessment must be taken at the end of the course.  In practice this means that Unit 3 and the Physics Controlled Assessment will be sat once at the end of the course. 

        GCSE Physics is assessed are by tiered external examinations (P1, P2, P3) and by an untiered internally assessed controlled assessment investigation. Additionally, there will be in-class end-of-unit tests and homework tasks. These internal tasks will be used for student target setting and for measuring attainment against such targets. They will also be used to indicate the tier of examination entry for the student – Higher (grades A* - D) or Foundation (grades C - G).

        What happens after the course?

        • Students could follow A level Physics at Ysgol Friars if they attain a “B” grade or higher at GCSE Physics.
        • Students could follow Level 3 Engineering or other relevant technical courses at a College of Further Education.

        What job opportunities are there?

        Advanced level qualifications in Physics are highly desirable, and in most cases essential for students considering careers in Physics and Engineering. 

        • Additional Science

          WJEC Level 1/Level 2 GCSE in Additional Science

          What will I learn?

          The GCSE Science A course consists of three theory units plus a controlled practical investigation.

          1. Biology 1: “Adaptation, Evolution and Body Maintenance”
          2. Chemistry 1: “The Earth and its Resources”
          3. Physics 1: “Energy, Radiation and the Universe”
          4. Science Controlled Assessment: “Research Skills, Hypothesis Testing and Safety”

           The GCSE Additional Science course consists of a further three theory units plus a second controlled practical investigation:

          1. Biology 2: “Cells and Metabolism, Digestion and Respiration, Biodiversity”
          2. Chemistry 2: “Atoms, Bonding and Chemical Change”
          3. Physics 2: “Electricity, Forces and Nuclear Physics”
          4. Science Controlled Assessment: “Investigation”

          How will I learn? 

          • Notes taken in lessons.
          • In-class tests and assessments.
          • Regular practical work and investigations.
          • Using the on-line Moodle site.

          What skills will I need?

          Essential Skills Wales evidence can be accumulated naturally from the Biology, Chemistry and Physics contexts in the GCSE specifications. These are: 

          • Application of Number
          • Communication
          • Information & Communication Technology
          • Problem Solving
          • Working with Others
          • Improving Own Learning and Performance

          The skills needed for GCSE Science are Thinking, Communication, ICT and Number Skills. These are all developed in GCSE Science, as described in the “Skills Framework for 3 to 19 Year-olds in Wales” document that can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Skills Framework in Wales . 

          In general, the following skills will be used commonly on the course:

          • Thinking – challenging tasks that require students to apply ideas; encouraging students to think, question and talk together in groups to develop a deeper understanding of conceptually difficult ideas.
          • Communication – investigation write-ups and presentation of information in scientific reports; extended writing activities and QWC (Quality of Written Communication) questions.
          • ICT – modelling using Focus on Science Investigations; Moodle work; Internet research.
          • Number – calculations, measuring, recording, tabulating, graphing, reporting, presenting, concluding and evaluating.

          How will I be assessed?

          Each unit carries an equal weighting of 25%. Science theory units are assessed by external examinations held in January and June.  Units may be re-taken once only (with the better result counting) before aggregation for the GCSE award, but at least 40% of the assessment must be taken at the time the GCSE is awarded.  GCSE Science A is awarded at the end of Year 10 and GCSE Additional Science at the end of Year 11.

          GCSE Science A and Additional Science are each assessed by tiered external examinations and by an untiered internally assessed controlled assessment investigation. Additionally, there will be in-class end-of-unit tests and homework tasks. These internal tasks will be used for student target setting and for measuring attainment against such targets. They will also be used to indicate the tier of examination entry for the student – Higher (grades A* - D) or Foundation (grades C - G).  Students must obtain a grade C or higher in GCSE Science A at the end of Year 10 if they are to progress to GCSE Additional Science in Year 11.  Students who do not achieve this grade will then transfer to the NVQ BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science, where less emphasis is placed upon performance in external examinations, and will be given the opportunity of re-sitting GCSE Science A examinations in Year 11.  BTEC grades awarded are equivalent to GCSE:

          BTEC Grade

          GCSE Equivalent

          Starred Distinction (D*)

          A*

          Distinction (D)

          A

          Merit (M)

          B

          Pass (P)

          C

          What happens after the course? 

          • Students could follow A level Biology, Chemistry or Physics at Ysgol Friars if they attain “B” grades or higher in both GCSE Science A and Additional Science. Students who obtain “C” grades in these two GCSEs will be eligible to follow an Advanced level course in Applied Science at the present time.
          • Students could follow Level 3 courses at a College of Further Education.

          What job opportunities are there?

          Advanced level qualifications in the sciences are highly desirable.