Chemistry GCSE

We offer a range of courses at GCSE level. You will be able to choose between Combined Science and the single subject science, according to your needs and your qualifications.These courses are designed to allow you to progress on to L3 courses (A-level or L3 BTEC), or to fill in the gaps in your GCSEs to progress on to specific careers.

The courses will follow the new OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway specification.

Structure of the course: Combined Science

There are six Topics for each of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics sections of the course:

Biology

B1 Cell level systems: Cell structures; What happens in cells (and what do cells need); Respiration; Photosynthesis.

B2 Scaling up:Supplying the cell; The challenges of size.

B3 Organism level systems: Coordination and control – the nervous and endocrine systems; Maintaining internal environments.

B4 Community level systems: Ecosystems.

B5 Genes, inheritance and selection: Inheritance; Natural selection and evolution.

B6 Global challenges: Monitoring and maintaining the environment; Feeding the human race; Monitoring and maintaining health

Chemistry

C1 Particles: The particle model; Atomic structure

C2 Elements, compounds and mixtures: Purity and separating mixtures; Bonding; Properties of materials

C3 Chemical reactions: Introducing chemical reactions; Energetics; Types of chemical reactions; Electrolysis

C4 Predicting and identifying reactions and products: Predicting chemical reactions.

C5 Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions: Controlling reactions; Equilibria

C6 Global challenges: Improving processes and products; Interpreting and interacting with Earth systems

Physics

P1 Matter: The particle model; Changes of state

P2 Forces Topic: Motion; Newton’s laws; Forces in action

P3 Electricity and magnetism: Static and Charge; Simple circuits; Magnets and magnetic fields

P4 Waves and radioactivity: Wave behaviour; The electromagnetic spectrum; Radioactivity

P5 Energy Topic: Work done; Power and efficiency

P6 Global challenges: Physics on the move; Powering Earth

Assessment

The exam papers can be taken at either Foundation or Higher level.

In addition, there is a practical-based topic (CS7) which provides learners with the necessary skills to undertake the 15% practical content in the examinations.

Structure of the course: Single subject sciences

The single subject sciences have the same six topics but there is additional content in each. The practical-based topic (CS7) is again covered in each course.

Teaching Styles

We make use of all types of activities: whole-class and group practical work, teacher demonstrations, teacher-led discussions, individual use of computers and quick learning games and quizzes.

Resources and facilities

At the beginning of 2011 all the science labs were completely refurbished. As well as a full range of science equipment the new labs incorporate ICT facilities including computers and interactive whiteboards. There is also a new computer suite dedicated to science students.

Progression

These courses will be useful for students needing a GCSE Science subject for a particular career such as Primary Teaching or Nursing. In addition, you will be able to progress on to a L3 BTEC course or A-level Biology or Chemistry depending on the grade you achieve.

Provisional entry requirements

• Five GCSEs at grade D or 3 or above including English Language and Maths and either GCSE Core Science or GCSE Additional Science grade D (grade C for Biology or Chemistry).

• Equivalent qualifications may be considered.