Science Foundation

SCIENCE Foundation

• Entry level/level 1 course
• One year
• Progression GCSE
• Exam board AQA OCR
• 5 periods a week
• This course is offered within the Maths, ITC and Science Division

Course outline
Life processes and living things - An introduction to Biology looking at cells, body systems and plant life.
Materials and their properties - An introduction to Chemistry looking at elements and compounds and how they react.
Physical processes - An introduction to Physics looking at electricity, forces, energy and the solar system
An Entry Level Certificate 1, 2 or 3 will be awarded following successful completion of an exam at the end of the year.
The Level 1 and Level 2 units are continually assessed and evidence is collected for the relevant assessment criteria throughout the year

Teaching styles
Lessons are varied and interesting. The teaching styles appeal to all learning styles and include practical work, use of IT and groupwork. Extra support is provided for students with specific learning difficulties.
Practical Assessment. This is done by completing a number of practical investigations and submitting the best marks towards the end of the course. The coursework contributes 25% of the final mark

Key features
An enjoyable introduction to basic science principles for those with little or no prior experience of Science. A possible stepping stone to GCSE level. Students receive support and encouragement from staff in order to achieve their best.

Subject combinations
Entry Level /Level 1 Science can be studied alongside other Entry Level/Level 1 and GCSE courses

Resources and facilities
Taught in a well-equipped, modern laboratory with a study area complete with computers for student use.

Progression
Students achieving a Level 3 in the Entry Level exam and successfully completing at least 2 of the OCR units at Level 2 may be able to progress onto GCSE level after 1 year of study.

Entry requirements
Basic literacy and numeracy skills