Head of Department:   Dr A V Francis         

Board:   AQA                                       Biology GCSE 3411                              Additional Science GCSE 4463

The Course

The Biology course comprises three modules that will lead to a GCSE in Biology. The assessment will be spread over the two years of study. Pupils are encouraged to consider scientific concepts and to utilise experimental and investigative techniques.  The objective is to enable them to understand the role of Biology in society by acquiring the analytical skills and subject knowledge that will permit them to make informed judgements on issues such as genetic research, stem cell studies and environmental topics.

All pupils will commence the course with the expectation of obtaining GCSE awards in each of the three sciences.  However, the flexibility of the modular system allows for personal programmes of study to be produced that will allow a pupil to achieve his potential in science and be appropriately rewarded. For this reason some pupils will sit for the Additional Science qualification for which two GCSE passes are awarded.

Assessment

Modules (75%) Biology 1 60 minutes Objective tests  25% Biology 2 45 minutes Written paper  25% Biology 3 45 minutes Written paper  25%

Timetable Biology 1  1a (30 mins) – March Form IV; 1b (30 mins) – June Form IV Biology 2  January Form V Biology 3  June Form V – Candidates who are proceeding to the Additional Science qualification will resit appropriate modules with the aim of improving their overall grade.

Centre assessed unit (25%) This has two components:  (a) the Practical Skills Assessment is based on normal class practical work, assessed over the duration of the course and (b) the Individual Skills Assignment is an externally set, internally assessed, practical test of 45 minutes. The best single mark obtained by the pupil will be used for assessment.  There is no requirement for an individual personal study to be submitted for coursework.

The current third form (year 9) pupils are being  prepared for the EDEXCEL IGCSE qualification and the first examinations will be sat in June 2012.  This is considered to be a more rigorous qualification that will benefit Science education at Monmouth School.  Further details can be obtained from the EDEXCEL website.