For situations where students will only be taking one GCSE we would suggest that based on the experience of the teacher and what motivates the students you may wish to consider that:
- GCSE Chemistry has less specialised vocabulary than GCSE Biology and only marginally more learning outcomes
- GCSE Biology has slightly fewer learning outcomes than GCSE Chemistry but it has more specialist vocabulary
- GCSE Physics has more learning outcomes than Biology or Chemistry, but is more objective and rules based so may better suit some students
In order to fulfil the Department for Education’s requirement at Key Stage 4 that schools provide a broad and balanced science education (and therefore study all 3 sciences), students could take Entry Level Science alongside one of the separate science GCSEs.
Gateway Science Suite (our science A suite) is concept based so may be more straightforward for those teaching outside their specialism. Twenty First Century Science Suite (our science B suite) is contextually led so directly relates to everyday application of science which may be more engaging for some students.
Both Gateway and Twenty First century Science share the same set of exemplar practical science activities to cover the mandatory minimum eight practical activities. We have produced a stripped down set of activities (more accessible to Foundation students) and this may be of some help to you.
We have produced a set of suggested practical activities that meet the DfE required Apparatus and Techniques. We have aimed to choose activities that can be done in any classroom. This practical set contains Teacher & Technician Guidance, instructions for students, and extension booklets with questions to give to your students. The supplementary booklets cover suggested practicals for students studying Separate sciences, to complete in addition to the main booklets.
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