GCSE AQA Science

Two routes:

• Route 1: Core Science and Additional Science (2 GCSEs)

• Route 2: Triple Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics (3 GCSEs)

Additional Science

All exams are 1 hour in length

Biology Chemistry Physics

ISA(25%)

ISA(25%)

ISA(25%)

ISA(25%)

Biology 2(25%)

Biology 1(25%)

Chemistry 1

(25%)

Physics 1(25%)

Chemistry 2

(25%)

Biology 2(25%)

Chemistry 2

(25%)

Physics 2(25%)

Physics 2(25%)

Biology 3(25%)

Chemistry 3

(25%)

Physics 3(25%)

Foundation or Higher?

• Foundation paper: C – G

• Higher paper: A* - D

A mixture of Higher and Foundation papers can be taken.

Remember doing a foundation paper does not necessarily limit you to a Grade C.

Week

Commencing

P1 - Monday (GS/KQ) P2 - Wednesday (GS) P3 - Tuesday (GS/KQ)

20/03/2017 Energy transfer by

heating.

Motion X-rays, CT scanners,

Ultrasound

27/03/2017 Using energy Forces Refractive index, Lenses,

The eye

03/04/2017 Electrical energy Work, Energy and

Momentum

Moments, Centre of

Mass, Stability

24/04/2017 Generating electricity Current Electricity Hydraulics, Circular

Motion, The Pendulum

01/05/2017 Waves Mains Electricity Electromagnets and

Electromagnetic

Induction

08/05/2017 EM waves Radioactivity The Motor Effect

15/05/2017 Expanding Universe Energy from the nucleus Transformers in action

22/05/2017

Wednesday: Biology 1 Thursday: Biology 3 Friday: Biology 2

Week beginning 20th

March 2017

Diet, exercise and

pathogens

Exchange of materials:

Osmosis and active

transport+ ventilating

the lungs and

breathing aids/

Cells, tissues and

organs + diffusion

Week beginning 27th

March 2017

Reflex actions and

hormones

Exchange in the gut.

Exchange in plants +

transpiration

Photosynthesis,

limiting factors and

measuring distribution

Week beginning 3rd

April 2017

Medicines and drugs The circulatory system:

The heart and vessels

Valves, stents and

transplants

Enzymes

Week beginning 24th

April 2017

Adaptations and

measuring

environmental change

The kidney

Transplants v Dialysis

Aerobic and anaerobic

respiration + the

effects of exercise

Week beginning 1st

May 2017

Biomass, Carbon cycle

and decay

Controlling body

temperature

Controlling blood

glucose levels

Cell division, stem cells

and genetic crosses

Week beginning 8th

May 2017

Cloning and genetic

engineering

Population explosion

Pollution: Land, water

(eutrophication) and

air.

Inherited conditions:

Polydactyly and cystic

fibrosis

Command words

• State

• Complete

• Suggest

• Describe

• Explain

• Evaluate

• Compare

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-GCSE-SCIENCE-COMMAND-WORDS.PDF

QWC question

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-GCSE-SCIENCE-QWC.PDF

A six mark question that will require pupils to answer an extended scientific question writing in good English.

Advice: Spend a couple of minutes annotating the question and planning your answer.

9 (b) In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly and using specialist terms where appropriate.

Different parts of the human digestive system help to break down molecules of fat so that they can be absorbed into the body.

Describe how.

To gain full marks you should refer to:• the enzyme and where the enzyme is produced• the products of digestion• any other chemicals involved.

Maths skills: Biology, Chemistry and Physics

1. Understand number size and scale and the quantitative relationship between units.2. Understand when and how to use estimation.3. Carry out calculations involving +, – , x, ÷, either singly or in combination, decimals, fractions, percentages and positive whole number powers.4. Provide answers to calculations to an appropriate number of significant figures.5. Understand and use the symbols =, <, >, ~.6. Understand and use direct proportion and simple ratios.7. Calculate arithmetic means.8. Understand and use common measures and simple compound measures such as speed.9. Plot and draw graphs (line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, scatter graphs, histograms) selecting appropriate scales for the axes.10. Substitute numerical values into simple formulae and equations using appropriate units.11. Translate information between graphical and numeric form.12. Extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables.13. Understand the idea of probability.14. Calculate area, perimeters and volumes of simple shapes.In addition, Higher Tier candidates should be able to:15. Interpret, order and calculate with numbers written in standard form.16. Carry out calculations involving negative powers (only –1 for rate).17. Change the subject of an equation.18. Understand and use inverse proportion.19. Understand and use percentiles and deciles.

Revision resources

• http://www.aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/exams-guidance/find-past-papers-and-mark-schemes

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zrkw2hv