Full Name of Specification
Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BIO)
Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CHO)
Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PHO)
Exam board specification link
https://thestudioliverpool.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/GCSE_Biology_Spec.pdf
https://thestudioliverpool.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/GCSE_Chemistry_Spec.pdf
https://thestudioliverpool.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/GCSE_Physics_Spec.pdf
Name of textbook if used
N/A
What is (name of the course)?
GCSE Separate Sciences
Why study this course?
By taking sciences separately at GCSE level you will cover more science content, so you’ll be better prepared if you want to take science A-levels. Pupils who take separate GCSE science are also more likely to get higher grades in A-level sciences.
What can you expect from this course?
Theoretical and practical Science at the highest GCSE level, separated out into Biology, Chemistry and Physics. See “What Will I Study?” below for further information.
How is it assessed?
GCSE Biology – 2 exam papers
GCSE Chemistry – 2 exam papers
GCSE Physics – 2 exam papers
Each paper is 1hour 45mins long and worth 100 marks.
Papers are split according to topic, with half the content for each discipline in each paper.
The first topic in each specification lists key ideas that may be assessed in paper 1 and e as they are fundamental ideas, eg. Cells in Biology; atomic structure and bonding in Chemistry and handling units in Physics
What are the entry requirements?
Students must show the potential to achieve a grade 4 or above across all three Sciences.
What can I do after completing this qualification?
A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
What will I study? (include unit numbers and names)
Biology
Key concepts in biology, cells and control, genetics, natural selection and genetic modification, health, disease and development of medicines, plant structures and their functions, animal coordination, exchange and transport in animals, ecosystems and material cycles
Chemistry
Key concepts in Chemistry, states of matter and mixtures, chemical changes, extracting metals, groups in the periodic table, rates of reaction and energy changes, fuels and earth science
Physics
Key concepts in Physics, motion and forces, conservation of energy, waves, light and electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, astronomy, energy, forces, electricity and circuits, static electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, particle model, forces and matter
Additional activities within this subject
Core Practicals
Biology
Looking at cells
pH and enzyme activity
Food tests
Osmosis in potato strips
Microbial cultures
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Fieldwork
Chemistry
Investigating the composition of inks
Investigating pH
Preparation of copper sulfate
Electrolysis
Acid-alkali titration
Rates of reaction
Identifying ions
Combustion of alcohols
Physics
Force, mass and acceleration
Speed, frequency and wavelength of waves
Refraction in glass blocks
Thermal energy
Electrical circuits
Density of solids and liquids
Properties of water
Extension of a spring
Teachers
Mrs. Houghton, Mr. Marshall-Clarke, Dr. Dyer, Dr. Moore