Examining Board – AQA
Subject Content
This course suits those who have an interest in Science but do not specifically require the separate sciences at Advanced Level for their further studies. However it could be used to enhance the scientific background of those studying a separate science at Advanced Level. Students who are good at science but struggle to retain information for examinations will benefit from this subject which is two-thirds portfolio (coursework) based.
Methods of Study
The specification builds upon a vocational framework, meaning that it provides scientific knowledge and practical skills which are relevant and useful to future employers. It is designed to allow students flexible progression routes, moving on to higher education, further training and employment.
Methods of Assessment
AS Units
Unit 1: Investigating Science at Work
- 33.3% AS
- 16.7% A Level
You will produce a portfolio of evidence which is assessed by the college. The portfolio should reflect approximately 60 hours of work including teaching time, individual research and analysis together with time required to produce the portfolio. The big project for this section is based around a research trip to Chester Zoo.
Unit 2: (Compulsory) Energy Transfer Systems
- 33.3% of the total AS mark
- 16.7% of the total A Level mark
This is an externally examined paper which consists of short answer, structured questions. The content is partly Biology based relating to how energy is transferred in the body, with some Physics based questions and calculations on energy transfers.
Unit 3: Finding out about Substances
- 33.3% of the total AS mark
- 16.7% of the total A Level mark
This unit assesses practical skills, including planning and carrying out experiments and evaluating results. You will be required to produce a Portfolio of Evidence as in Unit 1.
A2 Units:
As with AS level, two-thirds of the evidence of your work is collected as a portfolio.
Unit 7: (Compulsory) Planning & Carrying Out a Scientific Investigation
PLUS
Two other optional units (currently Unit 14 The Healthy Body and Unit 9 Sports Science)one of which ends with an externally assessed exam.
Entry Requirements
Minimum of one C Grade GCSE in Science (preferably Additional Science) OR a Merit in OCR Science.