GCSE

Brighton College follows the AQA syllabus and science pupils study biology either for ‘GCSE Biology' or as part of the new ‘GCSE Science A' and ‘GCSE Additional Science'.

The course is modular and the exams are split across year 10 and year 11. There is no coursework component but there is a strong emphasis on understanding the process of science and hence there are a series of assessed practical components throughout the course.

The rationale of the new general science specifications is the appropriate exploration of ‘How Science Works' in contexts which are relevant to the role of science in society. This is known as the ‘procedural content' and relates to the process of scientific activity. The content of the scientific knowledge necessary for the exams is known as the ‘substantive content'. Delivery of the procedural content is integrated with the ‘substantive' content through the use of practical work. 3 to 4 exams are sat across year 10 and 11 (the number depending on which of the above courses is adopted).

The first two exams which cover Unit 1 (30 minutes each) cover the content found in units B1a and B1b of the specification. The questions are multiple choice and may address procedural content, substantive content or a blend of both. Currently, pupils sit these as two separate papers, 1a in November and 1b in March of year 10.

Papers 2 and 3 are composed of structured questions and each paper lasts 45 minutes each.  Paper 2 is currently sat in January and paper 3 in May of year 11.

In common with other modular GCSE syllabuses, modules may be re-taken at will.

The three Unit tests (B1, B2, B3) each contribute 25% of the marks for the overall ‘GCSE Biology' grade. The final 25% is dependent on the pupil's performance in an Investigative Skill Assessment (ISA) marked out of 34, and in their Practical Skill Assessment (PSA) marked on a six point scale which is a summative assessment collated throughout the GCSE course.  ISA's are set by the Board and marked internally according to an AQA set mark schemes. They are sat in school under examination conditions, at a time relevant to the current position in the departmental scheme of work.  A range of ISAs are attempted across the course and the best mark is submitted for certification.