Science Exam Preparation

1. Science Exam Preparation GCSE

2. GCSE PPE Celebrations Performance based on individual PPE papers: • Biology PPE – 15 pupils secured B+ • Chemistry PPE – 10 pupils secured B+ • Physics PPE– 12 pupils secured B+ Overall performance based on all three PPE papers and ISA scores: • Grade A - 2 pupils • Grade B - 15 pupils

3. Why every mark counts… • B1 19 C • C1 25 D • P1 12 U • ISA 37 C = Overall D… 7 more marks in total moves to C grade • B1 25 C • C1 19 D • P1 25 C • ISA 42 A = Overall C… 9 more marks in total moves to B grade

4. Exam Dates • Biology 6th June • Chemistry 10th June • Physics 12th June

5. Areas for improvement… • Lack of simple recall e.g. name a plant hormone – couldn’t be answered. • Not attempting whole questions • Not being specific enough in answers e.g. ‘pollution’, ‘waste gases’ instead of ‘carbon dioxide or sulphur dioxides’ • Not using any of the information in the question • Rephrasing the question as an answer without saying anything new! • Simply quoting back data without actually explaining what it meant or manipulating it.

6. General Advice • Mark a minute so time yourself carefully • Start by going through and answering all the ones you can do first so you don't run out of time on questions you could have answered • Underline command words describe, explain, suggest in the question

7. Data Questions • Read all the data given as the information provides answers • Use data and quote back facts in your answer when it tells you to. • Use the equation sheets and carefully select the correct equations to use – you may need to use more than one for a question • Check you haven't missed out one mark questions where there aren't lines to write e,g if you have to add plots or a line of best fit to a graph • Show working out for all calculations and equations that you have used • Include units in all your answers

8. 6 Mark QWC questions – GCSE & BTEC • 6 mark QWC questions involve extended writing just like we've practiced in class • Brainstorm useful scientific keywords and put them in the margin before you start. This will help develop your answer • You can use bullet points if it helps you sequence your ideas they must still be full sentences for QWC marks • Read back your work to check spellings and grammar is accurate to get the QWC mark • These questions could be asking you to write a practical method - remember to include what you will measure, equipment and controls

9. Resits • If you fail to achieve a minimum of a C grade overall and need to resit you will be required to re-enter for the whole Core Science qualification • This would mean resitting all three exams and a new piece of coursework (ISA) alongside your Additional Science GCSE • You cannot resit just one of the exams to improve your grade.

10. How you can prepare… DON’T just read the textbook/revision guide, you need to actively engage with the material…. • The Science booklet outlines the topics you need to revise with a link to Bitesize and AQA past papers • Use Bitesize – there are pages of notes you can print and highlight, animations and tests • Use the revision tests on Bitesize to assess your understanding at the end of each topic • Practice as many past papers as possible and carefully read the mark schemes so you develop your understanding of what the examiners are looking for • Answer the questions in the CGP revision guides and workbooks to test your understanding

13. GCSE Opportunities Science A levels can lead to careers in: • Forensic science • Engineering • Mechanics • Veterinary and Medical Science • Teaching • Pilot • Psychologist • Geologists • Food Scientist • Medical Research • Electrician • Zoologist • Pharmacist