Frequently Asked Questions
Q Do we need to offer all the courses in Twenty First Century Science from 2006?
No. QCA sent detailed guidance to all Head teachers in October 2005 about the changes to KS4 Science. This guidance sets out what students are entitled to from September 2006. This information is also available from the QCA website www.qca.org.uk. Here’s an outline of the requirements:
There will no longer be disapplication for Science. Each student has a minimum entitlement of two GCSE courses in Science, although they may choose only to take GCSE Science if your school offers this option. It is still an individual school decision which courses you offer to students. For example, if all students in your school currently take Double Award, this can continue. The difference would be that students now take GCSE Science, and GCSE Additional Science. You could of course at a later date decide to introduce other options, such as GCSE Additional Applied Science, into your curriculum.
Q What about assessment?
Outline details of the assessment are given in Teaching the courses. For more information visit the OCR site.
Q Is it possible to begin Separate Sciences but at a later time enter students for GCSE Science + GCSE Additional Science?
Yes. Full details of this curriculum model are given in the OCR specifications
Q What is it like to implement?
Like all curriculum changes, there are new things to get use to. But overall feedback from Pilot teachers is that they have found Twenty First Century Science enjoyable to teach. The Teacher and Technician material, and the iPack CD ROMs, offer great support with lesson plans and integrated ICT. The iPack CD ROMs include PowerPoint presentations, animations, and audio and video clips. See What the Pilot schools say for more Pilot teacher feedback.
Q What about practical work?
There is a full range of engaging practical work in all of the Twenty First Century Science courses. The nature of practical activities varies, to match the aims of each course – and includes using practical work to illustrate key concepts, interpretation and evaluation of data from group practical work, building students’ practical competencies, developing investigative skills.
Early feedback from Pilot schools suggested that some of the trial GCSE Science modules needed more practical work. This has been incorporated into the new schemes of work, together with many other useful suggestions and tips from Pilot teachers. A huge strength of Twenty First Century Science is that all the teaching and learning resources have been fully trialled in Pilot schools.
Q I have very high achievers in my school. Will it suit my students?
Pilot feedback confirms that Twenty First Century Science challenges and motivates the most able. All of the courses are available at Foundation and Higher tier, and GCSE Science textbooks have been written to match both tiers. The Higher book includes material to stretch the most able. Students can choose to take GCSE Additional Science, or Separate Sciences, as excellent bases for progression to A level science courses.
Q I am on a limited budget...how do I afford Twenty First Century Science?
Twenty First Century Science offers you flexibility. For example, with students taking GCSE Additional Applied Science you need only buy the three modules that you choose and the iPack CD-ROMs are eligible for eLcs. As every school has different resourcing needs and budgets we strongly recommend that you contact your local educational representative who will be delighted to discuss the best way forward for you and your students. Ask them about our Buy Now Pay Later scheme. Call (01865) 354900 for details of your local educational representative.
Q How do I organize the timetabling of Twenty First Century Science?
Ideas for different routes through Twenty First Century Science are given in Teaching the courses. If you have more specific questions, please get in touch with us (see Contacts).