KS4 Science students at New River College are given the opportunity to follow different pathways based on their individual need. These are:
Each pathway has been developed to ensure learning is practical and student-led. There are also opportunities for students to work with professionals to develop an understanding of possible careers within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths-related (STEM) industries.
What will students learn?
This qualification is linear, meaning that students sit all their exams at the end of the course. The subject content includes:
Students will complete 10 required Biology practicals and sit two exams (1 hour 45 minutes each).
Additionally, students may complete three teacher-designed practical assessments and three short written exams if they are studying for the Entry Level Qualification.
Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response and Bioenergetics are all assessed via a written exam (1 hour and 45 minutes), Foundation and Higher Tier, 100 marks, worth 50% of the GCSE. Question types include multiple-choice, structured, closed short-answer and open-response.
To view the KS4 GCSE Biology curriculum map, click here.
This course has three achievement levels: Award, Certificate and Diploma. Students will be required to complete the following units to achieve each level:
Award: 1 core unit – Developing a personal progression plan; 1 Science unit – Carrying out a scientific investigation
Certificate: 2 core units — Developing a personal progression plan and being organised; 3 Science units – Carrying out a scientific investigation, testing a product and Cell Biology.
Assessment is by 100% coursework.
To view the BTEC Level 1 Introductory Applied Science curriculum map, click here.
BTEC Level 1-2 Applied Science
This course will allow students to achieve a Level 2 qualification in Science, at a level of pass, merit or distinction. Students will be required to complete the following units to achieve each level:
3 Science units – Exploring Biology, Exploring Chemistry, and Exploring Physics; 1 externally assessed unit – Practical techniques
Assessment is based on 40% external examination and 60% coursework