All pupils are following a three year course, already started in Year 9, in preparation for the GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics examinations offered by Edexcel as a part of their new 360Science portfolio of qualifications. These fulfill the requirements of the Key Stage 4 Science National Curriculum. The aims of the courses are:

·       to develop students’ understanding of the science around them that affects them in their everyday life

·       to develop students’ questioning, analytical and evaluative approach to scientific problems and issues

·       to develop students’ practical skills in science and an understanding of how science works

·       to encourage enthusiasm about science leading to continued study.

The courses are assessed by a series of modular examinations, teacher assessed Edexcel set activities (forming the coursework element), practical skills tests and terminal examinations. The first phase of assessment will take place during Year 10 with formal modular examinations in January and June and assessment activities completed during normal lesson time.

Pupils will be placed into sets on the basis of their ability in Science as demonstrated by Key Stage 3 SAT results and the mock assessments from Year 9.