Grade Descriptors

Examples

Biology

TERM 1

Content

Inheritance

 

Skills

Interpreting diagrams and flow charts

Describing new scientific processes

Evaluating the ethical issues in genetic engineering and cloning

 

TERM 2

Content

New GCSE Science
Cell Biology

 

Skills

Using specialist apparatus eg. microscopes

Calculations

Drawing and interpreting graphs

Interpreting scientific data

Scientific diagrams and models

 

TERM 3

Content

Organisation

 

Skills

Handling apparatus in required practicals

Scientific diagrams and models

Drawing and interpreting graphs

Evaluating risk factors and impact on health

Physics

TERM 1

Content

Energy and Electricity

 

Skills

Manipulation of equations

By focusing on the reasons for carrying out a particular practical, teachers will help their students understand the subject better, to develop the skills of a scientist and to master the manipulative skills required for further study or jobs in STEM subjects.

Variables

Problem solving

 

TERM 2

Content

New GCSE Science
Conservation and Dissipation of energy

 

Skills

Manipulation of equations

Scientific method

Communicating ideas in science

Applying ideas in context

 

TERM 3

Content

New GCSE Science
Thermal energy transfer

Chemistry

TERM 1

Content

States of Matter

TERM 2

Content

New GCSE Science
Atomic Structure