Double Award Science

Aims

To encourage the pupils to

• develop their understanding of the relationships between hypotheses, evidence, theories and explanations;
• develop and apply their observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills and understanding
• in laboratory, field and other learning environments; and
• develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Subject Overview

GCSE Double Award Science qualification provides a broad, coherent and practical course that develops confidence in and a positive view of science. It encourages you to appreciate the value of science in your life and in the wider world around you.

We follow the CCEA Double Award Science specification, studying:

The specification has seven units:

Biology Unit B1: Cells, Living Processes and Biodiversity

Students learn about cells, photosynthesis, nutrition and health, enzymes, breathing and respiration, the nervous system and hormones, and ecological relationships.

Biology Unit B2: Body Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms and Health

Students focus on osmosis and plant transport, the circulatory system, reproduction, fertility and contraception, genome, chromosomes, genes and DNA, cell division and genetics, variation and selection, microorganisms, defence mechanisms and cancer.

Chemistry Unit C1: Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis

Students cover atomic structure, bonding, structures, nanoparticles, symbols, formulae and equations, the Periodic Table, quantitative chemistry, acids, bases and salts, and chemical analysis. Students begin to develop understanding that all chemical elements are made up of atoms that consist of subatomic particles, and they use the arrangement of the electrons to explain what happens when elements react.

Chemistry Unit C2: Further Chemical Reactions, Rates and Equilibrium, Calculations and Organic Chemistry

In this unit, students cover the reactivity series of metals, redox reactions, rates of reaction, equilibrium, organic chemistry, quantitative chemistry, electrochemistry, energy changes and gas chemistry.

Physics Unit P1: Motion, Force, Moments, Energy, Density, Kinetic Theory, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Students investigate motion, including its graphical treatment, forces and applications such as moments and pressure. Students explore energy, power and heat transfer, along with density and kinetic theory to explain density.

Physics Unit P2: Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space Physics

Students explore waves and reflection and refraction of light, including lenses. They investigate current and domestic electricity, which is then extended to magnetism and electromagnetism. Students investigate the Earth, the Solar System and the Universe and also the life cycle of stars. At the end of this unit, students learn about the Big Bang and evidence for this theory.

Unit 7: Practical Skills

Units 1 and 2 in each discipline include a number of practical tasks that students carry out during the course.

Career Opportunities

Double Award Science is accepted as a relevant Science GCSE for careers such as primary teaching, nursing, midwifery and others. It provides a knowledge of all three science subjects and as such is good preparation for A Level Life and Health Science at A Level.