Addu High School Hithadhoo/ Addu Overview y y

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE

The specification is Issue 4 and is valid for Advanced Subsidiary examination from 2009 and Advanced Level examination from 2010. It has been designed to engage and inspire students by showing how an understanding of many contemporary issues requires a grasp of fundamental scientific ideas. With a realistic, manageable level of content and assessment, it provides an enjoyable teaching and learning experience.

Assessment y The full Advanced GCE award consists of the three AS units (Units 1, 2 and 3), plus three A2 units (Units 4, 5 and 6) which make up the other 50 per cent of the Advanced GCE. Students must take the full Advanced GCE must, therefore, complete all six units. The tables below summarises the key features of the various units of science subjects.

Biology
Unit Unit code 6B101 6B102 6BI07 6BI04 6BI05 6BI08 Name Total marks 80 80 40 90 90 45 % marks for AS/A2 40 40 20 40 40 20 % marks for total GCE 20 20 10 20 20 10 Time

1 2 3B 4 5 6B

Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health Development, Plants and the Environment Practical Biology and Research Skills The Natural Environment and Species Survival Energy, Exercise and Coordination Practical Biology and Research Skills

1 h 15mins 1 h 15mins 1 h 30 mins 1 h 30 mins 1 h 30 mins 1 h 30 mins

Chemistry
Unit Unit code 6CH01 6CH02 6CH07 6CH04 6CH05 9CH08 Name Total marks 80 80 40 90 90 40 % marks for AS/A2 40 40 20 40 40 20 % marks for total GCE 20 20 10 20 20 10 Time

1 2 3B 4 5 6B

TheCore Principles of Chemistry Application ofCore Principles of Chemistry Chemistry Laboratory Skills I General Principles of Chemistry I Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry General Principles of Chemistry II Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry Chemistry Laboratory Skills II

1 h 15mins 1 h 15mins 1 h 15 mins 1 h 40 mins 1 h 40 mins 1 h 15 mins

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Physics
Unit Unit code 6PH01 6PH02 6PH07 6PH04 6PH05 6PH08 Physics on the go Physics at Work Exploring Physics Physics on the Move Physics from Creation to Collapse Experimental Physics Name Total marks 80 80 40 80 80 40 % marks for AS/A2 40 40 20 40 40 20 % marks for total GCE 20 20 10 20 20 10 Time

1 2 3B 4 5 6B

1 h 15mins 1 h 15mins 1 h 20 mins 1 h 30 mins 1 h 30 mins 1 h 20 mins

Assessment objectives for A level Science subjects

There are 3 main assessment objectives, edexcel examination body test among science students. They are as listed below; y AO1: Knowledge and understanding of science and of How science works y AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding of science and of How science works y AO3: How science works Details of specific assessment objectives AO1: Knowledge and understanding of science and of How science works Candidates should be able to: y recognize, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge y select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms. Candidates characteristically: y demonstrate knowledge and understanding of most principles, concepts and facts from the AS specification y select relevant information from the AS specification y organise and present information clearly in appropriate forms using scientific terminology. AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding of science and of How science works Candidates should be able to: y analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and processes y apply scientific knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations including those related to issues y assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information. Candidates characteristically: y apply principles and concepts in familiar and new contexts involving only a few steps in the argument y describe significant trends and patterns shown by data presented in tabular or graphical form; interpret phenomena with few errors; and present arguments and evaluations clearly y comment critically on statements, conclusions or data y carry out accurately most of the calculations specified for AS y translate successfully data that is presented as prose, diagrams, drawings, tables or graphs from one form to another.

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Quality of written communication y y Quality of written communication will be assessed in all subjects and in all units. Students will be assessed on their ability to: write legibly, with accurate use of spelling, grammar and punctuation in order to make the meaning clear select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to purpose and to complex subject matter organize relevant information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate.

AO3: How science works Candidates should be able to: y demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods y make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy y analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways. Candidates characteristically: y devise and plan experimental and investigative activities, selecting appropriate techniques y demonstrate safe and skilful practical techniques and comment effectively on ethical issues y make observations and measurements with appropriate precision and record them methodically y interpret, explain, evaluate and communicate the results of their own and others experimental and investigative activities, in appropriate contexts.

Relationship of assessment objectives to units

(a) Biology UNIT 1 2 3 4 5 6 AO1(%) 43 43 9 38 33 0 A02(%) 43 43 18 52 57 10 A03(%) 14 14 73 10 10 90

(b) Chemistry Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 A01(%) 50 40 12 27 30 12 A02(%) 40 50 12 47 55 12 A03(%) 10 10 76 27 16 76

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(c) Physics Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 A01(%) 48 48 10 35 35 10 A02(%) 48 48 10 60 60 10 A03(%) 5 5 80 5 5 80

Introduction to the context and concept approaches Each unit may be taught based on either a context approach or a concept approach: 1. Concept approach This approach begins with a study of the theories and principals related to the particular topics and then explore their practical applications. 2. Context approach This approach begins with the consideration of an application that draws on many different areas of that particular subject. The theories and principals of that particular topic, that apply to this application are then studied. How science works y How Science Works requires that students explore how scientific knowledge is developed, validated and communicated by the scientific community. It also requires that students consider the risks, benefits, ethical and environmental implications of science and that students appreciate ways in which society uses science to inform decision making.

Introduction to the recommended core practicals The recommended core practicals are identified in each unit: they are the learning outcomes which are emboldened. It is expected that all students will have experience of these practicals. Practical-related questions will be asked in the written examination papers and will be based on the knowledge and understanding of the recommended core practicals. Key skill development This qualification provides opportunities for developing and generating evidence for assessing the key skills listed below: y y y y y application of number communication information and communication technology improving own learning and performance problem solving working with others.

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