Sixth Form Science
GCE Applied Science - OCR
The GCE Applied Science is worth 2 A Levels and is recognised by employers and universities. 100% of students following the GCE Applied Science Course received one or more offers for Higher Education Courses.
The National Average for all students is 88.6%. But at Trinity it is 100%. The course runs for two years, similar to A Levels, it is possible to take another subject at A Level as well.
Entry:
The level of qualification to allow entry onto the course will be to have followed suitable GCSE and/or BTEC First Science course. In the case of GCSE qualifications students will have probably gained grades between A* to C in at least four GCSEs or passed at intermediate level.
The Course
Students will have to complete:
6 Mandatory Units, 6 Optional Units
Three of the mandatory units have externally set tests, and there is one optional unit with an external test.
The optional units will be studied throughout the course.
Structure and Content of the GCE Applied Science Course
To achieve the GCE Applied Science Certificate of Education (Double Award) in Science, students must successfully complete all six compulsory units and six optional units.
- The work covered by AS the units is easier in comparison to those at A2.
- It is expected that students will complete the double AS course in the Lower Sixth year.
- Most examinations are 1.5 hours long and are structured short answer questions.
- One of the Biology AS exams is only 45 minutes long based on pre-released material.
Summary of Subject Content
- AS Unit 1 Science at work.
- AS Unit 2 Analysis at work.
- AS Unit 3 Monitoring the activity of the human body.*
- AS Unit 4 Cells and Molecules.*
- AS Unit 5 Chemicals for a purpose.
- AS Unit 6 Forensic science.
- AS Unit 7 The physics of sport.
- A2 Unit 8 Investigating the scientists work.
- A2 Unit 9 Sampling testing and processing.*
- A2 Unit 10 Synthesising, organic chemicals.
- A2 Unit 11 Materials for a purpose.
- A2 Unit 12 Electrons in action.
- A2 Unit 13 The mind and the brain.
- A2 Unit 14 Ecology and managing the environment.
- A2 Unit 15 Applications of biotechnology.
- A2 Unit 16 Working waves.*
Qualifications Available
- Advanced Subsidiary GCE (3 AS Units) -- Units 1, 2 and 3*
- Advanced Subsidiary GCE (Double Award) (6 AS Units) -- Units 1, 2, 3*, 4*, and two from units 5, 6, 7.
- Advanced Level GCE (3 AS + 3 A2 Units) -- Units 1, 2, 3* and 8 plus one from 9* and 16* and two from 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16.
- Advanced Level GCE (Double Award) (6 AS + 6 A2 Units) -- Units 1, 2, 3*, 4*, 8, 9* and 16* plus two from 5, 6 and 7 and three from 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 only two out of the three shaded modules 13, 14, 15 can be taken.
All units have an equal weighting. Units marked with an asterisk (*) will be externally assessed. All other units will be internally assessed through portfolio evidence.
It is expected that students will complete the double award AS course in the Lower Sixth year.
The examinations consist of structured short answer questions.
Students will have to produce for assessment, evidence of:
- Detailed reports on their own work.
- Oral presentations.
- Researching into topics.
- Building control systems.
- Making detailed notes on experimental procedures.
- Collecting experimental data.
Grading
Differentiation
| Below Pass | E | D | C | B | A |
|---|
| 0 - 39 | 40 - 49 | 50 - 59 | 60 - 69 | 70 - 79 | 80 - 100 |
A range of points is available within each grade, to allow for differentiation and to reward students for work at the higher end of the grade as shown above.
Allocation of qualification points
The number of points allocated to each unit is recorded and added up to give an overall points total. This total for the qualification is then compared to the ranges allocated to each grade.