Subjects > Science > KS4 (GCSE)
In September 2006 the science syllabuses throughout the country underwent a major change. These changes provided a greater choice of syllabus that are more relevant and directed to the world of work. At The Snaith School it is still expected that the majority of pupils will attain two GCSE qualifications in Science. Year 10 is seen as a foundation year when everyone will study a common core course. This will lead to the first GCSE. Near the end of year 10 further courses will be available to enable a second Science GCSE to be followed.
The main content areas of the core Science course are as follows:
Biology
- How the nervous system and hormones allow us to respond to changes.
- How we can keep our bodies healthy.
- The effects of using and abusing drugs.
- How we defend ourselves against infectious diseases.
- How living things adapt to their environment.
- Variation and genetics.
- How living things evolve.
- How humans affect the environment.
Chemistry
- How we get building materials from the rocks.
- where metals come from and how we use them.
- How we get fuels from crude oil.
- How we make polymers and ethanol from oil.
- How plant oils can be used.
- How the Earth and its atmosphere have changed.
Physics
- How heat energy can move from one place to another.
- How we can use energy efficiently.
- How we use electrical devices.
- How we can generate electricity.
- How can we safely use the energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.
- How we can use radioactivity safely.
- How the Universe was formed and is changing.
The new syllabus provides progression to A' level and makes use of the subject specialisms we have preserved at Snaith School.
For further information, please see Mr P Walker (Head of Science)