Year 9 Options - Triple Science & Statistics
*Students studying Triple Science will have already been selected by the Science department. These students DO NOT need to select an option from column 1. Students studying Triple Science will also study Statistics.
TRIPLE SCIENCE
Studying Triple Science results in students gaining three separate Science GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Studying separate Sciences at GCSE allows students to unpick how the world around them works and consider how advances in Science have led to some incredible breakthroughs. The implications and impact on our world of scientific advances will also be studied.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
At Westfield students will follow the AQA Science specification for Triple Science. Triple Science involves the study of extra topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as studying those from Combined Science in more depth. Additional content present in Triple Science includes: The Use of Antibodies in Medicine, Sustainable Food Production, Nanoscience, The Science of Polymers, Space Science and The Behaviour of Infrared Radiation.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
The Science GCSEs are all assessed by terminal exams in Year 11. Final grades for the Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs are gained from two 1hr 45-minute exams (six science examinations in total for Triple Science). Students will be awarded separate qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and therefore could attain the same grade in all three or attain different grades depending on their performance. There is no coursework in GCSE Science.
STATISTICS
WHY IS STATISTICS IMPORTANT?
Statistics gives you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge in a key component of mathematics that is relevant to everyday life. We live in a world where data is being collected all the time and quite often you may not even realise it. The demand for statisticians who can collect, process, analyse and interpret that data is currently very high and growing. Statistics is a desirable subject for employers because of the many cross-subject links. It crosses many subjects such as geography, health studies, psychology, business, economics, law, amongst others. It will also help a lot if you are planning to study Mathematics at A-Level or further.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
GCSE Statistics will cover three main areas. These are:
The collection of data
Processing, representing and analysing data
Probability
You will study a variety of statistical techniques across a range of authentic investigations, using real-world data in contexts such as, but not limited to, populations, climate, sales, etc. You will identify trends through carrying out appropriate calculations and using data visualisation techniques. Through this you will understand ways that data can be organised, processed and presented. This includes using statistical measures to compare data and therefore make accurate conclusions.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You will sit two written exams in the summer of Year 11 which make up 100% of the assessment. These are both calculator papers and the total of the two scores will provide your grade.