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Overview

This course is intended for candidates who wish to continue with a broad and balanced study of science after, for example GCSE, but who do not wish to specialise in one (or more) of the separate science disciplines.

Throughout the course students will study aspects of chemistry, physics and biology as well as earth science and environmental science. Experimental skills and the interpretation of scientific information are important aspects which students develop, and are assessed along the course.

The course is aimed at those who have studied Science at GCSE or equivalent. However, it is not essential if students can demonstrate that they have gained sufficient knowledge through other routes of study. Students can progress onto higher education courses or into employment. Esssentially, the course serves to encourage and facilitate lifelong learning.

Specification aims

The aims of these specifications are to encourage students to:

• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of science, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations throughout life.
• Develop an understanding of scientific methods, including the link between theory and experiment and how scientific models develop.
• Be aware of advances in technology, including information technology and instrumentation, relevant to science.
• Recognise the value and responsible use of science in society.
• Recognise that science is a human endeavour that interacts with social, economic and industrial matters.
• Sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, science.
• Recognise the quantitative nature of science and understand how mathematical expressions relate to scientific principles.
• Show knowledge and understanding of facts, principles and concepts from different areas of science and to make and use connections between them.