GCSE Science Tutors

Why study GCSE Science?

While some students have a passion for Chemistry, Physics or Biology, everybody can benefit from a basic understanding of science.

The three core subjects within a GCSE Science course are, of course, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. The syllabus and the practical assessments are designed to overlap with those conducted in GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics and GCSE Biology and this sometimes enables students to transfer between courses.

GCSE Science will appeal to two types of student; those who want a good grounding in the sciences without specialising in any particular science, and those who have already decided to specialise in a particular science but don’t wish to devote too much of their timetable to the others.

If you wish, GCSE Science can help you progress to A level Science, or into Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Environmental Science.

What is studied in GCSE Science?

The Physics module examines the basic forces that interact to create the material world. Key topics studied will typically include the following;

• The basic laws of energy and momentum
• Particle theory and wave theory
• Atomic structure
• Magnetism and electricity

The Chemistry module will introduce you to the physical underpinnings of Chemistry, to the basic behaviour of organic and inorganic materials, and to practical applications such as chemical analysis and quantitative measurements. By looking into chemical resources and the chemistry of the atmosphere, it also provides an entry into environmental science. Some common topics include:

• Atomic structure
• The periodic table
• Molecular bonding
• Chemical reactions (rates, quantities and energies)
• Chemical analysis
• The basics of organic chemistry
• Chemistry of the atmosphere
• Using natural resources

The Biology module provides a broad overview of the life sciences, including theories about evolution and inheritance, the differences between the plant and animal kingdoms, and the physiology of infection and immune defence. The module also leads onto the topic of ecology and helps to provide a basis for students who wish to proceed into an A level in Environmental Science. Some of the main topics will commonly be:

• Evolution and inheritance
• Cell biology
• Bioenergetics
• Infection and immune responses
• Physiological homeostasis
• Ecology

Is GCSE Science right for me?

A basic understanding of Science is almost as essential in modern life as possessing basic Maths skills and a good command of the English language. If your main interest lies elsewhere, GCSE Science provides this broad grounding in a concise package. Many potential employers look for some kind of Science qualification at GCSE level.

If a GCSE Science course ignites your interest, it also provides you with the opportunity to specialise in other science subjects later.

How is GCSE Science assessed?

Assessment is by examination; two papers in each of the three main science areas. However, the course also involves practical work in all three areas. There are, therefore, many facts to memorise but you will also need the ability to apply these ideas to real-world experiments and observations. You will also need to use some mathematical formulae in order to perform some straightforward calculations.

Where can GCSE Science lead?

A GCSE Science qualification demonstrates that you have the ability to analyse problems and devise practical methods to solve them. It can, therefore, help you to proceed in almost any direction, whether into an engineering trade, business, the arts, social sciences, computer programming, or a physical science.

You probably won’t need GCSE Science if you are planning to take each of its component sciences separately. If you are confident that you want to proceed to a college course in Physics, Chemistry or Biology, then you may find it easier to have two or three individual sciences at A Level. However, this depends upon the individual college so it is worth seeking advice from your tutor or careers coach.

How can The Profs help?

The Profs can provide you with advice as to the appropriate courses in line with your aspirations. We also have professional tutors available to assist with any subject area in which you may have concerns and to guide you through it at your own pace.