The course gives students an opportunity to adopt a practical approach to the subject, and use real examples to gain an understanding of what scientists actually do.

When the school subscribes to the Beeby Education website, students will be given a password to access the site from any suitable link to the Internet.

Read on to find out more about the course and ‘the site for the new GCSE in Applied Science’

TOP TIPS

Understand what’s required
The GCSE in Applied Science is a ‘double award’ qualification, which means that students will obtain the equivalent of two GCSEs, graded A*A*, or AA, BB, CC etc.

More than ever before students are actively encouraged to make use of resources in their library and on the Internet. This enables students to develop important research skills as well as discover ‘real science’ for themselves.

Coursework
Two-thirds of the marks are allocated for Portfolio work. This means that students are judged on two years’ worth of work, as well as how they perform under exam conditions.

Level of attainment
Students are able to determine the level at which they wish to work. For students who tend not to perform well in exams, it’s possible to sit the Foundation level paper, but still achieve one of the top grades.

Making the grade
Students can add to, and improve, a piece of work as they learn new facts, conduct more experiments and develop further skills. So, by the time they submit their portfolio at the end of the course, they’ve had every opportunity to attain as high a level as possible.

Personal organisation
It’s essential for students to organise their work from the very beginning. Making a checklist of all the topics and activities helps. So can using different coloured folders for notes and completed projects.

Time management
Students must be realistic when judging how long it will take to complete a piece of work. Making sure that it meets the level that’s being worked towards is important. So is making every effort to hand it in on time!

Monitoring progress
Staff will give continuous feedback in a number of ways, eg helping students to complete their checklists as they progress through the course. This can motivate students, giving a real sense of achievement, as they see their marks – and portfolio – building week by week.

Experiments
There’s much more opportunity to conduct experiments across a range of science topics in the school laboratory. Students will be able to compare their activities with those of scientists in professional labs.

Industry links
Many schools and teachers have developed excellent links with local industry over the years. Parents with scientific connections may wish to assist by loaning schools ‘real science’ materials such as Health & Safety documents and staff training videos, and giving access to their workplace.

Have fun!
Applied Science is about making science relevant for today’s students. Some may use the GCSE as a springboard to study Applied Science at A-level, and go on to do a degree. For others, it will complete their scientific education.

Read on to find out more about ‘the site for the new GCSE in Applied Science’ and how it can help you in your GCSE studies

	The website provides material tailored to the course specification – whatever the awarding body your school uses
	A wide range of experiments and case studies will enthuse, engage and assist students in meeting their Portfolio requirements
	The examined material is written in a clear, concise and easy to understand style, making it less daunting than most textbooks
	The knowledge and understanding required for students sitting the Higher level exam is easily accessible on-screen
	Illustrated step-by-step practical sequences guide students through their experimental work, and make writing up this work much easier
	Students can choose the level of assignment most suitable for them
	Checklists are provided for students to track their progress, and to plan their exam revision
	An image library of downloadable pictures is provided for student use, saving time and adding colour and interest to Portfolio work
	Carefully-selected industrial Case Studies and People Profiles give an insider view of real jobs and everyday activities, and a sense of purpose to the course content. Not only will this help students with their Portfolios, it could also assist them with their career options
	Simulations and interactivities motivate students, bring the subject alive, and help compare results in the school lab with those in industry
	Individual passwords allow access from any suitable link to the Internet – ideal for self-study projects, homework and revision
	Site search to find what you want, when you want it – saves trawling through book indices
	There’s lots of extra information for those who want to find out more, so the website could be used to stretch the most able of students
	Written by the Chief Examiner for GCSE in Applied Science for OCR (and co-author of Heinemann’s GCSE in Applied Science for OCR), with additional material from other expert subject specialists