About this website
This is a subject-specific website to support teachers in the delivery of the new Triple Science GCSEs. It focuses on GCSE Biology, and particularly on the content that extends Additional Science to the Triple Science GCSEs.
While this website concentrates on the content and teaching and learning appropriate for GCSE Biology, there are also guides that explore:
- GCSE Chemistry
- GCSE Physics
- raising attainment
- curriculum modelling
- collaborative working
- resources for delivering Triple Science GCSEs
The target audience is science teachers who are introducing Triple Science, including those teaching outside their specialism and subject leaders.
This website provides an introduction to the extension topics for GCSE Biology and highlights some specific ideas that teachers can adopt. It is a starting point to provide support to teachers who will each have different needs, rather than a definitive guide. Further advice and support can be obtained from colleagues in school, the local authority, through the Triple Science Support Programme or from the organisations mentioned in this website.
GCSE specification outlines how Science, Additional Science and Extension Science (Biology) are structured, and compares the biology content for each specification, outlining what is required for Science, Additional Science and Extension Science.
Teaching approaches outlines effective teaching and learning approaches relevant to the extension topics in GCSE Biology and introduces:
- teaching and learning models to encourage active learning
- approaches to teach and assess How Science Works
- using investigations and demonstrations
- enhancing science with ICT
- opportunities to encourage engagement and progression in biology
Specific Biology Topics provides specific ideas for teaching and learning the key topics in the extension specifications. Each topic is described in terms of the subject knowledge required, the challenging concepts that arise and the most relevant opportunities for delivering How Science Works. A range of tried and tested teaching activities follows to exemplify the different teaching models introduced in Teaching approaches.
Ideas for investigations and demonstrations, additional activities and centre-marked assessment provide a taster of what other teachers recommend. There are also links to appropriate resources and organisations for each topic.
Delivering Triple Science outlines issues to consider when implementing GCSE Biology in a science department, such as staffing, continuing professional development, health and safety, and resource requirements. Resources lists resources and organisations from where further information can be obtained.