Science GCSE is pre-requisite qualification if you want to train to teach in a primary school. If you don’t have your GCSE in this subject but have been made an offer for primary teacher training with us this September - or have been directed to us by a teacher training provider that you are due to start a course with this autumn - and have been directed here to consider our online GCSE Science equivalency test, here are some FAQs about our online equivalency test:
How will I access the online support sessions?
All support sessions will take place online via MS Teams. Your tutor will send you the link once you are enrolled on the course.
When will the online support sessions take place?
Sessions are normally on Tuesday evenings from 4pm to 6pm.
Will I be given a number or letter grade for this test?
As these tests are equivalency tests, the grading is not comparable to GCSEs in that you will not receive either a number (4, 5 etc.) or a letter (C, D etc.) grade. Therefore, there is no Higher or Foundation Paper. The tests have been written by our academics and reflect exam board criteria.
You will receive either a pass or fail grade for the tests.
When will I find out about my result?
After your exam, University staff have 10 working days to mark papers and will then communicate to you by email whether you have passed or failed.
How many times can I take a test?
You are entitled to two attempts at the exam, a first attempt and one re-sit.
What topics will the online support sessions and test cover?
The four major areas covered in support sessions are:
- Organs and Systems
- Atomic Structure and Bonding
- Energy, Forces and Electricity Basics
- Photosynthesis and Respiration
What content do these topics include?
The papers will be based on the foundation level material for the AQA examination board - GCSE Combined Science Trilogy (8464) version 1.1 from the specification.
- Cell Biology: pages 19-21
- Transport in Cells: page 24
- Organisation: pages 26, 28-30, 42
- Bioenergetics: pages 37-39
- Atomic Structure: pages 65, 67-69
- Periodic Table: pages 70-72
- Bonding: pages 73-77
- Rates of reaction: pages 94-95
- Energy: pages 116-120
- Forces: pages 138, 142-144
- Electricity: pages 122-123
You will be provided with subject-specific links to revisions websites. In addition, this is a good website to use for revision: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h
How long is the online test?
You will need to sit two papers, each lasting 60 minutes. Extra time is built in.
What equipment will I need?
The test software has an online calculator, protractor and ruler. However, it is recommended that you have your own scientific calculator for both the online support sessions and the test as well as your own protractor and ruler. You will also need a pen and pencil for your live taught sessions as you will need to make notes.
You will be provided with an equation sheet and periodic table.
What mark do I need to get in order to pass?
You will need to achieve a minimum of 50% averaged across the two papers in order to pass the test.
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