From September 2016, schools in England will embark on the teaching of the new GCSE Separate Science or Combined Science Courses. Single Sciences will no longer be available and neither will core, additional or further additional science.

With a new grading system from 9 to 1 replacing A* to G, and a different focus on recall and mathematical skills, the approach to equipping students and teachers with the strategies to master these new linear courses will need to be addressed.

This CPD course for teachers will enable participants to:

• Understand the requirements of the new GCSE Science courses
• Address your planning towards a vibrant and engaging KS4 Science course in your school
• Use and develop new ideas to engage, challenge and assess students in KS4 Science.

During the first part of the day, we will be focusing on:

• The changes to GCSE Science
• The Ofqual Consultation – key findings, recommendations and implications for Science GCSEs from 2016
• The new specifications – What is the best route for you? What is new, what has gone?
• Working Scientifically – What it is and what it means to teachers and students.
• Life without ISAs - The required practicals for Separate and Combined Science and assessment of practical through written examinations.
• Addressing the mathematical and literacy demands of GCSE study
• Examination requirements
• Pathways to advanced study

The remainder of the day will focus on:

• Developing student engagement throughout the GCSE course
• Ensuring that appropriate levels of demand and challenge are facilitated for all at GCSE
• Using assessment effectively to maximise performance at GCSE
• Enabling teachers and students to address the new demands of the new specifications via the use and deployment of effective strategies for learning
• Developing student autonomy and resilience for GCSE study.

Presenter profile

Dr Mike O’Neill is an educational consultant, teacher and author. He has a degree in Physics from the University of Leicester and a PGCE and doctorate from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Mike has 21 years’ teaching experience and won the Guardian Teaching Award for Teacher of the Year in 2004.

Mike has written numerous texts and has recently written two books for the new Physics AS and A-level specifications for Pearson. In addition, Mike has co-written GCSE revision workbooks for AQA as well as being an author for Exploring Science 8. Mike has presented nationally and internationally on areas relating to teaching and learning and often speaks on national radio about issues relating to education. He trains teaching staff, focusing on developing teachers’ skills in the areas of engagement, thinking skills, questioning, assessment, literacy, numeracy and metacognition. He has previously been a teacher of science and maths, head of department, deputy principal and director of educational strategies for ULT. He now runs his own training consultancy and publishing company, focusing on science and maths in secondary schools.

Feedback from teachers on Mike's course

More useful than all the SD days and after-school sessions I’ve done at school!
Great stuff –REALLY useful. An enjoyable day.
Excellent course - informative with lots of clear ideas and useful resources to go away and try.
Great modelling of ideas to reduce teacher-led activities and some very useful T&L resources and ideas. It was helpful to have insight into relative merits of different exam boards.
Great ideas to try out in lessons. A really nice presenter who gave me a lot to work with and share.

Cost: £145 per delegate which includes lunch and resources; £199 for 2 teachers from the same school