John Griffiths Astro Pages

VC3.1

GCSE Astronomy — Introduction to the course

Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences and can trace its origins back over 5000 years.  Currently public interest in astronomy is at an all-time high.

 

What is astronomy?

“The scientific study of the individual celestial bodies (planets, moons, stars, galaxies) and of course the Universe as a whole”   (Oxford Dictionary definition)

GCSE Astronomy >  Introduction to the course >  [Detailed Course Breakdown]

Overview of the course

· The GCSE course in its current form has been in existence for over 5 years but prior to that, the old ‘O’ level Astronomy course began in the 1960s.  GCSE Astronomy is a very popular subject, the numbers taking it every year are on the increase — the intake across the UK in 2007/8 was 30% higher than 2006/7! This is quite an achievement for a science subject.

· The course you will follow is administered by the Edexcel Examinations Board who are in fact the only board who set the subject in the UK.  The subjects covered follow on from those already taught at Key Stage 3.

· In addition to a final examination, students have to undertake two pieces of original coursework, one of which must involve some sort of astronomical observation.  A limited number of optical instruments may be available for loan, and you will all receive a copy of all the presentations on a CD-ROM.

· Full details of the course are to be found on the Edexcel website.    Available to download from the Edexcel site is a full course specification document (pdf format). In addition to much useful information about the course.  Pages 12-23 list in great detail what students are required to know.  This information is also reproduced on this site (click here).

 

· A fuller description of the course is on this site — click here

 

· The final examination will take place on 15th May 2009 The written paper (2 hours) will count for 75% of the marks — the other 25% consists of coursework, which is normally handed-in for marking about two months before the written exam..

The course breaks down into 5 units —

Image: Saturn by Tony Sizer

Last updated Sep 22, 2008