Astronomy GCSE
Students who wish to extend their interest in Space Science and gain a good introductory science qualification can follow the GCSE Astronomy course. Run over two years, this course is offered to students from 3rd to Upper 6th form. It is run outside the timetable during Option time.
Why Astronomy?
Who can look up at the night sky and not feel awed by its beauty and vastness, not want to know and understand it a little? Carl Sagan spoke of the Earth as a ‘pale blue dot’ when seen from the Voyager space craft, one of humanity’s greatest achievements of the 20th century. At the dawn of the 21st century, our world is seen as fragile, ever-shrinking and increasingly controlled by globalizing influences. Space has become the next frontier, as we seek our origins, new goals, and extended resources for our future. Space science and exploration are giving people common goals and a unique opportunity to work together for all mankind.
Astronomy is the scientific study of the Universe around us and our place within it, the history of how we have come to understand it better, and of the development of space exploration. This course aims to encourage students to take an informed interest in space science and exploration; to promote an awareness of the technological, cultural, ethical and economic dimensions of Astronomy and its relevance to other areas of learning and human activity; and to promote and develop a broad range of enquiry skills, as well as the use of ICT. It is a valuable complement to the general education of the citizen of Planet Earth.
How is Astronomy taught at Aiglon?
Given the nature of the subject and our unique location here in the Alps, much of the course is practical, involving both group and individual observation throughout the year. We have several fine telescopes, including a 30-cm Dobsonian reflector, a 15-cm refractor and a 28 cm. Schmitt-Cassegrain, the latter of which is housed in the 3 metre dome of our Kalouti Observatory. The dome is equipped with solar power supply for computers, astrophotography and live video imaging of the Moon, planets and deep sky objects, which can be used in the preparation of GCSE projects. Class sessions involve both teacher-led and student-based group activities, using our extensive and up-to-date libraries of videos/DVDs, books and journals, and Internet sources. We also have links with NASA, the Planetary Society and the Mars Society.
Students also have the chance to combine learning with Service by helping run our programme of public outreach activities with the local community and other schools.
Who takes Astronomy?
The course is open to both scientists and non-scientists, who could be taking a wide range of other academic courses, but wish to maintain, for interest or curriculum reasons, a science-orientated subject in their ‘academic portfolio’. Astronomy would be particularly attractive to US Colleges, where it enjoys a high standing in schools and universities. It is, of course, increasingly relevant to us all in the 21st century!
Specification
The Edexcel GCSE Astronomy course covers five main areas of study:
1. Planet Earth 2. The Moon and the Sun 3. The Solar System
4. Stars and Galaxies 5. Observing techniques and space exploration.
The examination consists of a 2-hour written paper and two internally-moderated projects of the student's choice, one based on observations of the sky (naked-eye and /or telescopic), the other on construction of a piece of astronomical equipment or drawing-up a lunar or star chart.
