Why should I study this subject?
Science is a fantastic subject to study at GCSE. Many of you will study the combined trilogy qualification, which is the double science pathway worth two GCSEs. This builds upon the curriculum you have covered in earlier years. By studying science, you will develop your knowledge of a wide range of issues including health and the environment. You will have the opportunity to explore concepts through practical tasks and develop a critical approach to scientific evidence.
If you have a real aptitude and interest in the subject, you do have the opportunity to choose Triple Science in Option 3 or 4 but, it is important to stress, there is not a requirement to do this and you will still be very well prepared for science A Level courses through the double science pathway. As with all subjects, it is the grades you get that is the most important factor and the highest grades in combined science will provide access to any future educational pathway that you wish to pursue.
What will I study?
The GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy is split evenly across the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
View GCSE Combined Science Curriculum
NOTE: Some of the content taught in Year 9 forms part of the GCSE Science course.
How will I be assessed?
The exam board is AQA and assessment is 100% exam based at the end of the course, broken down into six exam papers. In combined science, the marks across all six papers are used to award a double GCSE grade (e.g. 6-6, 7-6, 7-7 etc.).
Paper 1: Biology
- Topics covered: Cell Biology; Organisation (including digestion and the circulatory system); Infection and Response; Bioenergetics
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Paper 2: Biology
- Topics covered: Homeostasis and Response; Inheritance, Variation and Evolution; Ecology
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Paper 1: Chemistry
- Topics covered: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table; Bonding, Structure and the Properties of Matter; Quantitative Chemistry; Chemical Changes; Energy Changes
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Paper 2: Chemistry
- Topics covered: Rates and Extent of Chemical Change; Organic Chemistry; Chemical Analysis; Chemistry of the Atmosphere; Using Resources
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Paper 1: Physics
- Topics covered: Energy; Electricity; Particle Model of Matter; Atomic Structure
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Paper 2: Physics
- Topics covered: Forces; Waves; Electromagnetism; Space Physics
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
Yes. Science is split into two tiers: higher and foundation. Grades on the higher paper are from 4-4 to 9-9 and on the foundation paper 1-1 to 5-5. Pupils will be regularly assessed during the two years to ensure that they are entered for the correct tier and are given every opportunity to maximise their potential within the subject.
Are there any trips or enrichment opportunities?
Yes. Each year we take students to the GCSE Science Live! event in Birmingham, where they get the chance to hear from five of Britain’s top scientists, all working at the cutting edge of their specialisms.
Will this course be good preparation for post-16 study?
The GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy gives students a solid grounding in biology, chemistry, and physics while developing key skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, and practical investigation. This broad foundation prepares students well for post-16 science courses by building confidence and the ability to apply scientific ideas.
What are the next steps?
For further information about GCSE Combined Science, please email
