Why should I study science?Science is 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?
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Is there a higher and foundation tier for the exams?
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.
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 – digestions and circulatory system, infection and response, bioenergetics
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Paper 2: Biology
- Topics covered: homeostasis and response, inheritance and variation, ecology
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Paper 1: Chemistry
- Topics covered: atomic structure and periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical calculations, chemical changes, energy changes
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Paper 2: Chemistry
- Topics covered: rates of chemical reactions, 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, magnetism and electromagnetism
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
What are the next steps?
Science (double award) is a core subject but should you wish to choose triple science, you will need to add it as the main choice in either the Option 3 or Option 4 box. If you have any further questions about this course, please contact our Head of Science, Ms Stanley, at
