Why should I study science?Science is fantastic subject to study at GCSE, and like the combined science option, choosing separate sciences 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 keen interest in science, you have the opportunity to choose Triple Science, which is worth three GCSE grades. Opting for this course means you will study science for 15 hours per fortnight instead of 10, and you will cover all of the units in the combined science course plus some additional topics to reflect the fact that you are studying for an additional GCSE qualification. What will I study?
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Is there a higher and foundation tier for the exams?
Yes, separate sciences are still split into two tiers: higher and foundation. Grades on the higher paper are from 4 to 9 and on the foundation paper 1 to 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 two exam papers per subject. You will receive a separate GCSE grade for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Paper 1: Biology
- Topics covered: cell biology, organisation – digestions and circulatory system, infection and response, bioenergetics
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
Paper 2: Biology
- Topics covered: homeostasis and response, inheritance and variation, ecology
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
Paper 1: Chemistry
- Topics covered: atomic structure and periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical calculations, chemical changes, energy changes
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
Paper 2: Chemistry
- Topics covered: rates of chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere, using resources
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
Paper 1: Physics
- Topics covered: energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
Paper 2: Physics
- Topics covered: forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
What are the next steps?
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
