Why should I study this subject?
Science is a 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?
The subjects studied include the three separate sciences:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
View GCSE Triple 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 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 (including digestion and the 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, Variation and Evolution; Ecology
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
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 45 minutes
- 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
Paper 2: Chemistry
- Topics covered: Rate and Extent of Chemical Reaction; 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; Electromagnetism; Space Physics
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 marks
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
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.
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?
GCSE Triple Science is great preparation for post-16 study because it gives a deeper understanding of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, builds strong practical and analytical skills, and helps students handle more advanced scientific concepts with confidence.
What are the next steps?
To study GCSE Triple Science, you will need to choose it from either the Option 1, Option 3 or Option 4 block. For further information about the subject, please email
