GCSE Science

Students can prepare for certification in Combined Science Trilogy or Separate Sciences. All students will be taught by specialists in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Details of what the course involves

Students take one of two routes for studying Science in Years 10 and 11:

● Combined Science Trilogy: Students study all Biology, Chemistry and Physics leading to a double award in GCSE.

● Separate Science: Students study all Biology, Chemistry and Physics leading to individual awards each Science at GCSE.

Aims of the course

GCSE courses in science enable learners to:

● Develop their knowledge and understanding of the material, physical and living worlds.

● Develop their understanding of the nature of science and its applications and the interrelationships between science and society.

● Develop an understanding of the importance of scale in science.

● Develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the scientific process through hypotheses, theories and concepts.

● Develop their understanding of the relationships between hypotheses, evidence, theories and explanations.

● Develop their awareness of risk and the ability to assess potential risk in the context of potential benefits.

● Develop and apply their observational, practical, enquiry and problem-solving skills and understanding in laboratory, field and other learning environments.

● Develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions.

● Develop their skills in communication, mathematics and the use of technology in scientific contexts.

How will the course be examined?

Combined Science Trilogy: Students will take two examinations of 1 hour 15 minutes in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is a dual award qualification, therefore two grades will be awarded on a 17 point scale beginning at top end with 9-9 (the highest award) then 9-8 etc through to 2-1 and ultimately 1-1 (the lowest award).

Separate Sciences: Students will take two examinations of 1 hour 45 minutes in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Grades will be awarded using the 9 – 1 scale. Separate Science students will cover more content than Combined Science students.

Students must complete a series of required practicals for each science. All science GCSEs will have higher and foundation tier papers.