GCSE SEPARATE SCIENCES: BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS GCSE (TRIPLE SCIENCE)

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: A Biology: 8461, Chemistry: 8462 Physics: 8463

Course Overview

The 3 sciences are suited to pupils who have shown that they are capable of performing to a very high level in Science. Triple Science is also available as an option but only recommended for pupils who are performing at a high level.

Course Content

Biology

Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution, Ecology.

Chemistry

Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes, The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, Using resources.

Physics

Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure, Space.

Examinations:

All exams are in Year 11.

Each subject area comprises 2 examination units (total 6 exams).

SCIENCE: GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8464

Course Overview

This course will be studied by all pupils who are not taking Separate Sciences. Pupils who achieve a good grade in the Combined Trilogy may choose to study any of the three Science subjects to A level in Years 12 & 13.

Course Content

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught in a rolling programme throughout the course.

Biology

Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution, Ecology.

Chemistry

Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes, The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, Using resources.

Physics

Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure, Space.

Examination:

All exams will be taken in May and June of Year 11.

Each subject area comprises 2 examination units (total 6 exams).

There are two tiers of entry for each of the written examinations, Foundation tier (grades 1-5) and Higher tier (grades 4-9). A pupil will be entered for the Foundation tier only where it is believed they are unlikely to achieve a grade 5 on the Higher tier paper.