Science GCSE

Science has something to offer every student whatever their aspirations. Whatever career our

students choose some level of Science understanding is needed.

GCSE Combined Science- Trilogy (2 GCSE’S)

GCSE separates (3 GCSE’S)

Courses on offer

GCSE combined Science: Trilogy

This double award is equivalent to 2 GCSE’S and covers much of the CORE and ADDITIONAL content most teachers and

parents are familiar with.

GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy

In year 11 students will sit 6 papers

- 2 Biology

- 2 Chemistry

- 2 Physics

Each paper is equally weighted at 16.7% and is worth 70 marks

Each paper is 1hour 15 minutes long

GCSE Separates (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Studying the separate Sciences means more content will be studied than Combined Science, but the

course has been designed to allow flexibility throughout the year.

Students will be awarded with 3 GCSE’S

GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics

In year 11 students will sit 2 papers for each of the Science GCSE’S.

- 2 Biology

- 2 Chemistry

- 2 Physics

Each paper is weighted at 50% and is worth 100 marks.

Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes

Content

Some of the topics studied include:

- Cell Biology, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and Response

- Quantative Chemistry, Chemical Changes and Chemical Analysis

- Particle Model of matter, Forces and Electromagnetism

Coursework

Each specification includes a list of practical's

(required practicals) that students must be able to demonstrate and successfully record what they have

learnt.

Students will be assessed on this practical knowledge in their exams with at least 15% of the marks coming

from questions relating to practical's.

Examinations

Foundation

Foundation papers are made up of low and

standard demand questions with a higher

proportion of structured and multiple-choice

questions.

Higher

In Higher Tier papers there will be more marks

for unstructured, open and extended response questions and the

questions are made up of standard and high demand

with some marks aimed at the new grade 9 (beyond

the current A*).

F H

Assessment throughout the year

All of year 9 pupils will be regularly assessed throughout year 9 and into year 10. The purpose of these assessments is to:

- Select a suitable tier

- Build on exam technique

- Build on pupil confidence in answering exam questions

- Identify weak areas and make plan for improvement