GCSE Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) 'Triple Science'
Students taking this course will obtain three GCSE grades:
AQA GCSE Biology (9-1) - 8461
AQA GCSE Chemistry (9-1) - 8462
AQA GCSE Physics (9-1) - 8463
For the Separate Science course, practical work is embedded in all the topics, and is a large part of understanding the content. All practical skills (PAGs) will be assessed in the final exams.
Each GCSE course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are available as: Higher ( grades 9 to 4) or Foundation (grades 5 to 1)
The expectation at Ricards Lodge would be that all students entered on the Separate Science course would be expected to achieve on the Higher qualification.
Only students on our EBACC pathway will take the Triple Sciences (Combined Science Trilogy also covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
The pace of the course means a large amount of material is covered every lesson. Students are expected to carry out independent study every week and to dedicate themselves to the work that is being covered.
CONTENT & ASSESSMENT
AQA GCSE Biology (9-1) - Specification 8461:
Two written papers: Modules 1-4 and 5-7
Each of 1 hour 45 minutes in duration and totalling 50% of the final grade.
Biology Paper 1:
Module 1 - Cell Biology
Module 2 - Organisation
Module 3 - Infection and response
Module 4 - Bioenergetics
Biology Paper 2:
Module 5 - Homeostasis and response
Module 6 - Inheritance, variation and evolution
Module 7 - Ecology
AQA GCSE Chemistry (9-1) - Specification 8462:
Two written papers: Modules 1-5 and 6-10
Each of 1 hour 45 minutes in duration and totalling 50% of the final grade.
Chemistry Paper 1:
Module 1 - Atomic structure and the periodic table
Module 2 - Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
Module 3 - Quantitative chemistry
Module 4 - Chemical changes
Module 5 - Energy changes
Chemistry Paper 2:
Module 6 - The rate and extent of chemical change
Module 7 - Organic chemistry
Module 8 - Chemical analysis
Module 9 - Chemistry of the atmosphere
Module 10 - Using resources
AQA GCSE Physics (9-1) - Specification 8463:
Two written papers: Modules 1-4 and 5-8
Each of 1 hour 45 minutes in duration and totalling 50% of the final grade.
Physics Paper 1:
Module 1 - Energy
Module 2 - Electricity
Module 3 - Particle model of matter
Module 4 - Atomic structure
Physics Paper 2:
Module 5 - Forces
Module 6 - Waves
Module 7 - Magnetism and electromagnetism
Module 8 - Space physics
A Parent’s Portal website is available, which is administered and updated by the Science team. This website contains resources for student revision, skills, and Required Practicals support. https://sites.google.com/view/ricardslodge-gcse/home
PROGRESSION AT POST-16 & BEYOND
Separate Sciences will benefit those students wishing to pursue Higher Education courses within medicine, pharmacy, veterinary studies amongst many other choices. GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry provides the opportunity to further develop understanding of scientific explanations, how science works, and aspects of biology relevant to careers in Science.
GCSE Triple Science at Grade 6+ provides distinctive and relevant experience for learners who wish to progress to Level 3 qualifications, such as A-level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and at Grade 4+ Level 3 BTEC Applied Science or Health and Social Care which are available in RR6.