COMBINED SCIENCE DUAL AWARD GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

Course Overview / Introduction

Scientists working through the combined science course at Brakenhale will study an overview of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to obtain two overall GCSE grades. 

Science is the study of how things work and the world around us. Our lessons focus on real-world examples and applications of specialist subject knowledge to demonstrate the relevance of science to your lives. Through practical work and analysis of data sources we give our scientists the tools they need to make informed decisions.  

What will you study?

Biology units:

1. Cell biology

2. Organisation

3. Infection and response

4. Bioenergetics

5. Homeostasis and response

6. Inheritance, variation and evolution

7. Ecology

Chemistry units:

8. Atomic structure and the periodic table

9. Bonding, structure and the properties of matter

10. Quantitative chemistry

11. Chemical changes

12. Energy changes

13. The rate and extent of chemical change

14. Organic chemistry

15. Chemical analysis

16. Chemistry of the atmosphere

17. Using resources

Physics units: 

18. Energy

19. Electricity

20. Particle model of matter

21. Atomic structure

22. Forces

23. Waves

24. Magnetism and electromagnetism

How is the course assessed?

There are six papers at the end of Year 11, each worth 16.7% of the overall GCSE qualification. Each paper is made of 70 marks worth of questions and is completed within 1 hour 15 minutes. The content within each subject area is split across the papers, each paper including questions on subject knowledge and the required practical activities we have covered during the course. 

• Biology 1 (Units 1 – 4) 

• Biology 2 (Units 5 – 7) 

• Chemistry 1 (Units 8 – 12) 

• Chemistry 2 (13 - 17)

• Physics 1 (Units 18 – 21) 

• Physics 2 (Units 22 – 24)

The marks from all six papers are added together to create a final combined score and this will provide a final double GCSE grade. Scientists who complete the foundation tier paper will be awarded a grade between 1 and 5 and those who complete higher will be awarded between a 4 and a 9.

What will you gain from this course?

We work with our young scientists to bring science to life, providing a context for what we are learning in lessons and a better awareness of the impact of science in our daily lives. During our lessons we give you the tools to process and understand scientific information and theories in a real world context, allowing you to make informed decisions.

What does this lead to?

A good science GCSE gives you an understanding of the world around you and your place in it. You will finish this course with a broad body of knowledge but, much more importantly, a way of thinking that takes you from being a student to being a scientist. The jobs that you will end up working in might not even exist yet but the ability to be able to process information and make informed decisions will be useful anywhere and at any time. 

Of course you could also decide that you haven’t finished learning about the world yet and continue your studies at A-Level in a sixth form college, or right here at Brakenhale! Opening another path to higher education at university. 

Staff Contact: 

Mr D Woods
Head of Science