Science

Official Course Title: GCSE Science (double or triple award)

Exam Board: AQA

Further details can be obtained from: Mr A Bullock, allan.bullock@hdhs.school; Ms A Gill, alexandra.gill@hdhs.school

In recognition that different students possess different skills, the HDHS Science department provides three different pathways at Key Stage 4 and matches students to the specification with the most appropriate form of assessment. All courses are taught across three years starting in Year 9.

Triple Award Science (sometimes known as ‘Separate Sciences’ or ‘Single Sciences’) is where students study all three sciences and end up with three GCSEs.

Double Award Science (also known as ‘Combined Science’ or ‘Trilogy’) is where students study all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) but end up with two GCSEs. The majority of GCSE students in England follow the Double Award course, which covers approximately two thirds of the content covered by Triple Award Science students. They are awarded two GCSE grades based on their overall performance across all three science subjects.

Each exam features Foundation tier and Higher tier papers. Foundation tier is designed for students who are aiming for grades 1-5, and Higher tier is designed for students who are looking for grades 4-9. Students scoring a Grade 6 and above will normally be entered into the Higher tier but this is also based on guidance from the school.

Any students wishing to take Triple Award Science will have to discuss this with their class teacher and may have to interview with Mr Bullock and / or Ms Gill.

Further details are available from the science department website here: https://sites.google.com/hdhs.school/science/home