FAQs

Why do I need to study Science?

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, it is therefore essential that you understand aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, you will be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. You will come to understand that science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. 

In the every changing and technology reliant world that we live in, this knowledge and skills bank will not only be essential for navigating decision making and new technologies that you are faced with, but the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) job sector is growing and in need of new talent!

What is the difference between Combined Science and Separate Science? 

When you come to take your Science GCSE there are two options available. Either "Combined" Science or "Separate" Science. Sometimes Combined Science is referred to as "Double Science" and Separate Science as "Triple Science"

Both options will mean that you take all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) but how the course is structured is a little different. No matter which option you end up taking, you will have the same number of lessons, for the same amount of time. This means that if you are studying the Separate Science route, lessons and topics are covered at a faster pace, which is naturally more challenging. We do, of course, allow enough time to cover the course in full and in detail.

Combined Science studies all three sciences, and you will come out with 2 GCSE grades in "Science." There is less overall content to study compared to Separate Science, but it is not necessarily easier.

Separate Science studies all three sciences, and you will come out with 3 GCSE's 1 in Chemistry, 1 in Physics and 1 in Biology. There is more overall content to student compared to Combined Science but it is not necessarily harder. You do NOT have any more time to study the extra content.

Will I be taking the Combined Science or Separate Science Route?

This is a decision that will ultimately be made by your Science teacher and the Director of Science. However if you feel very strongly either way, you should speak to your teacher about this. The following will be taken into consideration when making decisions.

1. Effort made in classwork and homework

2. Attainment in end of topic assessments, and progress from baseline assessments

3. Ability to "work scientifically" and carry out practical work to a high standard

4. Student preferences on which route they follow

Based upon responses to the survey about students preferences for Combined or Separate Science, we will be running a minimum of three Separate Science classes and 1 Combined Science class. This means about 75% of students will be following the Separate Science route and 25% will be following the combined Science route. Traditionally many schools reserve Separate Science for their "top sets" but at King's we are keen to give the opportunity to anyone who has a passion for the sciences to take this route.

How will I be examined and graded (Combined Science)

There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. In Chemistry Paper 2 in each of the science may draw upon fundamental concepts that are examined in paper 1.

• Each written exam is: 1 hour 15 minutes 

• Foundation and Higher Tier

 • Each exam is 70 marks 

• Each exam makes up 16.7% of GCSE 

Questions Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response 

You will receive two grades that reflect your total score across all 6 papers. Because of this the two grades that you receive will never be more than 1 grade apart. For example you could receive a 5-5 or 5-6. You could not receive 5-7.

How will I be examined and graded (Separate Science)

There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Paper 2 in each of the sciences may draw upon fundamental concepts that are examined in paper 1.

 • Each written exam is: 1 hour 45 minutes

 • Foundation and Higher Tier 

• Each written exam is 100 marks 

• Each exam makes up 50% of that specific Science (i.e each chemistry paper is worth 50% of the Chemistry GCSE)

 Questions Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. 

You will receive 3 grades, one in each of the Sciences, based upon your performance in these exams. As the sciences are separate, the grades can be very different from each other. For example it would be possible to get a 2 in Physics and a 9 in Chemistry.

Are there different tiers of entry for GCSE Science?

Yes there are; Foundation tier and Higher tier. This is the case for both the Combined Science and Separate Science route.

The foundation tier does not examine some of the more challenging concepts, therefore there is less overall content to study if working towards the foundation tier. Furthermore the foundation tier paper has fewer long answer questions, with a greater emphasis on multiple choice and structured short answer questions. You can achieve a grade 1 - 5 on the foundation tier paper

The higher tier includes some more challenging ideas and content, and therefore there is more overall content to study. There is also a greater emphasis on open response / longer answer questions in the examinations. You can achieve a grade 4 - 9 on the higher paper. If the score is not high enough to be awarded a grade 4, then it will be ungraded and the student would not receive a grade at all. 

Will I study Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately?

Yes, you will have certain lessons in which you are either taught Biology, Chemistry or Physics. It is likely you will have different teachers for the three sciences, allowing you to be taught by subject specialists in each discipline of Science.

This is the case whether you are following the combined or separate route.

What exam board will I be following in Science?

At GCSE all routes are with AQA.  Please see below for the full course name and a link to the specification.

AQA GCSE Combine Science: Trilogy

AQA GCSE Biology

AQA GCSE Chemistry

AQA GCSE Physics

What will I learn about in GCSE Science?

You will be starting with the fundamentals across the three sciences and then diving into a number of different area's, exploring how the natural world functions, what makes technology work and beyond our planet to the solar system and the rest of the Universe! And much more! See below for an outline of what is studied in each Science.

Biology:

1. Cell biology 2. Organisation  3. Infection and response  4. Bioenergetics  5. Homeostasis and response  6. Inheritance, variation and evolution  7. Ecology  8. Key ideas

Chemistry

Atomic structure and the periodic table 2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter  3. Quantitative chemistry  4. Chemical changes  5. Energy changes  6. The rate and extent of chemical change  7. Organic chemistry  8. Chemical analysis  9. Chemistry of the atmosphere  10. Using resources  11. Key ideas  

Physics: 

1. Energy  2. Electricity  3. Particle model of matter 4. Atomic structure  5. Forces  6. Waves 7. Magnetism and electromagnetism   8. Space physics (physics separate science only

Where can my Science GCSE's take me?

Strong GCSE's in science will open many doors in further and higher education, they are also important for working in a number of industry sectors. Many courses at 6th form, college and University will specify a strong science grade as a requirement for studying the course, and for those that done't explicitly ask for it, a great science GCSE will be looked upon favourably. This is because success in Science shows that you can problem solve, understand complex concepts and ideas and also have a strong grasp of numeracy and literacy.

Beyond education, success in Science can take you to a myriad of places. From medicine and vetinary work, forensic crime scene analysis to studying coral reefs or engineering the next generation of manned spacecraft. The job market has never required so many scientists, engineers and outside the box thinkers who are needed to solve the unanswered questions of the world around us!