SCIENCE (Combined & Separates)

TEACHER IN CHARGE:  Mr N Tuck EXAMINATION BOARD:  Edexcel WEBSITE ADDRESS:  www.edexcel.org.uk 

Science Information Video

• The majority of students study Combined Science (2 GCSEs). For more able students we offer GCSE Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs). 

• For both courses students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics using a theoretical and a context based approach. Both courses contain a significant amount of content and require students to apply mathematical techniques. There are core practical tasks that students must attempt with the experimental method and analysis of results assessed throughout the exams.

• GCSE Separate Science draws on the material covered in Combined Science as well as additional subject material to deepen students’ understanding. 

Is there any coursework element?

For GCSE (9-1) qualifications there is no internally assessed coursework component.  Students complete a series of exam board specified core practical tasks during lessons. Their knowledge of these tasks is assessed in the final examinations.  

What will I do in lessons?

All GCSE Science courses are supported by an extensive range of electronic and paper-based resources. A wide range of learning activities will include:

• Student practical tasks and teacher demonstrations

• Textbook questions

• Worksheet questions

• Starter quick quizzes

• Progress self-assessments

• Teacher presentations supported by videos and animations

• Online mini tests and animations (set for homework as well)

Will I be taught in a mixed ability class?

There are typically four Separate Science classes. There is no difference in ability between these classes and all students are taught the higher tier material. 

For Combined Science the classes are mixed ability. In the mixed ability classes some topics are clearly identified as higher tier. 

This approach allows all students to have the opportunity to be entered for higher tier if they demonstrate in internal assessments that they are capable of this.

How many hours of science will I get?

For both the Combined Science and Separate Science courses, students receive 11 hours of lesson time a fortnight in Years 10 and 11. 

Separate Science students take an extra GCSE qualification but with no additional lesson time. 

Combined Science students are taught by two Science teachers who split the subject material between them.  

Separate Science students are taught by three teachers.

Which science route will I follow?

Students will be allocated to either a Separate Science class or a Combined Science class at the end of year 9 by the Subject Leader. 

The allocation will be based on a range of assessment data gathered throughout year 9. 

If you are allocated to Separate Science but feel the Combined Science route would be more appropriate, please contact us.