GCSE Triple Science Option

Acting Subject Leader - Dr Y Hamidizadeh

Why study Triple Science?

The study of Science is essential in helping us to understand the world around us. This understanding, or ‘Scientific Literacy’, also plays an important part in ensuring students will be able to engage in debates and decisions about a number of important issues in society. Moreover, students will develop an appreciation for the idea that Science is not just a body of facts, it is method; a way of learning that places evidence at the centre. 

Studying the AQA Separate Sciences (the ‘Triple Science’ option) means students will finish year 11 with a separate GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The extra depth and challenge offered by the triple science pathway provides an excellent foundation for studying science A Levels (though it is important to note that it is not compulsory for students to have studied triple science in order to access to A Level Science subjects).

We are hoping that those with an interest in Science and who are enthusiastic about learning more and going in deeper will choose the Triple Science option. Due to the slight increase in challenge (and workload) it is advisable that those choosing this option will have attained good thresholds in their KS3 Threshold to Mastery assessments, as well as strong performance in Progress Assessment 1 and 2. 

If you are interested in studying the triple sciences, you are encouraged to discuss this with your current Y9 teachers. 

Course details and assessment:

Students follow the AQA suite of GCSEs.

The course is linear: six written exams will be taken (two for Biology, two for Chemistry and two for Physics), all in the summer exam season of year 11. 

Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes and will  assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas, using multiple-choice questions, closed short answer questions, and questions that expect longer and more open responses. 

Students will be entered for Foundation or Higher tier based on progress across the two years.

A proportion of the marks will assess student understanding of a series of practical tasks completed in lessons across the two years. These practical tasks are embedded into the curriculum across the course of year 10 and year 11.