RVHS Pathways to Success, 2024

Course Summary

GCSE Combined Science is a course which aims to give students the knowledge and understanding of science they will meet in their everyday lives. Students will study two GCSEs over the two years. The course provides a good foundation for those students who wish to pursue Science as a career.

This course covers the new Science Programme of Study (the content of this makes up part of the separate Science awards). This has been developed so that students become more ‘scientifically literate', i.e. they are able to make reasoned judgments about the science issues which may affect them in their everyday lives. It looks at aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and includes a detailed look at the scientific method.

It is called ‘Trilogy’ because whilst students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately, the marks from each exam are averaged in order to calculate the final GCSE grades.

Assessment Requirements

Assessment will be using the new 9-1 grading system, replacing the A*-G. The foundation tiers will cover grades 1–5 and the higher, grades 4-9. There are no controlled assessments in the new science qualification however the questions assessing students’ use of mathematical skills will make up 15% of the assessments. The exam will be seven hours, but broken up into separate papers, and will look to assess knowledge on Biology, chemistry and physics. 10% of the biology paper, 20% of the chemistry and 30% of the physics will assess mathematical skills.

Students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.

Career Pathways

The course prepares students for progression onto A level sciences, however if you are interested in taking a science at A level then the Triple Science option is advised, due to additional skills and content covered. The development of science in a modern society is essential for economic growth. It increasingly plays a part in our everyday lives.

The list of career opportunities is almost endless. They range from the medical profession, i.e. doctor, nurse, pharmacist, public health and dentistry, to construction, engineering, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering. Opportunities also occur in computing, electronics, telecommunications and electrical engineering. Scientists also form an important part of the aerospace industry, industrial chemical manufacturing, textiles and car industry.

Staff Contact

Mr Poovilingham - Head of Faculty, please click here to send an email.