Separate (Triple) Science (GCSE)

Exam Board: AQA

Course Overview:

Students choosing Triple Science as an option will gain three separate GCSE qualifications, one in each science. The course covers the same areas as the combined science GCSE but in more depth. Additionally, students will study a unit of space physics. This course is more demanding than the combined science course but is great preparation for those wishing to study science or something science related in the future.

Course Content:

Biology

• Cell biology

• Organisation

• Infection and response

• Bioenergetics

• Homeostasis and response

• Inheritance, variation and evolution

• Ecology

Chemistry

• Atomic structure and the periodic table

• Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter

• Quantitative chemistry

• Chemical changes

• Energy changes

• The rate and extent of chemical change

• Organic chemistry

• Chemical analysis

• Chemistry of the atmosphere

• Using resources

Physics

• Energy

• Electricity

• Particle model of matter

• Atomic structure

• Forces

• Waves

• Magnetism and electromagnetism

• Space Physics (GCSE Physics only)

There is also a ‘Required Practical’ element that is not explicitly assessed but compulsory and will be addressed in the terminal exams.  

Assessment Structure:

There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas, asking multiple choice, structured, closed short answers, and open response questions. 40% of marks will be based on demonstrating knowledge and understanding; 40% of marks will be based on applying that knowledge and understanding and 20% on analysing given information and ideas. There is also an increased maths/numeracy component to the examinations. Overall 20% of marks will be derived from numeracy based questions (10% from Biology, 20% from Chemistry and 30% from Physics)

For the Separate Science qualification route, students will sit 3 individual exams: Biology, Chemistry, and 

Physics:

Biology - 2 papers

• 2 written exams: 1 hour 45 minutes each (Foundation and Higher Tier)

• 100 marks each

• Each worth 50% of GCSE

Chemistry - 2 papers

• 2 written exams: 1 hour 45 minutes each (Foundation and Higher Tier)

• 100 marks each

• Each worth 50% of GCSE

Physics - 2 papers

• 2 written exams : 1 hour 45 minutes each (Foundation and Higher Tier)

• 100 marks each

• Each worth 50% of GCSE

Career Prospects and Transferable Skills:

We have put together an A-Z list of careers in Science to show the amount of doors, a good Science 

qualification, can open!

Aerospace Engineer, Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Architect, Astrophysicist, Athletic Trainer (in demand!) Aviation Inspector, Biochemical Engineer, Biochemist (in demand!), Biologist, Botanist, Cartographer or Photogrammetrist, Chemical Engineer, Chemical Technician, Chemist, Civil Engineer, Climate Change Analyst (in demand!), Criminologist, Dentist, Dietician or Nutritionist, Doctor, Ecologist, Electrical Engineer, Endocrinologist  (in demand!), Entomologist, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Environmental Scientist, Ethologist, Food Science Technician (in demand!), Food Scientist, Forensic Science, Fuel Technologist, Geographer, Geologist, Geoscientist, Haematologist, Hydrologist, Industrial Health and Safety Engineer, Marine Biologist, Materials Scientist, Mechanic, Mechanical Engineer, Meteorologist, Microbiologist, Neurologist (in demand!), Nuclear Engineer, Nuclear Monitoring Technician, Nuclear Power Reactor Operator, Nurse, Occupational Health & Safety,  specialist, Ornithologist, Palaeontology, Paramedic  (in demand!), 

Pathologist, Pharmacist, Physicist, Pilot, Psychologist, Seismologist, Soil and Water Conservationist, Sound Engineer, Surveyor, Teacher (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) (all in demand offering tax free bursaries currently!), Vet, Volcanologist, Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant & System Operator and Zoologist.

Even if Science is not your chosen field, there are countless skills to be learnt, here are just a few: 

• Compile, analyse and critically evaluate information

• Understand and make informed judgements about science-based real world issues

• Interpret, use and evaluate data

• Put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions

• Conduct practical and investigative work and be aware of risk assessment and health and safety

• Be an effective communicator

• Work as part of a team and take on responsibility

Further Information: Fareena Malik (Director of Science) - email: fareena.malik@scwa.org.uk