GCSE Combined Science encourages students to develop skills embedded at KS3 through investigative work and enquiry to help build a solid foundation of scientific knowledge.

The specification encourages practical work and covers the "Working Scientifically" aspects of the curriculum.

Knowledge/skills gained:

• Understanding of the effects of Science on society

• Knowledge of the material, physical and living worlds

• How to use hypotheses and evidence to understand Science

• Observational, enquiry and problem solving skills

• Skills in communication, maths and technology.

GCSE Combined Science is a compulsory course for all students, but is just as important as other core subjects to pass as future employers will look for a pass grade in all three core subjects when looking at prospective candidates. Students who gain good passes (Grade 5-5 or better) will stand a better chance of progressing onto their desired courses at 6th form or College and are more likely to be successful in their chosen career.

In order to study A Level Sciences students will need to have at least a grade 6-6 in Combined Science and have sat a Higher paper.

For more information, speak to Miss Sarah Ryder.

There will be 6 1hr 15m written exams at the end of the course that are worth 100% of the final grades, with each paper contributing 16.67% of the grade. There is no coursework component for this course, although students will be required to have undertaken 17 core practicals throughout the duration of this course which will be assessed in the examinations.

Students will either sit a Higher tier paper or a Foundation tier paper based on their ability. The Foundation paper is more supported and the Higher paper is more challenging.

Students who sit a Foundation Paper will be able to achieve a grade ranging from a 1-1 to a 5-5.

Students who sit a Higher Paper will be able to achieve a grade ranging from a 4-4 to a 9-9.

Biology Paper 1 - Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection & Response and Bioenergetics.

Biology Paper 2 - Homeostasis & Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution and Ecology

Chemistry Paper 1 - Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure and properties of matter, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes and Energy Changes

Chemistry Paper 2 - The rate and extent of Chemical Change, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere, Using Resources

Physics Paper 1 - Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter and Atomic Structure

Physics Paper 2 - Forces, Waves, Magnetism and Electromagnetism