Science
Science
Examination Board: AQA
Watch the video to the right to learn more about
the science curriculum at Key Stage 4.
Why STUDENTS should study GCSE Sciences?
Every one of us, whatever our chosen future career, has to be able to think scientifically, and to understand some science to enrich and make sense of our lives. Everyday people face decisions that hinge on science; such as whether to smoke, what to eat and where to put a new mobile telephone aerial. Even for decisions that don't depend on specific scientific facts, science remains the proven set of best methods for acquiring accurate information about the world and making decisions based on evidence.
Choosing to study GCSE sciences opens up numerous post-16 routes to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers, regardless of whether students pursue combined science or delve into the three separate science disciplines.
What will STUDENTS need to be successful in this course?
All Warden Park students will have had a secure grounding in science during years 7 to 8, the same skills will be drawn on whatever aspect of science you study. Successful science students:
Look at evidence such as the results from an experiment and are able to describe and explain what is happening; use models effectively to help explain abstract ideas.
Carry out practical work methodically and safely.
Apply the skills they have learnt in mathematics to calculate scientific quantities, construct graphs and interpret data.
Take an interest in the world around them, enjoy finding out how things work or why things happen.
Support for students
This course is compulsory for all students.
Students who enjoy science and finding out about the world we live in can expect to be stretched and challenged in lessons.
Students will be well supported with differentiated work in classes, structured to allow them to access some of the challenging concepts in the science specifications.
As students approach their examinations they can expect a comprehensive revision program with resources to fit their aspirational grade.
Course Description
GCSE Combined Science is the minimum compulsory science option for all students in England; students studying this qualification will be awarded two GCSEs. Students entered for separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Triple Science) are awarded three GCSEs. All GCSEs have equal value in terms of grades, for example a student who scores a double grade 6 in combined science (6-6) holds the equivalent qualifications as two grade 6 GCSEs in any subjects.
Science in years 9, 10 and 11
All students in Year 9 study GCSE science topics for 10 hours per fortnight, this will continue as they move through Years 10 and 11. At the end of year 11 all students will sit six examinations, two papers in each of biology, chemistry and physics. Some students will enter the exams for separate GCSEs in the three sciences, others will sit shorter papers that lead to the award of a double GCSE in combined science.
As part of the Year 8 options process students will indicate a preference regarding their GCSE science pathway. Students will need to choose between three separate sciences (commonly referred to as Triple Science) or a combined science pathway.
Choosing Your Science Pathway
Triple Science: Faster pace, more content.
Combined Science: Same time allocation, 1/3 less content.
Triple science is recommended for students capable of handling the challenge and who are genuinely passionate about the subjects. However, it's essential to consider personal preferences and strengths. All options for future study at A level or BTEC remain open, but it's crucial to note that students on a combined science pathway may have more time for exam practice and revision.
It is important to consider that for many students, their chance of achieving grades (especially in the 6-9 range) is very likely to be improved on a combined science pathway due to the greater time for exam practice and revision compared to students who study triple science. Students who often struggle with pressure caused by revision and assessments should not take the decision to do the Triple pathway (three GCSEs) lightly.
In helping you make this decision, we have compiled some useful questions to consider if Triple Science is right for you.
is triple science right for me?
Do you really enjoy science lessons and completing science homework and revision?
Do you talk about science that you have read about, watched on TV, learnt about in school at home?
Are you contemplating a STEM career in the future, in fields such as Engineering, Medicine, Pharmaceuticals or Environmental Science?
Is mathematics a strength? Do you enjoy working with data, numbers and graphs?
Do you often find that you ‘get things quickly’, can work fast and complete tasks in lessons quickly?
Do you often ask for and complete extension tasks in lessons when other students have not finished?
Do you ask a lot of questions? Are you curious about the world and enjoy debating stories you have read and seen online?
Are you prepared to take on more homework and have significantly more content (an extra GCSE) to learn and be assessed on?
Are you self-disciplined and motivated so that you can study independently when necessary?
If you have answered yes to these questions then Triple Science might be a good choice for you.
course CONTENT
Biology content
Cell biology
Bioenergetics
Organisation
Homeostasis and response
Infection and response
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Chemistry content
Atomic structure and the periodic table.
Chemical changes
Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
The rate and extent of chemical change
Energy changes
Organic chemistry
Quantitative chemistry
Chemical analysis
Using resources
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Physics content
Forces
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Energy
Particle model of matter
Waves
Atomic structure
Electricity
Space Physics
Triple Science Assessment
There will be two 1h 45 min papers in each science, with each counting 50% of the final GCSE grade. Within each science there are 8 experiments which are compulsory, the methods and outcomes of these experiments will be examined in the written papers.
Combined Science Assessment
There are six 1h 15min papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. There will be 16 compulsory practical experiments that all students will complete over the course.
Further education and career pathways
Students aiming for A-level science courses typically need at least a Grade 6 in sciences. Other options, such as BTEC in Applied Science, are available. Science qualifications are desirable across diverse careers, from Accounting to Zoology.
A level Science choices may be limited by your combination of grades:
E.g. A triple Science student with the following results: Biology Grade 6, Chemistry Grade 6, Physics Grade 5 may not be eligible to study A level Physics at some colleges or sixth forms, whereas a student with a Double Combined Science Grade of 6-6 would be allowed to follow A levels in any of the sciences. We have included the current entry requirements for sciences at A Levels at two of our most popular colleges below. Please bear in mind that colleges/sixth forms will review these requirements annually and so it is important to always check the providers’ websites for updates.
BHASVIC:
Biology & Chemistry: a minimum of two grade 6’s in two sciences
Physics: A minimum of two grade 6’s. If you have studied Triple science you must have a 6 in Physics.
Collyers & Haywards Heath College:
Biology: 6-6 in Combined Science or Biology Grade 6 + another science at Grade 6.
Chemistry: 6-6 in Combined Science or Chemistry Grade 6 + another science at Grade 6.
Physics: 6-6 in Combined Science or Physics Grade 6 + another science at Grade 6.