Science

Pupils will study a course over three years, starting in Year 9, which will lead to separate science qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Combined Science. Both pathways follow a common curriculum but with additional content for the separate science courses. Combined Science is the course followed by the majority of students. The course is taught as Biology, Chemistry and Physics and examined with separate papers in each. An award of two GCSEs is made reflecting the overall time allocation given to the delivery of the course. The separate science route is an express set option for those students that have demonstrated an ability to work at an accelerated pace in Science through outstanding exam performance. The separate sciences and Combined Science qualifications both enable pupils to go on to study science courses at A Level and degree level including Oxbridge and Medicine. All Year 9 pupils follow a common curriculum of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Practical Skills. In Year 10 and 11 there is an increased time allocation and setting to reflect the needs of pupils of different levels of attainment. Setting is decided by exams in the Advent term of Y10. In Year 10 and 11 Specialist and Special Provision Musicians may, by agreement, opt to join the Combined Science Musicians’ group. This is taught over fewer periods allowing an additional three hours over a two week period for more music practice. Further details of alternative arrangements available for musicians can be found in the ‘Musicians and GCSE Options’ section of the prospectus.

The courses aim to give candidates the scientific understanding needed to progress to further studies of Chemistry, Biology and Physics, but will also provide them with a broad and balanced understanding to go on to be scientifically literate in an increasingly technological world. These specifications contain a broad range of topics that are designed to engage and stimulate pupils’ interest in science. The main emphasis is on scientific knowledge, the application of science and scientific enquiry. Practical work is an important aspect of all of the courses and will form a significant amount of the work.

The separate sciences are assessed with two question papers per science to be taken in the same examination series at the end of the course. Both papers are 1 hour and 45 minutes long, having a total of 100 marks each. They both consist of a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, shortanswer questions, calculations and extended openresponse questions.

Combined Science is assessed with 6 question papers to be taken in the same examination series at the end of the course, one in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each written paper is 1 hour 10 minutes and is out of 60 marks and consists of a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. The score from each paper is aggregated to give an overall grade.

There is no coursework. Practical and investigative skills are assessed during the final exams.

Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs are necessary for the study of these subjects at A level. Biology is useful for A level courses in Physical Education and Psychology. Chemistry is useful for A level courses in Geology and Physics is useful for A level courses in Music Technology and Computing.

Last year there were a large number of grades 9 and 8, 70% across the three separate Sciences and 90% of pupils gained a grade 7 or higher. For the Combined course 40% of pupils gained a 7 or higher, with over a 90% pass rate.