Science

Science continues at GCSE with the study of all three sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students will follow the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy course, which is equivalent to 2 GCSES. This core subject is an excellent preparation for A level study in any of the sciences and is held in high regard by universities and employers alike, because science equips students with a logical mind and many transferable skills.

At the end of Year 10, students who show a particular flair for the sciences may be offered the opportunity to be entered for the three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). This comes with the expectation that students will work at a faster pace during lessons and at home to complete the additional content required for these courses.

Can I study A level Science if I study the Trilogy at GCSE?

Students studying the Science Trilogy will have the same opportunity to study science at A level as those studying Separate Sciences.

What will I learn?

Biology

Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; Bioenergetics; Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, Variation and evolution; and Ecology.

Chemistry

Atomic structure; 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; and using resources.

Physics

Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; Atomic structure; Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

How will I be assessed?

Science Trilogy (2 GCSEs)

Six written exam papers of 1hr 15 each (16.7% each):

- 2 Biology papers

- 2 Physics papers

- 2 Chemistry papers

The marks for each paper are aggregated to give 2 GCSE grades.

Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs)

Six written exam papers of 1hr 45 each (50% each):

- 2 Biology papers (1 GCSE)

- 2 Physics papers (1 GCSE)

- 2 Chemistry papers (1 GCSE)

Each subject is given its own grade worth 1 GCSE.