SCIENCE

(Compulsory Core Subjects)

Combined Science or IGCSE? The course

The IGCSE courses provide excellent preparation for A level and allow pupils to explore more detail and more theory in each science. The Combined Science course is more focused on everyday applications or examples, but still allows pupils to study each science.

Teaching and lessons

IGCSE: three lessons each week in each science (total 9 lessons) with subject specialists. Combined Science: two lessons each week in each science (total 6 lessons) with subject specialists, allowing space on the timetable for pupils to choose an additional option for GCSE.

The assessment

IGCSE: Each Science is assessed through two exams at the end of Year 11, and grades are awarded from 9-1. There is no coursework and no practical examination. Paper 1 is assessed through a 2-hour written examination, and Paper 2 is assessed through a 1-hour and 15-minute written examination. Both papers include content from all topics, and a combination of different question styles including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Combined Science: Two GCSE grades are calculated based on six exams at the end of Year 11, and grades are awarded from 9-9 to 1-1. There are two exams for each of the three sciences, each focusing on different topics. All the exams are 1 hour and 15 minutes long and are worth 16.7% of the GCSE grades each.

Requirements

IGCSE: Level 3 (heading for grade 5 or above) in all three Sciences at the end of Year 9, as there is no foundation option for this course. Combined Science: No specific requirements; we will recommend whether pupils should be entered for the higher or foundation tier based on progress in Years 9 and 10.

Beyond GCSE

Pupils can study one or more science A levels, whichever option they choose, as long as they achieve a grade 7-7 or above in Combined Science, or a grade 7 or above in the relevant IGCSEs. Pupils who are already considering studying science at A level and have a good academic track record in the sciences and mathematics should consider the IGCSE option. Pupils whose interests lie in other subjects should consider the Combined Science option.