GCSE Combined Science

Curriculum Intent

Students will have the knowledge, skills and desire to understand and question the world around them.

Course description

Exam Board: AQA

All students will study GCSE Science in Year 10 and 11. Students will be guided onto the course most suitable for them. If students are guided onto the GCSE Combined Science route they will study a range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics over the two year period. They will obtain two GCSE grades at the end of the course from 9-9, 9-8 though to 2-1, 1-1. This course is suitable preparation for A Level Sciences.

Assessment

The course is assessed at the end of Year 11 and consists of two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics papers, each assessing different topics, including practical skills. All the papers are 1 hour 15 minutes in length and can be taken at Foundation and Higher tier. The papers are equally weighted, each being worth 16.7% of the grade and containing multiple choice, structured, closed short and open response questions.

Key skills

You will develop the following skills:

• Communication
• Application of number
• Information and communication technology
• Working with others
• Improving own learning and performance
• Problem solving

Where can it take me?

With GCSE Science and Additional Science students can progress to traditional A Levels in all Science subjects or to a Level 3 BTEC Science course.

Higher Education in Science can, for example, lead to careers in: medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering and technology.

Further information

Please contact: Mr S Holmes (Faculty Director of Science)

Useful Website

www.my-gcsescience.com

Key Stage 4 Combined Science Curriculum Plan