The Science Faculty aims to help students to become knowledgeable, scientifically literate, and technologically capable problem solvers
We have two pathways for KS4 Science. Both pathways are available in Foundation and Higher tiers and so cater to a wide range of student ability. Teaching is differentiated to ensure that all of our students are supported on their journey through GCSE Science.
Combined Science - Why study Combined Science?
Studying science provides the foundations for understanding the material world. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. You are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.
Studying science enables you to:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help you to answer scientific questions about the world around you
- develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
- develop your ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively
All students study science at KS4 and although some with a particular aptitude for science opt to take Triple Science, most take Combined Science. AQA’s new Combined Science: Trilogy is a double award; students will be awarded two grades at the end of the two year course.
Outline of syllabus content: You will study topics in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These topics are studied by all students including those opting for Triple Science. However, students taking Combined Science study less content. You also develop your understanding of “Working scientifically” in each of the three subject areas. Despite the reduced content, Combined Science is a perfectly good preparation for students intending to take a Science subject at A level.
GCSE Assessment
Assessment is by examination at the end of Year 11. There are two 1 hour 15 minute papers for each of the three science subject areas, each covers specified topics and is worth 16.7% of the GCSE.
“Working scientifically” is the sum of all the activities that scientists do. These important ideas are assessed on all the written papers in addition to the content set out in the specification. There is no Controlled Assessment.
GCSE Combined Science: Triology 8464
For more detailed information on the individual subjects please click on these links:
Biology Curriculum information