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.
Triple Science - Why study Triple 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, however, if you have shown an aptitude for science, and you are currently working at 4M, you may opt to pursue Triple Science. Triple Science allows the keenest and most able students in Science to spend increased curriculum time on science by choosing to take science as an option subject. You will receive three separate GCSE grades, in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, at the end of the two years.
The benefits of triple science are:
- it provides you with greater breadth of knowledge and skills, and hence is very good preparation for students choosing science subjects at A level (although it is not essential)
- it provides the opportunity to study concepts covered in double award science in greater depth
- students who have a strong interest in science will be able to broaden their range of scientific knowledge and processes across the three science disciplines
Outline of syllabus content: You study topics in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These topics are studied by all students whether or not they opt for Triple Science. However, students who opt for Triple Science also learn further content and skills alongside these topics which is only applicable to those receiving separate GCSE’s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. You also develop your understanding of “Working scientifically” in each of the three subjects. The increased scientific breadth of this pathway will be a big advantage to students intending to take Science subjects at A level (although it is not essential). As Triple Science is intended for the most able scientists, the Science Faculty will make the final decision as to the suitability of this course for each individual student.
GCSE Assessment
Assessment is by examination at the end of Year 11. There are two 1 hour 45 minute papers for each of the three science subjects, each covers specified topics and is worth 50% of the GCSE in that subject.
“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.
For further details on the exam specifications follow the links below:
GCSE Biology Exam specification information
GCSE Chemistry Exam specification information
GCSE Physics Exam specification information
For more detailed information on the individual subjects please click on these links:
Biology Curriculum information