Page 15 - Y9 Courses Booklet 2021-23

Science

All students will follow either GCSE Combined Science or they can choose GCSE Separate Sciences
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics). The separate sciences, referred to as Triple Science, is aimed at
students working at GCSE 9-5. For more information on Triple Science see page 19.

GCSE Combined Science AQA

Exam board AQA
What will I do The courses cover topics that are based around Biology, Chemistry and
on this course? Physics. Biology is about living things including humans and plants.
Chemistry looks at chemicals, their properties and reactions. Physics studies
forces and energy.
Everyone in Year 10 studies content related to AQA GCSE Science including
topics about organisms, chemical changes and electricity. You will do
many experiments including investigating enzymes, chemical reactions
and electrical circuits. Students start the GCSE Science course in Year 9 and
finish it in Year 11. It consists of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics
(Combined Science) or individual subjects (Separate Sciences).
How am I All exams are at the end of year 11. Students gain two GCSE grades.
assessed? Summary Length Percentage of final mark
Biology paper 1(topics 1-4) 1h 15 mins 16.7%

Biology paper 2 (topics 5-7) 1h 15 mins 16.7%
Chemistry paper 1 (topics 1-5) 1h 15 mins 16.7%
Chemistry paper 2 (topics 6- 1h 15 mins 16.7%
10)
Physics paper 1 (topics 1-4) 1h 15 mins 16.7%
Physics paper 2 (topics 5-7) 1h 15 mins 16.7%
What skills do I You need to be able to solve problems, make decisions, research,
need? communicate with others, plan experiments, discuss your views, do
calculations, compare different ideas and ask questions. Science is an

important subject for many jobs such as nursing, midwifery, medicine and
engineering.
What are the Progression to A- level courses in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
progression You will need to achieve at least a grade 6 to take any of these A level
routes? courses.

Progression to BTEC Level 3 course in Applied Science.
You will need to achieve at least a grade 5 to take this course.
Where do I find Mrs Markham (Head of Science) or your science teacher.
out more
information?

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