| Head of Department: | Mrs V Brown |
| Exam Board | AQA |
| Qualification: | Two GCSEs in Combined Science |
Programme of study
Combined Science is studied as part of the Core Curriculum and as such is a compulsory subject.
Students will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They will learn about topics including human biology and evolution, where raw materials come from and about the universe. There is great emphasis on learning to become responsible citizens, looking after our planet and understanding the implications of being wasteful with our resources. Students will spend time investigating issues relating to the topics in a practical way, where appropriate.
How is the course structured & assessed?
Students will sit all their examinations in the June examination series at the end of Year 11.
Students will sit six examinations at the end of Year 11. Each examination
contributes 16.7% of the final GCSE grades for Combined Science.
There will be:
two Biology papers
two Chemistry papers
two Physics papers
Unlike the previous GCSE science courses, there will be no Individual Skills
Assignments (ISA – controlled assessment). Thus, students will complete practical assignments throughout the course and their understanding and application of these practicals will be assessed within the final GCSE examinations.
What can these qualifications lead to?
GCSEs in Combined Science naturally lead to A levels in Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics in our Sixth Form. These qualifications can then lead to a variety of
science-based degrees at university. Pupils can also progress to the Applied
Science BTEC Level 3 course in our Sixth Form which is appropriate for pupils wishing to pursue a career in nursing, engineering, paramedicine, forensics or other science-based apprenticeships.
