Science
Y7 Curriculum
Y8 Curriculum
Y9 Curriculum
Y10 Curriculum
GCSE Science- Combined Trilogy
Combined Trilogy Science Specification
Course overview
Science is a core subject that will be studied by all you at Key Stage 4; you will follow the AQA combined Science Trilogy course though some of you may choose to follow the AQA Separate Sciences course as one of your options. The Combined Science Trilogy course covers the three sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics and not only covers theory, but understanding the practical side of science and its applications in the real world.
Combined Science Trilogy Course is varied and provides you with an insight into topic areas that could be pursued further in your chosen career paths, e.g. learning about electricity and components in Physics is fundamental to an electrician as it is to an electrical engineer. Ecology and Chemistry of the Atmosphere topics in Biology and Chemistry respectively contain fundamental aspects of environmental science, including climate studies and the effect of change on our ecosystems and planet Earth as a whole.
Exam board and Exam structure
|
Paper |
Content |
Marks available |
Exam board |
|
Biology Paper 1 |
Cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics |
70 marks 16.7% |
AQA |
|
Biology Paper 2 |
Homeostasis and response, inheritance and variation, Evolution, Ecology |
70 marks 16.7% |
|
|
Chemistry Paper 1 |
Atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, structure and the properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, energy changes |
70 marks 16.7% |
|
|
Chemistry Paper 2 |
Rate and extent of chemical change, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere, using resources |
70 marks 16.7% |
|
|
Physics Paper 1 |
Energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure |
70 marks 16.7% |
|
|
Physics Paper 2 |
Forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism |
70 marks 16.7% |
|
GCSE Science- Separate
Course overview
The AQA Separate Sciences is an optional course that will be available to some of you at KS4. It is a challenging option which requires not only a high level of understanding but also a great deal of commitment in order to succeed. Unlike the Combined Science Trilogy course, the Separate Sciences are 3 separate GCSE subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The examination structure of longer examination papers. 1 hour 45 minutes, reflects the greater depth that each of the three sciences are studied in.
Course content
The course structure is similar to that of the Combined Science Trilogy Course, however, the topics are explored in greater depth, there are additional required practical investigations and the course stretches you to explore concepts and overlap with A Level science courses. You may learn about aspects of chemical analysis as a part of the Combined Science Trilogy course but he Separate Science course enables you to apply your learning to test unknown substances to check for the presence of particular ions. You will have the opportunity to culture microorganisms in Biology or test the effectiveness of different thermal insulators in Physics.
The Separate Sciences give you the opportunity to explore additional concepts, eg. Space Physics; and extensive Organic Chemistry topic including polymers, acids, alcohols and their reactions and the brain and the eye in Biology. Owing to the depth of content in the Separate Science courses, taking this course as an option would be ideal to those of you considering studying Science at degree level.
Exam board and Exam structure
|
Paper |
Content |
Marks available |
Exam board |
|
Biology Paper 1 |
Cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics |
100 marks 50% |
AQA |
|
Biology Paper 2 |
Homeostasis and response, inheritance and variation, Evolution, Ecology |
100 marks 50% |
|
|
Chemistry Paper 1 |
Atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, structure and the properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, energy changes |
100 marks 50% |
|
|
Chemistry Paper 2 |
Rate and extent of chemical change, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere, using resources |
100 marks 50% |
|
|
Physics Paper 1 |
Energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure |
100 marks 50% |
|
|
Physics Paper 2 |
Forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism |
100 marks 50% |
|
Curriculum Overview Map
Science is an integral aspect of everyday life; from the way our bodies function, how we interact with our environment and how we capitalise on the Earth’s rich and varied resources. Without an appreciation of science it would be difficult to understand the world around us. Technology and medical science is ever evolving and the role of science and scientists is pivotal in enabling this progression to happen at pace. Scientists are curious and have inquiring minds, they question, challenge and investigate. Learning about science and working scientifically fosters life skills; students learn how to plan, how to organise, how to work collaboratively, they learn how to analyse and evaluate information. Science provides knowledge and understanding that students can begin to apply to new and unknown contexts.
Reading around science
There are lots of science related themes you could be reading about to extend your knowledge - not just revision guides and text books. Check out this link for some great suggested science-themed books!