What is Science at GCSE?
Science at GCSE level builds on the knowledge and skills that have developed during Key Stage 3. GCSE aims to further develop students’ knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, but also their ability to apply that knowledge, analyse and evaluate information, in practical and everyday scenarios. It gives students good life skills, regardless of the path they follow.
The GCSE qualifications are assessed through external examinations that take place in May/June of Year 11. There are no coursework units in Science. Practical work is still a very important part of the Science GCSEs, not only to consolidate learning, but also, to develop skills in planning, analysing and evaluating. These skills will be assessed as part of the written examinations at the end of the course.
Combined Science
This is a two-GCSE sized (double award) qualification covering the three science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are awarded a grade based on their combined performance across these three disciplines. Combined Science students will sit six exams at the end of the course. All exams are 1 hour 10 minutes, and each exam will cover half of the content for that discipline. There will be Standard tier and Higher tier papers available.
Progression to Post 16
The Science faculty currently offers AS and A Level qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.