Why take this subject at GCSE?
Science is one of the core subjects at GCSE. It uses and develops the skills learnt in other areas of the curriculum as well as teaching its own skills, knowledge and understanding. Most employers will expect their employees to have good Science grades and look upon Science as a critical area in education. Science is all around us and in everything we do and see. In a world where the media so frequently bombards us with scientific developments and discoveries, it is necessary for us to make up our minds on issues that affect and influence us all. A science education, therefore, must be a must for every informed citizen. For those students who have a passion and enthusiasm for Science as well as the right aptitude and attitude then the more challenging Triple Science course is for you.
What will I study in the separate sciences?
2 x 1hr 45minute exams for Biology, Chemistry and Physics (6 exams in total at the end of year 11)
100% exams-multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response and calculations.
Course Content
The specifications are divided into topics covering different key areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Practical skills are developed throughout the courses and assessed in the written papers.
BIOLOGY - PAPER 1 50% of Biology Qualification
Topic 1 - Cell Biology, Topic 2 - Organisation, Topic 3 - Infection and response , Topic 4 - Bioenergetics
BIOLOGY - PAPER 2 50% of Biology Qualification
Topic 5 - Homeostasis and response, Topic 6 - Inheritance, Topic 7 - Variation and evolution, Topic 8 - Ecology
CHEMISTRY - PAPER 1 50% of Chemistry Qualification
Topic 1 - Atomic structure and the periodic table, Topic 2 - Bonding structure and the properties of matter, Topic 3 - Quantitative chemistry, Topic 4 - Chemical changes, Topic 5 - Energy changes
CHEMISTRY - PAPER 2 50% of Chemistry Qualification
Topic 6 - The rate and extent of chemical change, Topic 7 - Organic chemistry, Topic 8 - Chemical analysis, Topic 9 - Chemistry of the atmosphere, Topic 10 - Using resources
PHYSICS - PAPER 1 50% of Physics Qualification
Topic 1 - Energy, Topic 2 - Electricity, Topic 3 - Particle model of matter, Topic 4 - Atomic structure and radiation
PHYSICS - PAPER 2 50% of Physics Qualification
Topic 5 - Forces, Topic 6 - Waves, Topic 7 - Magnetism and electromagnetism, Topic 8 - Space physics