GCSE Combined Science - Key Stage 4

What will students do in this subject?

Students in year 10 – 11 follow AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy [8464] course and are taught all three Science disciplines [Biology, Chemistry and Physics]. The combined science course ensures our students understand the natural world and supports them to become scientifically literate participants in society and widens their career opportunities.  

Students will be encouraged to work scientifically and are expected to complete a number of required practical tasks during the course. Students will achieve an equivalent of two GCSEs in Combined Science. 

The course content

Biology 
Students will take part in laboratory and field investigations and will use these to develop an understanding of biological molecules, cells, genetic information, relationships between organisms and many other topics.
  
1.Cell biology 
2.Organisation 
3.Infection and response 
4.Bioenergetics 
5.Homeostasis and response 
6.Inheritance, variation and evolution 
7.Ecology 

Chemistry 
Chemistry is integral to everything we do as it helps us find out about the world around us, developing practical skills, maths skills and knowledge that will be transferable across all sciences. 

1.Atomic structure and the  periodic table 
2.Bonding, structure, and the  properties of matter 
3.Quantitative chemistry 
4.Chemical changes 
5.Energy changes 
6.The rate and extent of chemical change 
7.Organic chemistry 
8.Chemical analysis 
9.Chemistry of the atmosphere 
10.Using resources 

Physics
Studying Physics allows students find out about the world around them, develop practical skills, maths skills and knowledge that will be transferable across all sciences. 

1.Energy 
2.Electricity 
3.Particle model of matter 
4.Atomic structure 
5.Forces 
6.Waves 
7.Magnetism and electromagnetism 

Assessment  
There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.  Questions ­Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response.

How it's assessed
Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes, Foundation and Higher Tier, 70 marks on each paper, Each paper is worth 16.7% of GCSE 

 

What might the subject lead into?

Science provides opportunities for students within STEM and there are many different fields and specialities which broadly fall into teaching, research, and practical application.  

Students who achieve top grades on the Combined Trilogy course have opportunities to study A ­levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or BTEC level 3 Applied Science, BTECs and apprenticeships in science or other subjects.