Science
Two different routes are available in science:
Combined Science: Trilogy (Double Award)
is a course made up of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are awarded 2 GCSE grades in Combined Science, with grades between 1,1 and 9,9. This is the standard route in science taken by more than 75% of students nationally.
Triple Science
These are 3 separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics each awarded an independent grade between 5-9 (higher tier).
The Triple Award is designed for students who have a clear aptitude in science and is a much faster paced course so is not suitable for all students. Decisions on which course is appropriate for students are taken at the end of year 10 for most students. These decisions are based on the outcomes of internal assessments and mock exams.
Assessment
The GCSE Science courses have written assessments at the end of the course. There are no controlled assessments in science although students do need to carry out a set number of practical tasks. The skills learnt in these practical lessons will be assessed in the final written exams.
Other Information
During the course you will be challenged in a variety of ways; to understand scientific concepts, to acquire scientific knowledge, to develop problem solving skills, to plan, carry out, analyse and evaluate investigations. Equally you will be stimulated by the relevance of Science to yourself, to everyday life, to industry and technology.
Qualifications in Science will be crucial requirement for many careers and for study of A level Science courses. Combined science courses allow unimpeded access to post 16 and University Science courses.
FAQ's
If I do double science can I drop Physics or Chemistry or Biology?
No, the double award will produce two GCSEs in science, which combines all three disciplines.
Which sets can do triple science?
Students who are in sets 1 and 2 at the end of Year 10 will do triple science. Students in set 3 may have the option to do triple science if appropriate. The extra content that needs to be covered in the time available makes triple science most suitable for students in these sets.
If I am in set 1 or 2 and I don't want to do triple, do I have to?
Students in higher sets will be encouraged and supported to do triple science. It may not be appropriate for everyone and we will discuss this individually with students in year 11.