There are two routes for GCSE science.

Route one: Triple award science where you will study biology, chemistry and physics in three separate GCSEs (referred to as triple)

or

Route two: Combined award science where you will study biology, chemistry and physics leading to two GCSEs (referred to as combined)

Many students will have the opportunity to access Triple award, however for other students the combined science award is more appropriate. We will test students at the end of Year 9 to inform that decision and will communicate to parents which course is most appropriate for individual students in a timely manner.

The main difference between the two routes is the breadth and depth of content covered, as combined leads to two GCSEs and triple to three GCSEs.

Route one: Triple award (three GCSEs)

The course is linear. You will take all three subjects at the end of Year 11.

Triple assessments:

• There are two tiers of entry for the examinations
• There are two papers per science (two biology, two chemistry and two physics)
• Each paper will be 1 hour 45 minutes long and will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas

Route 2: Combined award (two GCSEs)

The course is linear. All of your exams will be in Year 11 in biology, chemistry and physics leading to two combined GCSE’s, which will be an average grade

Combined assessments:

• There are two tiers of entry for the examinations
• There are two papers per science (two biology, two chemistry and two physics)
• Each paper will be 1 hour 15 minutes long and will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas

Common to both routes:

Practical work is a central part of all the courses, with students having to complete a minimum of 24 required practicals. This work will be examined in each of the sciences and will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification.

Examination assessment is split into two tiers of entry – foundation and higher. The foundation tier targets grades 1–5 and the higher tier targets grades 4–9. The decision about which is the best tier of entry for you will be made by teachers using assessment data gathered throughout.

Click on the video below for more information.