Years 7-9

Students study all three sciences (chemistry, physics and biology) at key stage 3 and cover a wide variety of topics that are designed to fully prepare students for the new GCSE curriculum. Topics include areas such as breathing and respiration, acids and alkalis and forces and motion. These provide students with a wide range of skills and knowledge to enable them to engage with Science and to begin GCSE with the necessary skills. Key stage 3 science also includes introduction to laboratory safety and how to use practical equipment. Students will have the opportunity to engage with practical science as well as the theory, allowing them to learn content whilst also developing vital practical skills.

Assessment

Students are assessed at the end of every topic via a written test. Their general class work and contribution to practical will also be taken into account.

Topics covered

Biology:

  • Photosynthesis
  • Breathing and respiration
  • Variation
  • Movement
  • Reproduction
  • Digestion

Chemistry:

  • The Periodic Table
  • Acids and Alkalis
  • Earth Structure
  • Metals and Non-Metals
  • Chemical Reactions
  • The Universe
  • The Particle Model
  • Separation Techniques

Physics:

  • Forces
  • Speed
  • Current and Voltage
  • Energy
  • Sound and Light
  • Pressure
  • Magnetism

Years 10 and 11

The majority of students will undertake two science GCSE examinations during key stage 4 as part of the core curriculum. In lessons, students will be taught physics, chemistry and biology separately by subject specialists. The new curriculum covers a wide variety of topics and builds on skills developed at KS3. Students will also carry out a number of required practicals, which will enable them to develop the necessary practical skills and investigative skills. During these, they will have the opportunity to work in groups and to problem solve.

Specification Content

Biology, chemistry and physics modules cover diverse topics ranging from how cloned embryos could donate cells to cure diseases, to how scientists use data to look for links, right up to our how energy resources are used and how we can conserve them! The topics build on skills developed at key stage 3 and enable students to gain a deeper understanding of scientific processes.

Awarding Body

AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Assessment
Students are assessed at the end of every topic in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Practical work is also an essential part of the curriculum and knowledge of practical skills are examined as part of the written assessments.

In their final year of this course (Year 11) students will be examined externally in each subject via a written exam and will receive two Science GCSE grade overall.

Topics covered

Students will cover an extensive range of topics. Examples of topics include genetics, acids and bases and energy resources. For a more detailed list, please refer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification.

Recommended revision guides / course resources

GCSE AQA CPG Combined Science Revision Guides (Chemistry, Physics and Biology as separate books). These can be purchased from Walton at a reduced price.