GCSE Science

At KSGS, all students study the AQA GCSE Linear Science Course. As a core subject, all students will be required to study the qualification on one of two pathways.

The best way to learn about science is through purposeful practical activities. There are specific required practical activities that students conduct as part of the course specification. Practical work forms a very important part of both pathways, it is formally assessed on each exam paper.

Pathway 1 – Triple Science

Students who are working well, enjoy the sciences, need science for their future career and staff feel have the drive and commitment to be successful, will be recommended to study Triple Science.

This pathway provides the perfect foundation for those students wishing to study any of the Sciences at A-Level. It is highly unlikely that a student studying Combined Science instead of Triple Science will be able to study an A-Level science course, as the demand is so high, so any student considering A-Level sciences should opt for Triple Science.

Lessons will be taught by subject specialists. There will be 14 hours of lessons per fortnight allocated to the study of Triple Science and students will leave school with three Science GCSEs: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

The qualification is made up of six externally assessed examination components: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics, taken at the end of Year 11.

GCSE Examination component Weighting (%)
Biology Paper 1- 1hr 45 min 50
Paper 2- 1hr 45 min 50
Chemistry Paper 1- 1hr 45 min 50
Paper 2- 1hr 45 min 50
Physics Paper 1- 1hr 45 min 50
Paper 2- 1hr 45 min 50

Pathway 2 – Combined Science

Students who do not study the Triple Science pathway will study the Combined Trilogy Science qualification.

Lessons will be taught by subject specialists and students will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The Combined Science qualification will be allocated 9 hours of lessons per fortnight and students will leave school with two Science GCSEs. The qualification is made up of six externally assessed examination components: two biology, two chemistry and two physics, taken at the end of Y11. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.

GCSE Examination component Weighting (%)
 Science GCSE 1 Biology paper 1-1hr 15 min 33.3
Chemistry paper 1-1hr 15 min 33.3
Physics paper 1-1hr 15 min 33.3
 Science GCSE 2 Biology paper 2- 1hr 15 min 33.3
Chemistry paper 2- 1hr 15 min 33.3
Physics paper 2-1hr 15 min 33.3

If you are not sure which course you should take, or whether or not Triple Science would be the right choice for you, please make sure you speak to one of your Science teachers as soon as possible.  We need to ensure that your current level of attainment and attitude to the study and the subject, are suitable to ensure your success.
found at http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse.