Science

Combined Science – Trilogy (Double Award) 
Or Separate Sciences (Triple Award)

Head Of Department: Mrs L Barden
Contact Details: leb@felsted.org
Twitter: @FelstedScience
Exam Board: AQA   www.aqa.org.uk
Syllabus Code: Combined (Trilogy): 8464, Biology: 8461, Chemistry: 8462, Physics: 8463

 

Studying the sciences helps us to understand the world around us and solve many problems, big and small. The science students of today will lead new technologies and advancements that will improve the quality of life for many people tomorrow. By studying the sciences you will develop your ability to think critically and analytically and will use your creativity to find solutions to complicated problems.  Science opens up a range of possibilites for future study at university and a wide variety of careers from aeronautical engineer to zoologist.

L Barden, Head of Science

There are two routes through GCSE Science:
1. Combined Science: Trilogy
Around 70% of students will study the Biology, Chemistry and Physics syllabus leading to a Combined Science GCSE award (Trilogy Science). This is the basic core requirement which gives two GCSE grades for all pupils and is covered by four lessons per fortnight for each Science. The double award pathway is an excellent foundation on which to build on in the sixth form, studying either A Level or IB Sciences.

2. Separate Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Some students can choose to work towards taking Separate Science GCSE, resulting in three GCSEs rather than two. The additional material will be covered in six periods per discipline and will be taken as one of four option choices. This pathway is recommended for pupils wishing to prioritise Science in their curriculum time.
 

Why should I study Science?
Studying Science will allow you to learn and discover many things around you and to appreciate them more; animals, inventions, plants, planets, the environment and the life that we have.
Science makes a positive impact on people’s lives. In many cases, Science saves lives. In choosing to study Science you are taking a journey from the beginnings of life to the end of the universe.

Expectations of independent study
A wide variety of independent study and prep tasks will be set throughout the course. The tasks range from researching a scientific concept through to online tests. There will be a greater amount of independent study tasks and prep required with the Separate Science route as you will have the same curriculum time but greater subject content.

It would also be advisable to read some popular science magazines such as “New Scientist” or “BBC Focus”.

What do the pupils say?
“Science has shown us how the world around us works.”
“My science teachers really bring Science alive.”
“It seems to answer all the questions I have. On everything.”

 

 

What skills will I develop by studying this subject?
Science allows pupils to develop traditional practical skills and techniques.
It also allows pupils to develop interpersonal skills, and information and communication technology skills, which are essential in modern scientific endeavour and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right.

Assessment:
Both courses are assessed at the end of Year 11.

Those studying for Combined Sciences: Trilogy will sit six papers, two for each Science. Each are worth 16.7% of the course and collated to give an overall double GCSE grade. Each paper is 1 1/4 hours in length and consists of a combination of structured, short answer and multiple choice questions in which both the retention and application of knowledge is examined.

Those studying for Separate Science GCSEs will also sit six papers, two for each Science.

For Biology, the two papers are worth 50% each and the marks are combined to give an overall Biology grade. Each paper is 1 3/4 hours in length and consists of a combination of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions in which both the retention and application of knowledge are examined. This is the same system of assessment for Chemistry and Physics. Three separate GCSE grades are reported.

Sets 1–5 sit the higher tier papers. Set 6 sit the foundation tier papers; the highest grade at foundation tier is a 5. Sets 1 and 2 will be taught the additional material required for Separate Science. Decisions about entry will be made in Year 11.

My science teachers really bring Science alive.
Angus, Year 11