GCSE Separate Sciences

The content covered in each of the three courses is outlined below:

GCSE Biology
Cells and organisation Disease and bioenergetics Biological responses Genetics and reproduction Ecology
  • Cell structure and transport
  • Cell division
  • Organisation and the digestive system
  • Organising plants and animals
  • Communicable disease
  • Preventing and treating disease
  • Non-communicable disease
  • Photosynthesis
  • Respiration
  • The human nervous system
  • Hormonal coordination
  • Homeostasis in action
  • Reproduction
  • Variation and evolution
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Adaptations, interdependence and competition
  • Organising and ecosystem
  • Biodiversity and ecosystems

 

GCSE Chemistry
Atoms, bonding and moles Chemical reactions and energy changes Rates, equilibrium and organic chemistry Analysis and the Earth’s resources
  • Atomic structure
  • The Periodic Table
  • Structure and bonding
  • Chemical calculations
  • Chemical changes
  • Electrolysis
  • Energy changes
  • Rates and equilibrium
  • Crude oil and fuels
  • Organic reactions
  • Polymers
  • Chemical analysis
  • The Earth’s atmosphere
  • The Earth’s resources
  • Using our resources

 

GCSE Physics
Energy and energy resources Particles at work Forces in action Waves, electromagnetism and space
  • Conservation and dissipation of energy
  • Energy transfer by heating
  • Energy resources
  • Electric circuits
  • Electricity in the home
  • Molecules and matter
  • Radioactivity
  • Forces in balance
  • Motion
  • Forces and motion
  • Forces and pressure
  • Wave properties
  • Electromagnetic waves
  • Light
  • Electromagnetism
  • Space

 

Maths Skills

  • Arithmetic and numerical computation
  • Handling data
  • Algebra
  • Graphs
  • Geometry and trigonometry

 

Practical Skills

There are 8 required practicals per GCSE – these are compulsory experiments that you must study and carry out in depth.

Students will carry out experiments which may involve some aspects of the following:

  • Planning
  • Making measurements and observations
  • Interpreting and analysing data
  • Drawing conclusion
  • Evaluating procedures

These practicals will be assessed within the exams at the end of the course

Students who are absent will be given opportunity to redo the practicals, however, excellent attendance is essential for success in this course.


How will I be assessed?

There are two tiers of entry:

  • Higher: Grades 9-4
  • Foundation: Grades 5-1

There are a minimum of 30% common marks between Foundation and Higher tiers.

Note:

  • Each subject is a separate GCSE so grades are awarded for each one separately
  • Each subject can be awarded a grade from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest)
  • Teaching staff will guide students into an appropriate tier of entry, based on ability, prior attainment, literacy and numeracy skills. It is assumed that all students taking this option will be entered for higher tier exams

What course will I follow?

When you take GCSE Separate Sciences you do not get to choose which Science GCSEs you take. You will take:

  • AQA GCSE Biology
  • AQA GCSE Chemistry
  • AQA GCSE Physics

What equipment will I need?

You will need a scientific calculator and a protractor for Science exams, in addition to the normal writing equipment.

There are many revision guides that can be purchased, make sure that they are for the correct exam board (AQA), course and tier of entry (higher or foundation).

It is highly recommended to set up a revision folder with dividers for each subject and topic right from the beginning of the course. Making mind maps, flash cards and organising them with worked examples of exam questions will really help to consolidate the knowledge gained during the course. Reviewing these regularly and testing yourself often will make it much easier to prepare for the 6 exams at the end of the course.


Where can GCSE Separate Sciences lead to?

Provided the required grades are attained at the end of the course, GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics provides a basis for studying A-Level Science courses.

As a general rule a GCSE grade 6 is required in the subject that the student wishes to progress with.

Examples of careers that GCSE Triple Award Science may lead to are: 

  • Medical Sciences 
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences 
  • Pathology 
  • Forensic Sciences 
  • Engineering 
  • Environmental Sciences 
  • Research Science 
  • Veterinary Science
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing