Sciences

Our vision is to ignite a passion for science in every student. We strive to create a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where curiosity thrives and students are empowered to explore the wonders of science. Our aim is to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers equipped with the skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges. By integrating sustainable practices and collaborative projects, we prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape. We are committed to fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and inspiring students to make meaningful contributions to society and the global community.

Science KS3 LTP 2025-26 NMS LTP Combined Science 2025 2026 V3 Triple Science LTP 2025-26

Science at Key Stage 4

There are two routes at Key Stage 4. The majority of students study towards the GCSE Combined Science which is awarded as two GCSEs.  Other students study separate GCSEs in the three Sicence: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  

Combiened Science GCSE

GCSE Combined Science furthers students’ ideas of scientific theory and helps them learn practical skills through topical investigations.  Most students will study combined science. Biology, chemistry and physics are taught and assessed separately with a pure science approach, looking at theory and application. 

Students gain skills such as -

  • Using knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions and define scientific problems.
  • Planning and carrying out investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, collecting, selecting, processing, analysing and interpreting primary and secondary data to provide evidence.
  • Evaluating methodology, evidence and data.
  • Understanding the relationship between science and society and the consequences of scientific research and work.
  • Developing communications and literacy skills in scientific contexts
Assessment

There are six exam papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes in length, has 70 marks available and is worth 16.7% of the final GCSE grade.  Each paper contains a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions. There will be questions that also assess the quality of written communication in a science context.  Students also are required to complete a number of required practicals which will be recorded in a laboratory notebook and students will be asked questions about them in the exam.  There will be at least 16 of these in total during the course. 

Futher details about the specification and how it is assessed can be found on the exam board website: AQA GCSE Combiened Science: Triology (8464).

Beyond GCSE Combiened science

GCSE Combined Science provides a firm foundation for students wishing to progress on to Level 3 courses.  The Combined Science course is a fantastic grounding for many career paths, due to the transferable skills of problem solving, analysis and evaluation gained throughout. Students can go on to study science A levels after completion of combined science.

 

Separate Sciences - Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE

Aims of the Course 


These three GCSEs must be taken together (students cannot study one or two of the three). We term this “Separate Sciences”. These GCSEs introduce students to fundamental ideas in scientific theory and help them learn practical skills through topical investigations. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught and assessed separately with a pure science approach, looking at theory and application.

Students gain skills such as:  

  • Using knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions and define scientific problems. 
  • Planning and carrying out investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of contexts.  
  • Collecting, selecting, processing, analysing and interpreting primary and secondary data to provide evidence. 
  • Evaluating methodology, evidence and data. 
  • Understanding the relationship between science and society. 
  • Developing communications skills in scientific contexts.
Assessment

GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics are assessed during Year 11.  Students will complete two papers for each subject, each at 1 hour and 45 minutes in length, and each worth 100 marks.  These questions will include multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. Each separate science includes at least eight required practicals during the course.  Written exams will include questions that draw on students’ practical science experience with at least 15% of each GCSE paper being allocated to these. 

Futher details about the specification and how it is assessed can be found on the exam board website: AQA Biology (8461), AQA Chemistry (8462), AQA Physics (8463).

Beyond Separate Sciences GCSE

GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics provide the best foundation for students to progress to AS and A level Sciences. They also allow progression onto a wide range of courses, both academic and vocational, as well as providing a fantastic grounding for many career paths due to the transferable skills students gain through the course.