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Westfield Secondary School

Science - Combined

Overview

Introduction

When they study combined science, students will:

  • develop knowledge and understanding of ‘working scientifically’
  • develop a wide range of practical skills
  • see the relevance of science in our daily lives
  • consider and interpret scientific data, evidence and ideas so they can reach their own conclusions
  • develop knowledge and understanding of a broad selection of science topics

Qualification

GCSE Science Double Award (equivalent to 2 GCSEs)

Awarding body

AQA

Course leader

Mrs J Palethorpe

Assessment

  • Examination: 100%
    • Biology Paper 1, topics 1-4: 1 hour 15mins | 16.7%
    • Biology Paper 2, topics 5-7: 1 hour 15mins | 16.7%
    • Chemistry Paper 1, topics 8-12: 1 hour 15mins | 16.7%
    • Chemistry Paper 2, topics 13-17: 1 hour 15mins | 16.7%
    • Physics Paper 1, topics 18-21: 1 hour 15mins | 16.7%
    • Physics Paper 2, topics 22-24: 1 hour 15mins | 16.7%
  • Non-examined assessment: 0%

Curriculum

Topics

Biology

  1. Cell biology.
  2. Organisation.
  3. Infection and response.
  4. Bioenergetics.
  5. Homeostasis and response.
  6. Inheritance, variation and evolution.
  7. Ecology.

Chemistry

  1. Atomic structure and the periodic table.
  2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter.
  3. Quantitative chemistry.
  4. Chemical changes.
  5. Energy changes.
  6. The rate and extent of chemical change.
  7. Organic chemistry.
  8. Chemical analysis.
  9. Chemistry of the atmosphere.
  10. Using resource.

Physics

  1. Energy.
  2. Electricity.
  3. Particle model of matter.
  4. Atomic structure.
  5. Forces.
  6. Waves.
  7. Magnetism and electromagnetism.

Skills and requirements

Skills required

Students build on the skills that have been important in science at key stage 3. These include:

  • communication
  • designing investigations
  • observation skills
  • using and presenting data
  • working with others
  • handling apparatus
  • problem solving and research
  • analysis and evaluation

Note: all students study either combined (this course) or triple science (see overleaf), which you may include as part of your options choices.

Beyond the classroom

Future pathways

Students gain 2 GCSEs in science and will be in a strong position if they wish to continue with science subjects at BTEC, A-level or beyond. The skills refined during this course are also sought after by employers, particularly planning, organisation, problem solving and communication. Highly qualified scientists are very much in demand and their skills are required in many jobs.

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