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Separate Sciences / AQA

Students who have a keen interest in or aptitude for science will have the opportunity to study three separate sciences at Key Stage 4. This is an ideal course for those students wishing to pursue a career in the varied aspects of science, whether it is medical, forensic or engineering.

Successful studies in this area can lead to places at the best universities which are well respected by employers.

 Students will study biology, chemistry and physics in greater detail than in the combined science award.  By following this route students have the opportunity to gain three GCSE qualifications, one in each science discipline 

Course Content

Biology topics:
Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and Response; Bioenergetics; Homeostasis and Response; Inheritance, Variation and Evolution and Ecology.

Chemistry topics:
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table; Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter; Quantitative Chemistry; Chemical Changes; Energy Changes; The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change; Organic Chemistry; Chemical Analysis; Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Using Resources.

Physics topics:
Energy; Electricity; Particle Model of Matter; Atomic Structure; Forces; Waves; Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Practical Assessments:  In addition to theory the students will need to be competent in their practical skills which will be assessed through the written papers.

Assessment

There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics.  Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic area.   Exam questions will consist of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response

Progression

Success in these qualifications offers excellent preparation for A Levels in biology, chemistry and physics.