Biology (AQA 8461), Chemistry (AQA 8462) and Physics (AQA 8463)

Students who have a keen interest in or aptitude for science will have the opportunity to study all 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 Russell Group universities which are very 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.

Assessment

There are 6 papers which are each 1 hour and 45 minutes long: 2 biology, 2 chemistry and 2 physics.  Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from each distinct topic area.   Exam questions will consist of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response. Maths skills and practical skills are tested within the 2 exam papers.

Progression

Higher grades in these qualifications offers excellent preparation for A Levels in biology, chemistry and/or physics.