Page 8 - Pathways Booklet 2022 latest

Combined Science

All students will follow a curriculum of Combined Science at GCSE without one of their option blocks being
used up. The Combined Science course covers all three Sciences and is delivered by specialist Biology,
Chemistry and Physics teachers, with 2 lessons per fortnight in each subject. There is also one extra lesson
per fortnight that is given to studying Chemistry in Year 10 and Biology in Year 11. We follow the AQA
specification. This is a linear course with assessment at the end of Year 11. Students will sit two written
papers for each Science.

Combined Science covers the foundations of GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics placing an emphasis on
not just learning theory but understanding the practical side of Science and its relation to the world we live
in. As part of the course students will complete 16 required practicals and the written exam papers sat at
the end of Year 11 will include questions that draw on students’ experience of practical Science. There is no
coursework in Science.

There are two tiers in Science that students can study.

On the Higher tier course students can achieve grades 4 to 9. On the Foundation tier course students can
achieve grades 1 to 5.

Combined Science is a double award course; therefore, students will be awarded two grades based on an
average grading system (1-1, 1-2, 2-2 through to 9-9).

Examination Board: AQA Syllabus Code: 8464

Head of Department: Mr M Patchett mpatchett@hagleyrc.worcs.sch.uk