Summary

This course is designed to help you to develop crucial skills that will help you to progress in education or employment. This is an essential qualification for Level 3 courses and can also be sought by many apprenticeship schemes, employers and universities. GCSE Combined Science is a dynamic subject that covers many key concepts across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In this course you will study: Paper 1 – Energy, atom structures, cells and much more, whereas Paper 2 will include topics such as forces, chemical reactions, and human biology.

There are five formal assessments which will be undertaken throughout the duration of the year which will test your ability on different aspects of the specification and measure your progress. As well as this, you will be expected to undertake different practicals within each subject area. Combined Science is assessed by six exams at the end of the academic year, two papers for each subject.

Paper 1 Biology will cover: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.

Paper 1 Chemistry will cover: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Paper 1 Physics will cover: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.

Paper 2 Biology will cover: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.

Paper 2 Chemistry will cover: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.

Paper 2 Physics will cover: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

What do I need to join?

To enrol on the GCSE+ programme, applicants are expected to have a minimum grade profile of 2 to 3 in all subjects. Entry tests in maths and English (and science if applying to a science subject) are required if students achieve a grade 2. The tests are usually held during the taster day or enrolment day.

How will I learn?

You will learn via a variety of assessment methods such as case studies, experiments, written assessments and examinations.

Work Experience

You will be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of work experience. This is typically done in a week during term time. The aim of work experience is to provide learners with life experience in writing an exciting CV, to help them discover what full-time employment is like and to help them begin to think of potential career paths.

What can I do next?

Science can lead into a variety of progression paths such as vocational career paths like Health and Social Care and Engineering, or academic pathways into A-Levels and then University. Those with a strong passion for science can go on to study some of the most interesting subjects and eventually achieve some of the most exciting job roles. We are currently going through a technological revolution and those who are science savvy will have the opportunity to go and succeed in very elite professions.