Science

The AQA combined science route will be followed and this will mean the topics studied will be from within the new GCSE Programme of Study.

The course is designed to give opportunities to all students to enable them to meet their aspirations while learning about many interesting aspects of science.

Combined Science Year 9 students will be taught for 4 periods per week.  Each period lasts 50 minutes.  Individual pupil performance and progress will be consistently and closely monitored and all decisions made in relation to courses and examination entries will be done so with the best interests of students, their potential and best grade outcomes and future aspirations in mind.

At Ditton Park Year 10 students studying combined science will continue to build on their development of knowledge and understanding of all 3 subject areas

All 3 subjects will cover science skills and carry out required practicals

EXAM

Biology Paper 1

Biology topics 1-4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics

Written exam 1 hr 15 mins - foundation and higher tier

Chemistry Paper 1

Chemistry Topics 8-12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; bonding, structure and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Organic compounds.

Written exam 1hr 15 mins - foundation and high tier

Physics Paper 1

Physics topics 18-21: Forces; Waves and Magnetism and electromagnetism energy

Written Exam 1hr 15 mins Foundation and high tier

TRIPLE SCIENCE

Students opting to take GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Triple Science) will study all 3 sciences as discrete subjects.  The three will be delivered with intention of achieving the highest grade possible for every individual and students will receive an additional 3 science lessons every week.

These courses will provide stretch and challenge with the opportunity to study all 3 sciences in depth.

Biology - 2 exam papers

What's assessed

Topics 1-4: Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.

Topics 5-7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolutuion; and Ecology

How its assessed

2 Written exams; 1hr 45 mins each

Chemistry - 2 exam papers

What's assessed

Topics 1-5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Topics 1-6: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources

How its assessed

2 written exams; 1hr 45 mins each

Physics - 2 exam papers

What's assessed

Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure

Topics 5-8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics

How its assessed

2 written exams; 1hr 45 mins each