GCSE Science
GCSE Science equips you with essential skills in problem-solving, analysis, and critical thinking, all of which are highly valued across many fields. Through studying Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, you’ll develop the ability to understand complex concepts, conduct experiments, and apply scientific knowledge to real-world situations. These skills are crucial for careers in healthcare, engineering, research, technology, and more, providing a strong foundation for both further education and the workforce.
It is assessed through six exams at the end of Year 11, each 1 hour 45 minutes long and worth 100 marks each. The exam board we use is AQA. There are two tiers of entry available – Higher (grades awarded are 9-4) and Foundation (grades awarded are 5-1). Students should have an idea of their tier of entry, though for some students around the 4-5 grade, this decision won’t be made until after the Pre-Public Exam (PPE) at the end of this term.
It is important that your child has a scientific calculator and brings it to every Science lesson. We recommend the same calculator as is required by the maths department.
Revision guides and workbooks are available to buy in school for the triple science specification at either the higher or foundation tier (available via parent pay). Please contact your child’s teacher if you are unsure which tier of revision guide to buy.
Year 11 students have two main assessments, one in November, and one in late February. In addition to this there are shorter topic tests their teacher may set.
PPE – November– will be a full GCSE past paper (Paper 1 Biology, Chemistry and Physics).
PPE – February – will be full GCSE past paper (Paper 2 Biology, Chemistry and Physics).
There are plenty of useful science websites for revision or extra help on any science topic.
- BBC Bitesize – revision lessons and activities
- Cognito – revision lessons as videos, quizzes, past paper questions and exam papers
- My GCSE Science (subscription required) - revision lessons
- Educake – revision lessons and quizzes.
