Combined Science
For those pupils who do not wish to take the three separate sciences as one of their four options, there is a course of compulsory Combined Science which includes equal components of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The course encourages the study of Science using a narrative based approach where ideas are introduced within relevant and interesting settings. This helps pupils to link their knowledge to familiar concepts. Practical skills are embedded within the specification and pupils are expected to carry out particular experiments in preparation for the written examination which will specifically test these skills. There is no longer controlled assessment in Science.
The syllabus for both the Combined Science course includes the following topics:
B1: You and your genes
B2: Keeping healthy
B3: Living together – food and ecosystems
B4: Using food and controlling growth
B5: The human body – staying alive
B6: Life on Earth – past, present and future
C1: Air and water
C2: Chemical patterns
C3: Chemicals of the natural environment
C4: Material choices
C5: Chemical analysis
C6: Making useful chemicals
P1: Radiation and waves
P2: Sustainable energy
P3: Electric circuits
P4: Explaining motion
P5: Radioactive materials
P6: Matter – models and explanations
BCP7: Ideas about Science
BCP8: Practical Skills
There are four examinations of 1 hour 45 minutes taken at the end of Year 11. Three papers are worth 95 marks and one is worth 75 marks.