Sciences
AQA
All Fourth Form pupils are taught in Science sets determined by relevant assessment data and teacher feedback, with approximately half the year group undertaking the ‘triple science’ course, which leads to three separate awards in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and others studying the ‘Combined Science’ course, which leads to two GCSE awards in Science (see details contained in this booklet). Studying the ‘Combined Science’ course will provide students with more study time during the working week and still provides the opportunity for ‘A’ Level science study (dependent on the final grades achieved).
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (AQA 8464)
AQA Triple Science: Biology (8461), Chemistry (8462), Physics (8463)
The Combined Science route shares all content and most practical experiments with the triple science courses but, with less overall content to be covered, allows more time for consolidation and final exam preparation, making it a more suitable route for many students.
On completion of Combined Science, pupils will achieve two numerical grades (9-1) from the three science subjects e.g. 67 (one grade 6 and one grade 7) or 88 (two grade 8s) etc. The Triple Science courses lead to three separate GCSE numerical grades 9-1 for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils entered for this more demanding route should have a genuine interest in each of the pure sciences and consider themselves all-rounders. It is expected Triple Science students are seeking to extend their knowledge of science beyond GCSE with a strong desire to study at least one of the science subjects in depth to A level and possibly beyond. With good performance it is also perfectly possible for Combined Science candidates to progress to A level study.
Mathematical content has increased considerably on both the Triple and Combined Science courses with some topics requiring a high degree of numerical ability, particularly in the triple science areas.
Further details on the content and assessment of these reformed specifications can be found on the AQA website:
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/new-science-gcse-specifications
You could also learn more about GCSE science courses at Denstone College by speaking with the relevant Head of Department: Mr Tomlinson (Head of Science and Chemistry), Mrs Rylance (Head of Biology), Mr Lightfoot (Head of Physics).
Assessment
Each separate science subject is assessed by two terminal examinations at the end of the fifth form, with papers longer in duration for those taking Trilogy Science.
Practical science is integral to both courses, taking place throughout the two years of study and assessed within the terminal examinations for each science subject.
There is no non-examination assessment (NEA) for these reformed GCSE courses.
For further details about this course please contact Mr J Tomlinson, Head of Science.