KS4 Science

Science is delivered as double-award general science. General science will include elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in roughly equal measure.

The course followed is from the AQA GCSE exam board and is called Combined Science Trilogy.

Science is delivered through a bespoke curriculum which follows the programme of study for AQA trilogy. Content is taught on a topic basis and the topics are spread across the three areas of science. The order of topics is carefully planned to link to the learning in Key Stage 3 and continue to build learning on central scientific themes to the level appropriate at Key Stage 4 for GCSE Science. Innovative teaching and frequent use of practical science are used to maximise pupil engagement and progress.

What is the course overview: 

During the course assessment is carried out continuously through interactions between pupils and the teacher. In addition there are summative tests set at the end of each topic. This information allows progress to be monitored through the Progress Tracker tool used across the whole school.

The Trilogy GCSE is assessed entirely by examinations at the end of the course. There are six 75 minute exams, two for each of the areas Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils in SEN are allowed an extra 20 minutes in each exam and, for pupils that require it, the school can arrange for a reader and/or a scribe.

Practical science is assessed through ‘required practicals’. These are carried out in the laboratory but the assessment comes from asking questions about the required practicals in the written exams. 25% of the marks in the exams are for questions about the required practicals.