In this course, students are prepared for AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464), which is an award worth two GCSEs. The following units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied sequentially across Years 10 and 11.
Year 10
| Unit | Content |
|---|---|
| Biology September to February
| In this unit on cells and cellular processes, students learn how living organisms transport the vital materials for key reactions into and out of cells. They study in detail the key reactions that occur within cells, including respiration and photosynthesis. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the February exams and end-of-year assessments of Year 10, and in the Year 11 December mocks. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
| Chemistry September to February | At the beginning of Year 10, students learn the major processes used in the extraction of metals from ores. This part of the course is focused on electrochemistry and ions. Subsequently, students study energy changes by developing their knowledge of exothermic and endothermic reactions. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the February exams and end-of-year assessments of Year 10, and in the Year 11 December mocks. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
| Physics September to February | Students' Year 10 Physics programme starts with a focus on how particle models can be used to describe motion and internal energy. Students learn about the relationship between potential difference, current and resistance. They learn to use calculations and graph-work to explain how forces cause objects to change their motion. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the February exams and end-of-year assessments of Year 10, and in the Year 11 December mocks. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
| Biology February to July | Students develop their knowledge of human organ systems, with a particular focus on the cardiovascular system. They further their understanding of diseases, their causations and relevant forms of treatment. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the Year 10 end-of-year assessments and in the Year 11 December mocks. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
| Chemistry February to July | Students learn the fundamentals of organic chemistry, including the nomenclature of hydrocarbons and the different forms of bonding. They also learn about a wide range of uses to which hydrocarbons are put. Students learn about the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, and how human activity and expansion has had an impact on the world. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the Year 10 end-of-year assessments and in the Year 11 December mocks. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
| Physics February to July | Students learn about the major types of ionising radiation and their properties, and learn to calculate an isotope's half-life from extracted data. They build upon their prior knowledge on waves, studying the structure and properties of transverse and longitudinal waves, mathematically and practically. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the Year 10 end-of-year assessments and in the Year 11 December mocks. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
Year 11
| Unit | Content |
|---|---|
| Biology September to April
| In the final sequence of biological topics, students learn how our internal environment is maintained in response to external factors through homeostatic and nervous action. Students learn how genetic variation is determined by our DNA and inherited within families. They learn about genotypes and phenotypes, and develop an understanding of how organisms have evolved over time. Finally, students learn about factors that can have an impact on the stability and biodiversity of ecosystems. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the Year 11 December mocks and the in-class assessments that take place in March. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
| Chemistry September to April | Students study the availability, use and cycling of the Earth's materials. They learn different forms of rate reactions and chemical analysis. Students conclude this series of lessons by completing a variety of calculation, graph and practical-based activities. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the Year 11 December mocks and the in-class assessments that take place in March. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
| Physics September to April | Students develop their ability to calculate, predict and explain an object's motion using information on forces, mass and acceleration. Students consolidate their prior knowledge of waves by studying the electromagnetic spectrum, its uses and its dangers. Finally, students learn about magnets and their uses in processes that are essential to modern life. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning in this unit is assessed summatively, in assessments containing questions that require short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. Content from this part of the course is assessed in the Year 11 December mocks and the in-class assessments that take place in March. These assessments contribute to the student's predicted grade. |
