Introduction
Studying GCSE Science (Double Award) provides the foundations for understanding the material world. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all learners are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.
The Course
The course is split into the three discrete sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each science is taught by a specialist in that subject.
The course is allocated 9 hours of lesson time a fortnight (3 hours per subject).
Assessment
All three sciences will be tested throughout the two years with external summer exams and a practical assessment. All exams are 1 hour 15 minutes and worth 80 marks.
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics | |
| Year 10
External Summer Exam |
Unit 1: Biology 1
Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems
15% |
Unit 2: Chemistry 2
Chemical substances, Reactions and Essential Resources 15% |
Unit 3: Physics 1
Electricity, Energy and Waves
15% |
| Year 11 External Summer Exam | Unit 4: Biology 2
Variation, Homeostasis and Micro-Organisms
45% |
Unit 5: Chemistry 2 Chemical Bonding and Organic Chemistry
45% |
Unit 6: Physics 2
Forces, Space and Radioactivity
45% |
| Year 11 Practical Exam | Unit 7: Practical Assessment
Two Science chosen and two external exams carried out in class
10% |
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Progression
Studying the Double Award science gives all pupils a good level of science knowledge with which to progress onto any chosen path post-16.