THE CORE CURRICULUM – combined science

Aim of the course

The AQA GCSE Combined Science course is designed to equip all students with essential scientific knowledge, skills, and understanding, enabling them to appreciate how science shapes our lives and underpins future global prosperity. Through the integrated study of biology, chemistry, and physics, students develop secure conceptual understanding alongside an awareness of the practical applications and societal impact of science.

The course emphasises the nature, processes, and methods of science by engaging students in a wide range of scientific enquiries. These approaches support students in asking and answering scientific questions about the world around them, while developing key skills such as observation, experimentation, modelling, enquiry, and problem-solving in both laboratory and real-world contexts. Students are also taught to critically evaluate scientific claims by analysing methodology, evidence, and conclusions using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

The curriculum is coherently structured to foster curiosity about the natural world, deepen understanding of how science works, and highlight its relevance to everyday life. It is practical, engaging, and intellectually rewarding, inspiring students to be motivated, challenged, and confident in their scientific learning and achievements.

Programme of Study:

Students have been exposed to all key areas of scientific knowledge throughout Key Stage 3, enabling them to build secure scientific understanding upon foundations that are revisited and developed year on year. Students encounter a broad range of scientific concepts, practical skills, and investigative techniques that they can apply to real-life contexts (for example, understanding energy use, health, and environmental issues), as well as knowledge that transfers across the curriculum to subjects such as Mathematics and Geography.

We ensure that students recognise the importance of scientific literacy and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and scientific vocabulary needed to think, work, and communicate like scientists.

Students will also complete 21 Required Practical's.

How will it be assessed?

Students will be assessed on all three sciences to achieve 2 GCSEs. This course is linear and is assessed through written examinations.

The AQA GCSE Combined Science course is divided into two tiers: Foundation Tier (grades 1 – 5) and Higher Tier (grades 4 – 9). Decisions about student entry tier will be based on end of module assessment and mock examination results.

Students are assessed in their ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, apply their knowledge and understanding and to analyse information and ideas.

Questions in the written examination will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out practical activities. Questions relating to the required practicals will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification.

Students are also required to demonstrate mathematical skills in the GCSE Combined Science. Questions will target maths skills at a level of demand appropriate or each subject. Questions relating to mathematical skills will count for at least 20% of the overall marks for the qualification.

 Possible careers associated with this subject:

Acts as a foundation for A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or other science-related courses. Supports pathways into medical sciences, engineering, environmental science, forensic science, and more.