6 written exams : 1 hour 15 minutes each.

Biology Paper 1Biology topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.

Biology Paper 2Biology topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.

Chemistry Paper 1Chemistry topics 8–12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Chemistry Paper 2Chemistry topics 13–17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.

Physics Paper 1Physics topics 18–21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.

Physics Paper 2Physics topics 22–24: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

AQA GCSE Science 9-1 Combined Science – course structure

What is assessed?

AO1: 40% Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 1) Scientific ideas. 2) Scientific techniques and procedures.

AO2: 40% Apply knowledge and understanding of: 1) Scientific ideas. 2) Scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures.

AO3: 20% Analyse information and ideas to: 1a) Interpret. 1b) Evaluate. 2a) Make judgements. 2b) Draw conclusions. 3a) Develop experimental procedures. 3b) Improve experimental procedures.

Specific vocabulary must be learned by the students regarding how to work scientifically. A list of this vocabulary, along with definitions, can be found at:

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/AQA-SCIENCE-GCSE-SUBJECT-VOCAB.PDF

Two GCSE grades of equal weighting will be awarded. In year ten the students study all of the content required for the paper 1 examinations. The content for the paper 2 examinations is covered in year eleven. There is no Controlled Assessment. Practical skills are now assessed in the written examinations.

Mathematical skills contribute 20% of the marks for combined science. The equations in the table below must be committed to memory as they will not be listed on the physics examination papers:

AQA GCSE Science 9-1 Combined Science – how to help

To help students to consolidate their learning at home they should be encouraged to review their school work by regular reading. This can be done using either the online textbooks or by purchasing revision guides.

For revision guides go to:www.cgpbooks.co.uk/Student/books_gcse_science_new

For the online textbook go to:www.kerboodle.com/users/login

Other mathematical skills that are assessed include:

• Standard form and order of magnitude calculations.• Estimates and significant figures.• Averages.• Simple probability.• Algebra skills.• Graphs.

Powerpoint presentations that are designed to help learn these skills can be found on the AQA website:

www.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/gcse/teach/maths-skills-in-GCSE-sciences

There are many ways to support your child’s progress throughout years 10 and eleven. Encouraging them to regularly consolidate their learning at home, and to practice their mathematical skills, will improve their confidence and attainment.

6 written exams : 1 hour 15 minutes each.

Biology Paper 1Biology topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.

Biology Paper 2Biology topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.

Chemistry Paper 1Chemistry topics 1-5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Chemistry Paper 2Chemistry topics 6-10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.

Physics Paper 1Physics topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.

Physics Paper 2Physics topics 5-8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism and Space physics.

AQA GCSE Science 9-1 Triple Science – course structure

What is assessed?

AO1: 40% Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 1) Scientific ideas. 2) Scientific techniques and procedures.

AO2: 40% Apply knowledge and understanding of: 1) Scientific ideas. 2) Scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures.

AO3: 20% Analyse information and ideas to: 1a) Interpret. 1b) Evaluate. 2a) Make judgements. 2b) Draw conclusions. 3a) Develop experimental procedures. 3b) Improve experimental procedures.

Specific vocabulary must be learned by the students regarding how to work scientifically. A list of this vocabulary, along with definitions, can be found at:

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/AQA-SCIENCE-GCSE-SUBJECT-VOCAB.PDF

Three GCSE grades will be awarded separately, one each for biology, chemistry and physics. In year ten the students study all of the content required for the paper 1 examinations. The content for the paper 2 examinations is covered in year eleven. There is no Controlled Assessment. Practical skills are now assessed in the written examinations.

Mathematical skills contribute 10% of the marks for biology, 20% for chemistry and 30% for physics. The equations in the table below must be committed to memory as they will not be listed on the physics examination papers:

AQA GCSE Science 9-1 Triple Science – how to help

To help students to consolidate their learning at home they should be encouraged to review their school work by regular reading. This can be done using either the online textbooks or by purchasing revision guides.

For revision guides go to:www.cgpbooks.co.uk/Student/books_gcse_science_new

For the online textbook go to:www.kerboodle.com/users/login

Other mathematical skills that are assessed include:

• Standard form and order of magnitude calculations.• Estimates and significant figures.• Averages.• Simple probability.• Algebra skills.• Graphs.

Powerpoint presentations that are designed to help learn these skills can be found on the AQA website:

www.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/gcse/teach/maths-skills-in-GCSE-sciences

There are many ways to support your child’s progress throughout years 10 and eleven. Encouraging them to regularly consolidate their learning at home, and to practice their mathematical skills, will improve their confidence and attainment.