Science - Combined

Overview

Combined Science provides students with a broad and balanced understanding of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The course develops scientific knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking. Students will learn how science explains the world around them and how it applies to real-life situations, preparing them for further study, apprenticeships, or careers in STEM-related fields.

Curriculum Intent

The Science curriculum aims to:

Develop secure understanding of core scientific concepts across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Build practical investigation skills and an understanding of the scientific method

Encourage curiosity, resilience, and analytical thinking

Enable students to apply scientific knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and real-world problems

Promote scientific literacy so students can evaluate evidence and make informed decisions

Foster independence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

Curriculum Implementation

Teaching approach

Logical progression from simple to complex concepts

Clear links between Biology, Chemistry and Physics concepts

Blended approach including dual coding, modelling, and independent application.

Regular retrieval practice and spaced revision

Integration of required practicals and exam-style questions.

Sequencing of learning

Combined Science course delivered across two years, leading to two GCSE grades (Double Award)

Integrated teaching of Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Curriculum sequenced to build foundational knowledge first, then apply and extend

Regular required practicals embedded throughout topics to develop investigative skills

Assessment

Six written examination papers taken at the end of Year 11 (two each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

Each paper is 1 hour 10 minutes and worth 60 marks, contributing equally (16.7% each) to the overall grade

Linear assessment structure – all content from across the course is assessed in final exams in May/June

Two tiers of entry: Foundation (grades 1–1 to 5–5) and Higher (grades 4–4 to 9–9), with students sitting all papers in one tier

Practical skills assessed within written exams, with at least 15% of marks linked to practical activities and scientific enquiry

Range of question types, including multiple choice, short answer, calculations, data analysis, and extended response questions assessing knowledge, application and evaluation skills

Ongoing formative assessments and mock exams take place in Year 10 and 11 to help students to prepare for the final exams.

Curriculum Impact

Success is measured through:

Strong knowledge retention over time

Improved examination outcomes in line with national expectations

Development of scientific skills and literacy

Students’ ability to analyse data, apply mathematical skills, and construct extended written responses in assessments.

Confidence in practical and investigative work

High levels of student engagement and progression to science at Post 16.

Curriculum Structure

Key Stage 4

Year

Topics / Units

Key Knowledge & Skills

Biology:

Organism level systems, community level systems, genes, inheritance and selection

Chemistry:

Chemical reactions, predicting and identifying reactions and products, monitoring and controlling chemical reactions 

Physics:

Forces, electricity and magnetism, waves and radioactivity

Practical skills embedded throughout

Students build a strong foundation in core scientific concepts, developing their understanding of how living systems, materials and physical processes work; they apply mathematical skills, carry out practical investigations, and begin to analyse and interpret scientific data.

Biology:

Global challenges in biology

Chemistry:

Global challenges in chemistry

Physics:

Global challenges in physics

Students deepen and apply their knowledge to more complex topics, developing their ability to evaluate evidence, think critically and make connections across Biology, Chemistry and Physics; they refine exam technique and demonstrate secure practical and analytical skills.

Textbooks:

OCR Gateway Biology, Chemistry and Physics for GCSE combined Science – Oxford University Press

Digital Kerboodle textbooks and resources are available to all students

Useful Websites: