Science GCSE - What is it all about?

Sep 5, 2026

Narrative-based GCSE course covering biology, chemistry and physics through embedded practical skills aligned with written examination assessment. Students study all three sciences under both the Triple Science (3 GCSEs) and Combined award (2 GCSEs), including topics such as cell biology, ecology, bioenergetics, organic chemistry, atomic structure, forces, energy and electricity. Learning follows a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review, with end-of-course exams testing breadth and depth.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

What is it all about?

Course coverage and approach

What will you study?

How students explore science

Examinations

Triple Science (3 GCSEs)

Combined Science (2 GCSEs)

Who will teach you?

Mrs Evans

Mrs Walton

Mr Lucas

Mr P Downes

Mr J Downes

Practical information

Qualification and exam board

Exams and coursework

Links and additional resources

Science GCSE What is it all about? A course from the OCR 21st Century exam board that covers biology, chemistry and physics using a narrative-based approach. Practical skills are embedded within the specification and you are expected to carry out practical work in preparation for a written examination that will specifically test these skills . What will you study? All students whether they opt for the Triple Science (worth 3 GCSEs) or the Combined award (worth 2 GCSEs) will cover all three sciences . For example students will study cell biology, ecology and bioenergetics in Biology. They will learn about organic chemistry, atomic structure in Chemistry and forces, energy and electricity in Physics . Students will explore science through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review . Examinations… Triple Science (worth 3 GCSEs) The Triple Science qualification will have 6 exams at the end of the course . There will be two for each science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) . Each one will have a breadth and depth paper, each worth 50% each with both papers assessing content from all eight Chapters . Each exam paper will be 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Combined Science (worth 2 GCSEs) The Combined Science qualification will have 4 exams atthe end of the course . There will be one for each science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each worth 26.4%) and a further one assessing all content over the course (worth 20.8% of the combined GCSE) . Who will teach you? Mrs Evans [BSc Honors Degree] Head of Science . Has at least 7 years' experience working with pupils at GCSE and A-level, with outstanding results . Has sent a lot of medics off to Oxford and Cambridge . An Alban leader of Education involved in improving standards of teaching . Recognised as an outstanding teacher by achieving a'Pearson Teaching Award' in 2016 and recognised by the DfE for her work in 'life after levels' which has been since published in their policy document . Studied at the University of Cambridge and York. • Mrs Walton MSc Medicinal Chemistry(Lough), PGDM, currently studying for MSc in Astrophysics(LJMU) . • Before retraining as a Ks4 and Ks5 teacher, had a successful marketing career in the Pharmaceutical industry. • 14 years of successfully teaching GCSEs for triple sciences and A levels Chemistry and Biology. Converted specialism through the Institute Of Physics with specialised training to teaching A level Physics in 2013. • 9 years of sixth form pastoral experience sending many students to Russell Group Universities, Oxford and Cambridge. • 7 years experience as A level examiner and senior examiner for two exam boards . • Mr Lucas BSc Chemistry with Forensic Science.( Keele ) Nuffield Chemistry research bursary recipient 2012. • The youngest member of the science department and specialist in A level Chemistry and Physics . • 4 years of teaching GCSE, including triple sciences and producing outstanding results and progress in 2 different schools . • 3 years of teaching A levels, sending students to study at Russell group and Oxbridge universities (including natural sciences at Cambridge) . Mr P Downes BSc Hons Biomedical Science (King’s College London) Assistant Head of Science– 7 years experience preparing students for GCSE and A level exams . A Level Biology and Chemistry specialist. Experience working with Disadvantaged groups at previous school to improve behaviour and progress . During which time, whole school attainment improved significantly for these students. • Mr J Downes • BSc Nutrition and Sports Science Honors degree . Studied at St . Marys University College . Specialised in Strength and Condition training and Biomechanics . • AQA Physics Examiner 3 years experience . Practical information Qualification type: GCSE Exam board: 21st Century Science B Exams [Separate Sciences]: 6, each one 1 hour 45minutes [Triple: 2 Exa

FAQs

How does the course teach biology, chemistry and physics?

The course uses a narrative-based approach with practical skills embedded in the specification. Learning follows a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review.

What is the difference between Triple Science and Combined Science exams?

Triple Science includes 6 exams (two per science), each assessing breadth and depth for 50% contribution to the total GCSE. Combined Science includes 4 exams: one per science and an additional exam covering all content across the course.

Is coursework included in this GCSE course?

No coursework is included (Coursework: No). The assessment focuses on written examinations at the end of the course.

Sep 5, 2026

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