Science Trilogy - Combined Science (AQA GCSE) - Assessment and Practical Requirements

Sep 5, 2026

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Combined science (trilogy) joins biology, chemistry and physics into a double award equivalent to two GCSEs, with AQA as the exam board. The course is linear, with all exams taken at the end of Year 11 and no coursework or controlled assessments; 100% of the grade comes from six equally weighted written exams. Each exam is 1 hour 15 minutes and includes foundation and higher tiers. Practical work is central, requiring sixteen required practicals across the course (and eight for each separate science).

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Combined Science (Trilogy) - AQA GCSE

Course Structure and Assessment

Practical Work Requirements

Separate Science - AQA GCSE

Course Assessment

SCIENCE TRILOGY – COMBINED SCIENCE (AQA GCSE) Combined science (trilogy) combines the three sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) to make a double award equivalent to two GCSEs. The combined trilogy specification has been developed in order to inspire and challenge students of all abilities and aspirations. Exam board and specification What will be studied Exam board: AQA Course code: 8464 Web link to specification: [http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ science/gcse](http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ science/gcse) [How is the course assessed?](How is the course assessed?) The qualification is linear so all exams will be taken atthe end of Year 11. There is no coursework or controlled assessments, 100% of the grade is determined by exams. There will be six exams of equal weighting (covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics), each out of 70 marks, which will combine together to give two GCSEs. Each written exam will be 1hour 15minutes, offered at both foundation and higher tier. Practical work is at the heart of science, so we have placed it at the heart of both combined and separate specifications. There are sixteen required practical’s that have to be completed throughout the course for GCSE combined science and eight for each separate science. What will this qualification lead to? As well as providing a sound foundation for A level study in a number of subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, computer science and physical education, GSCEs in the three sciences can lead to a range of careers. These include; dentist, doctor, forensic scientist, teacher, astronaut, astronomer, audiologist, clinical psychologist, ecologist, engineer, laboratory technician, meteorologist, microbiologist, nanotechnologist, electrician, palaeontologist, pharmacologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, sport and exercise scientist, nutritionist, vet, zoologist and many more! SCIENCE TRILOGY – SEPARATE SCIENCE (AQA GCSE) Students following the triple science course will study three GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics. All of these qualifications have been developed in order to inspire and challenge students of all abilities and aspirations. Whilst the content of this course is similar to that studied in the combined science qualification, it covers topics in more depth and includes additional, more challenging content. How is the course assessed? The qualification is linear so all exams will be taken at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework or controlled assessments, 100% of grade is determined by exams. Web link to specification: [http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ science/gcse](http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ science/gcse) [Biology course code-8461 What will be studied?](Biology course code-8461 What will be studied?) Chemistry course code – 8462 What will be studied? Physics course code – 8463 What will be studied? What will this qualification lead to? As well as providing a sound foundation for A-level study in a number of subjects including biology, chemistry and physics, GSCEs in the three sciences provides Triple award equivalent to three GCSE’s. It can lead to a range of careers. These include; dentist, doctor, forensic scientist, astronaut, astronomer, audiologist, clinical psychologist, ecologist, engineer, meteorologist, microbiologist, teacher, nanotechnologist, palaeontologist, pharmacologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, sport and exercise scientist, nutritionist, vet, zoologist and many more.

FAQs

How are Combined Science (trilogy) students assessed on the AQA GCSE course?

All exams are taken at the end of Year 11, with no coursework or controlled assessments. The final grade is determined by exams only, across six written exams of equal weighting.

What is the exam format and tier structure for Combined Science?

Each written exam lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and is offered at both foundation and higher tier. The exams cover biology, chemistry and physics and together contribute to two GCSEs.

How many required practicals must be completed for GCSE Combined Science and for each separate science?

GCSE combined science requires sixteen required practicals throughout the course, and eight required practicals for each separate science.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Rizky