COMBINED SCIENCE (SCIENCE & ADDITIONAL SCIENCE - Also known as 'Double Award')
All students will study Combined Science in their 4th and 5th year as part of the core curriculum.
The combined science course contains equal amounts of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each science is taught separately by specialist teachers. AS and A-level specifications are designed to follow on from the Double Award Science course. Double Award Science is particularly suitable for a student who wishes to pursue all the sciences without having to forego the study other optional subjects.
The Combined Science Course:
The students study for two GCSE examinations, Science & Additional Science. Each of the GCSEs consists of three papers (one for each science) plus coursework.
The Physics content of the Science GCSE consists of Heat energy transfer, Energy efficiency, Electrical power and cost, Electromagnetic radiation, Radioactive decay and The Universe. This is examined by a 45 minute written paper taken at the end of the fourth year.
The Physics content of the Additional Science GCSE consists of Describing movement, Work & power, Momentum, Static, current and mains electricity, Nuclear decay & energy and Stellar physics. This is examined by a 45 minute written paper taken at the end of the fifth year.
It is hoped that all students will sit the Higher Tier papers (grades A* to D) of the AQA Examination Board, GCSE Science Specifications. Overall the written papers make up 75% of the final mark, the other 25% being based on the coursework. Based on their final overall marks students are given separate GCSE grades for Science & Additional Science GCSEs
Science Coursework:
This makes up 25% of the final mark. Coursework assignments will take place in both the 4th the 5th years in at least two of the sciences and will always occur during normal lesson time. Click here for more information on GCSE coursework
Science Beyond GCSE:
'A' grades for both GCSE Additional Science & Science are required in order to study Physics or any of the other sciences at AS or A-level.
In choosing to study Triple Award Science all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) are studied separately and lead to separate and independent GCSE grades. In order to choose this option, students should have demonstrate a high level of interest in Science and to be seriously considering studying one of more Sciences at AS & A-level. The subject cores and the investigation work in all three sciences are similar to the Combined Science course taken by all students.
Note: Although the study of a Science at A-level or beyond does not require the study of Triple Award Science at GCSE level, it is highly recommended.
Listed below are the details for the Physics course:
Separate Science - Physics at GCSE
The Physics Course:
The course consists of three modules, Science – Physics 1, Additional Science – Physics 2 and Further Physics – Physics 3.
Physics 1 consists of Heat energy transfer, Energy efficiency, Electrical power and cost, Electromagnetic radiation, Radioactive decay and The Universe. This is examined by a 45 minute written paper taken at the end of the fourth year.
Physics 2 consists of Describing movement, Work & power, Momentum, Static, current and mains electricity, Nuclear decay & energy and Stellar physics. This is examined by a 45 minute written paper taken in January during the fifth year.
Physics 3, which is studied only by the Triple scientists, consists of Moments & stability, Circular motion including satellite and planetary motion, Optics, Sound & ultrasound, Electric motors, generators and transformers. This is examined by a 45 minute written paper taken at the end of the fifth year.
Almost all students will sit the Higher Tier papers (grades A* to D) of the AQA Examination Board, Separate Science - Physics syllabus. These written papers make up 75% of the final mark.
Physics Coursework:
This makes up 25% of the final mark. Coursework assignments will take place in both the fourth the fifth years and will always occur during normal lesson time. Click here for more information on GCSE coursework.
Physics Beyond GCSE:
In the Sixth Form -
A grade 'A' at GCSE Physics is required in order to study Physics at AS or A-level. GCSE Physics is also useful preparation for other A-level subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography & Technology.
At University -
Physics at A-level is an entry requirement for Physics and Engineering and is recommended for many other courses. Physics is recognised by universities as a full academic subject and can be used as an entry grade for all areas of study.
Careers -
GCSE Physics is recognised by all employers as a full academic subject and so a good grade at GCSE is advantageous. Physics provides a route into many careers and opportunities exist both in Britain and throughout the world. Physicists are found in a wide range of industries eg. finance, medicine, agriculture, marketing, business and management.
AS & A2 Physics at St. George's College (Powerpoint presentation)
At St.George’s College we follow the Modular Physics Specification A course of the AQA Examination Board.
Requirements to Study Physics at AS or A2 level:
Students considering this subject should be expecting to gain good grades at GCSE Physics or Science (at least a grade B). Physics also requires good numerical and linguistic skills and so a minimum of a grade B in both Mathematics and English Language should also be obtained. In order to progress from the AS course in the lower sixth to the A2 course in the upper sixth a minimum of grade E at AS level is required.
Download table showing how student's performance at A-level matches their performance at GCSE.
The AS course:
The AS course is followed in the lower sixth and consists of three modules:
External examinations occur in January (Unit 1) & June (Unit 2).
The A2 course:
This builds on the AS course and takes place in the upper sixth year.
External examinations occur in January (Unit 4) & June (Unit 5).
After A-level:
A-level Physics is recognised as a high quality academic subject by employers and colleges. Physics at A-level is expected for Engineering and for other Physical Science courses. A good A-level grade in Physics can be used for many other university course. Physicists are found in a wide range of industries, e.g. Finance, Medicine, Marketing, Business Management, Agriculture etc....