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GCSE Science Explained



The GCSE Science course consists of three separate subjects — Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Most schools allocate one or two lessons per week for each subject, although this is a individual choice for each school.


At the end of Year 11, students sit six written exams in total:


  • Two Biology papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2)

  • Two Chemistry papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2)

  • Two Physics papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2)



Combined Science vs. Triple Science

Students can follow one of two routes:


  • Triple (Separate) Science – Students study all three science subjects and receive three individual GCSE grades (one for Biology, one for Chemistry, and one for Physics). This route includes a few extra topics not covered in the combined course.


  • Combined Science – Students study all three science subjects and receive two GCSE grades, which reflect their overall average across all six exams.


Foundation and Higher Tiers

Both Combined and Triple Science can be taken at either Foundation or Higher Tier. Although, it is worth checking with your school what they provide as not all schools will offer Separate at Foundation level.


  • Higher Tier, where grades 5–9 are available. This tier contains some additional higher level topics and questions assess higher-order understanding and application of scientific concepts. The papers are designed for students who are confident with scientific knowledge and applying their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.


  • Foundation Tier, where grades 1–5 are available. The foundation papers contain low-demand and standard-demand questions. It is designed for students who are less confident in their scientific knowledge and who may regularly be achieving grade 5 and lower in school tests and mocks. A school will be more confident enrolling a student for the Higher Tier papers once they are scoring grade 6 and above.



The choice of tier will be made in consultation with your child's science teachers. The decision will take into account your child's progress, their choice and possibly their science grades up to this point. If your child knows what subjects they want to take beyond GCSE you should check the entry requirements for those courses at your chosen 6th form to maximise future choice.


Practicals and Assessment

There is no coursework in the current GCSE Science specifications. However, students must complete a series of required practicals in lessons. These experiments develop key investigative skills and are assessed in the written exams, they can appear in either paper.


Summary

GCSE Science offers students an exciting opportunity to understand the world around them, and equip them with valuable skills. Whether your child takes Combined or Triple Science at GCSE, the key to success lies in building strong foundational scientific knowledge, practising exam questions, and developing a confident understanding of practical work.


At OCTOPUS EDUCATION, we help students build confidence through small-group GCSE Science tutoring. Our dedicated learning space in Cobham High Street provides a distraction-free and device-free environment where students have the opportunity to grow, connect and excel.


To make sure every student gets the attention they deserve, we keep our group sizes small — a maximum of eight students per class. Register your interest today to secure your spot on our waiting list.




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