In Years 10 and 11, Science is a core subject where each student is assigned to a ‘pathway’ of qualification(s). The following information is therefore provided to inform students and parents, as opposed to being a part of the Preferences process.

We provide two different Science pathways: students are assigned to one of these on the basis of their academic attainment; ability in practical work; attitude to learning; attendance and ability to cope with formal examinations.

GCSE Combined Science pathway                              

This pathway will be followed by the majority of our students, and will result in students earning two GCSE certificates, the grades of which are linked. This qualification is linear: students will sit all their exams at the end of the course. Students will be examined at the end of Year 11 with six 1 hour 15 minute exam papers: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Questions in the written exams will partly draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained, including specific practical activities undertaken during the course.

GCSE Triple Science pathway

This pathway will be followed by a minority of our students, and will result in students earning three GCSE certificates: AQA GCSE Biology, AQA GCSE Chemistry and AQA GCSE Physics.  All three GCSEs are taught throughout Years 10 and 11.  This pathway is referred to as an ‘accelerated route’, as content for three GCSEs is compressed in the same amount of classroom time that Combined Science Pathway students receive in order to study two GCSEs. 

The top 64 Science students based on Year 7 to 9 results are, by default, selected for this pathway.  Students are able to ‘opt out’ if they feel they will not be able to commit the extra time and effort required for the Triple Pathway: in such a scenario those students in positions 65 and below are approached.

The three separate Science GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) will be examined through two 1 hour 45 minute exam papers per subject at the end of Year 11. For each GCSE, questions in the written exams will partly draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained, including specific practical activities undertaken during the course.             

How will I find out which pathway I have been entered for?

During years 7 to 9 students sit a number of tests which include subject matter taught in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  The results of these tests will be combined with teacher assessments taken throughout, in order to inform the Year 10 and 11 pathway and setting decisions.

Students initially selected for the Triple Pathway will be approached to confirm whether they wish to study this route, and whether they can commit the extra effort and time required to be successful with it.  Should any students express a preference not to follow the Triple Pathway, other students will be approached (on the basis of academic results).