Combined Sciences

Subject Overview

Pupils at Stonyhurst have two GCSE science pathways to choose from. The AQA Combined Science course or the Triple Science programme. Both pathways provide a sound basis for studying any or all of the science subjects at A level or IB Diploma standard.

Why study AQA Combined Science?

GCSE Combined Science was the most popular GCSE subject in 2023 with 854,450 entries. This course involves studying all three sciences: biology, physics and chemistry. At the end of the course pupils receive two GCSEs. The course counts as two options choices, so enables pupils to study all three sciences and still be able to choose additional options. This pathway is suitable for all pupils who wish to have a solid understanding of all three science subjects.

Assessment

There are six papers of 1h 15minutes each: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each paper is worth 16.7%. Questions are multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response.

Why choose Triple Science?

This course is more academically challenging and involves more science lessons per week. Pupils study all three science subjects in detail and receive three GCSEs at the end of the course. This science pathway counts as three options choices. It is primarily for those pupils who have a clear preference for sciences above other subjects and who often already know that they intend to study sciences in university.

Assessment

There are six papers of 1h 45mins each: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each paper is worth 50% per science. Questions are multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open responses.

Higher Line and Higher Education Options

Both science pathways provide a sound basis for further academic study in the sciences.