TRIPLE SCIENCE

[GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry & GCSE Physics]

Examination Board: Edexcel, Specifications 2BI01, 2CH01 and 2PH01

You need Science qualifications for many jobs and careers. Without scientific qualifications you rule out
many opportunities in the sciences, engineering, technology, industry, the health services and the medical
professions. Moreover, science and technology have such a dominant presence in modern society that it
is essential to develop an understanding of how scientific ideas develop, are accepted or rejected and how
they affect human culture.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

GCSE Triple Science is designed to meet the diverse aims and ambitions of students – from those who
simply want to understand the world around them to those who want to progress on to further in-depth
study. The science syllabuses aim to give students opportunities to:

• acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge and develop an understanding of science including its
power and limitations.
• develop experimental and investigative abilities.
• develop an understanding of the nature of scientific ideas and activity and the basis for scientific
claims.
• develop their understanding of the technological and environmental applications of science and of the
economic, ethical and social implications of these.

In Years 4 and 5, students electing GCSE Triple Science will be taught the Biology, Chemistry and Physics
components as separate lessons by specialist teachers plus a separate How Science Works course.

If there is any possibioity that you will follow a scientific or technological career you are
strongly advised to take the Triple Science option. Triple Science at GCSE allows any
combination of sciences (including Psychology) to be taken at AS and A2.

COURSE CONTENT

Unit B1: Influences on life
Unit B2: The components of life
Unit B3: Using biology
Unit C1: Chemistry in our world
Unit C2: Discovering chemistry
Unit C3: Chemistry in action
Overview of content :
• Variation
• Responding to change
• Inter-relationships
• The building blocks of cells
• Organisms and energy
• Common systems
• Control systems
• Behaviour
• Biotechnology
• The Earth’s sea and atmosphere
• Materials from the Earth
• Acids
• Obtaining and using metals
• Fuels
• Atomic structure and the periodic table
• Ionic compounds and analysis
• Covalent compounds and separation
techniques
• Groups in the periodic table
• Chemical reactions
• Quantitative chemistry
• Qualitative analysis
• Quantitative analysis
• Electrolytic processes
 • Gas, equilibria and ammonia
• Organic chemistr
Unit P1: Universal physics • Visible light and the Solar System
• The electromagnetic spectrum
• Waves and the Universe
• Waves and the Earth
• Generation and transmission of electricity
• Energy and the future
Unit P2: Physics for your future • Static and current electricity
• Controlling and using electric current
• Motion and forces
• Momentum, energy, work and power
• Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
• Advantages and disadvantages of using
radioactive material
Unit P3: Applications of physics • Radiation in treatment and medicine
• X-rays and ECGs
• Production, uses and risks of ionising
radiation from radioactive sources
• Motion of particles
• Kinetic theory and gases

ASSESSMENT

INTERNAL: Biology, Chemistry and Physics grades will each be composed of end-of-unit tests (two
tests per semester, 70%) and formative assessment1 (30%) as well as a final examination in Year 4 and
Year 5 (25% of the yearly average). How Science Works2 grades will be composed of Science Controlled
Assessments3 (50%) and formative assessment (50%).

EXTERNAL:

GCSE Biology
Unit B1 Written examination 60 mins 25%
Unit B2 Written examination 60 mins 25%
Unit B3 Written examination 60 mins 25%
SCA [Science Planning 60 mins 25%
Controlled Observations 60 mins
Assessment] Conclusions 60 mins

GCSE Chemistry
Unit C1 Written examination 60 mins 25%
Unit C2 Written examination 60 mins 25%
Unit C3 Written examination 60 mins 25%
SCA [Science Planning 60 mins 25%
Controlled Observations 60 mins
Assessment] Conclusions 60 mins

GCSE Physics
Unit P1 Written examination 60 mins 25%
Unit P2 Written examination 60 mins 25%
Unit P3 Written examination 60 mins 25%
SCA [Science Planning 60 mins 25%
Controlled Observations 60 mins
Assessment] Conclusions 60 mins

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Science is very useful for a lot of careers: nursing, physiotherapy,
radiography, engineering, medicine, Information Technology, technology, environmental health,
architecture, archaeology, pilots, naval and merchant naval officers, surveying and many others. Also

1
Ongoing assessment through class work, homework etc. through which the teacher provides feedback upon which the student may develop his/her
skills and understanding.
2
A distinct part of the course focusing on practical work, data analysis and critical thinking.
3
Planning, Observations and Concluding.
Science is necessary to understand the scientific principles behind vocational work like building crafts,
catering, baking, beauty work and hairdressing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who study Science only will sit the GCSE Science examination at the end
of Year 5. Students who take Triple Science will sit the GCSE Science examination at the end of Year 4
and at the end year 5, they will sit the GCSE Additional Science and additional extension units which will
lead to three GCSEs in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

For further advice, please see Mr. P. Burgess, Head of the Science Department.