Science

GCSE Combined Science

Why choose walsall studio school?

Studio School and Sixth have recently built a brand-new Davis Centre which comprises of fully furnished new science laboratories to support the experienced and well-established teaching and learning science team in the delivery of exciting and engaging science lessons at key stage 4. We have our very own physicist, chemist and biologist specialist teachers and a science technician to support the delivery of science practical work. Our curriculum comprises of all three science disciplines; Biology, chemistry and Physics and it is designed to meet the needs of all our students preparing them for T-Level Health offered at the school and an increasing number of students choose to study science A Levels.

We have developed and integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) projects to encourage a wide variety of careers to people with a range of backgrounds and need
Students will participate in a Maths and Science bridging programme.
Students will be involved in STEM afternoon sessions with The STEM Response team.
Aspire Innovation connections such as ‘Medical Mavericks’.
A science day visit to The University of Wolverhampton to conduct practical work.
The maths and science collaborative team organise a SCIFEST to The University of Wolverhampton in July for students to be involved in a number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths workshops.

What will I learn?

Over the two years you will:

Study all three science disciplines and build confidence in how to apply your knowledge in the real world.
Build your analysis skills of data and make justifications using the conclusions presented. We want students to
Develop your evaluation and discussion skills to appreciate other viewpoints
Learn about the importance of research and advances in science.
Build on practical, analytical, mathematical and literacy skills.
Have an appreciation of advances in science and the implications on our society and environment

How will I study?

You will study a variety of topics over the two years:

Year 10 Biology: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.
Year 10 Chemistry: atomic structure; Periodic table; Bonding; Properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical and Energy changes.
Year 10 Physics: energy; electricity; particle model and atomic structure.
Year 11 Biology: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance variation, evolution and Ecology.
Year 11 Chemistry: Rates of reaction; organic chemistry and chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources.
Year 11 Physics: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism.

Within these topics you will study and conduct a range of required practical work which supports the learning within the topics.

How will I be assessed?

6 Examination Papers form the linear assessment:

Biology Paper 1
Biology Paper 2
Chemistry Paper 1
Chemistry Paper 2
Physics Paper 1
Physics Paper 2

Studio +

We have developed and integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) projects to encourage a wide variety of careers to people with a range of backgrounds and need
Students will participate in a Maths and Science bridging programme.
Students will be involved in STEM afternoon sessions with The STEM Response team.
Aspire Innovation connections such as ‘Medical Mavericks’.
A science day visit to The University of Wolverhampton to conduct practical work.
The maths and science collaborative team organise a SCIFEST to The University of Wolverhampton in July for students to be involved in a number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths workshops.

Next Steps/ Prospects

Our curriculum comprises of all three science disciplines; Biology, chemistry and Physics and it is designed to meet the needs of all our students preparing them for post-16 study at T-Level Health offered at the school and an increasing number of students choose to study science A Levels. This provides opportunities in a variety of jobs, such as:

Technicians
Pharmacy
Education
Care sector
Maths
Engineering

Alongside Science...

Core Studies

As well as studying the specialist subject you’re passionate about, it’s a legal requirement for all Key Stage 4 students to follow the National Curriculum.This means it’s mandatory that you also study:

Additional Option Subjects

Alongside a chosen pathway subject and Core Studies, students must also choose two more Option Subjects to equip them with a range of knowledge and skills.

Compulsory Studies