GCSE The Sciences (Double Award)

Through studying the sciences, learners undertake a journey of discovery to actively explore how different science disciplines are intrinsically linked and united by a spirit of curiosity and inquiry.

GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) is a new qualification that brings all the sciences together to examine, investigate and build connections between biology, chemistry and physics in order to solve problems.

Through rich learning experiences, learners will deepen their conceptual understanding of how science shapes our modern world and can provide solutions to the challenges we face.  

What will learners cover?

The qualification will allow learners to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a broad range of science content, which allows them to appreciate the integrated and connected nature of the sciences. It will feature five areas of content:

  • Scientific curiosity – Learners will develop the skills they need to investigate, explore, analyse, design and formulate creative solutions to scientific problems. These skills will be demonstrated across the qualification

  • Bringing the sciences together to solve problems – Learners will make connections across the science disciplines by exploring problems and challenges related to three specified focus areas

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

How will learners be assessed?

  • Exams (75%). Learners will take three exams that will assess content from the three science disciplines and the ‘bringing the sciences together’ focus areas

  • We want your views on the structure and timing of these exams. Please look at both options described in the full design proposal

  • Practical exam (10%). Assessing learners’ hands-on science skills. This assessment will be set and marked by the awarding body. A range of briefs will be available for schools to choose from

  • Investigation (15%). Learners will choose one of the focus areas they have studied in ‘bringing the sciences together to solve problems’. During the formal assessment, learners will respond to pre-seen questions (set by the awarding body) to reflect on their investigation and draw conclusions. This will be marked by the awarding body

  • Scientific curiosity skills will be assessed across all assessments

For more details on the purpose and aims, content and assessment arrangements of this qualification, please read the full design proposal.

For more information about our decision to create this new GCSE The Sciences Double Award qualification, please read the Frequently Asked Questions on our website.

We also have a Youth Friendly version for you to access.

Through studying the sciences, learners undertake a journey of discovery to actively explore how different science disciplines are intrinsically linked and united by a spirit of curiosity and inquiry.

GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) is a new qualification that brings all the sciences together to examine, investigate and build connections between biology, chemistry and physics in order to solve problems.

Through rich learning experiences, learners will deepen their conceptual understanding of how science shapes our modern world and can provide solutions to the challenges we face.  

What will learners cover?

The qualification will allow learners to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a broad range of science content, which allows them to appreciate the integrated and connected nature of the sciences. It will feature five areas of content:

  • Scientific curiosity – Learners will develop the skills they need to investigate, explore, analyse, design and formulate creative solutions to scientific problems. These skills will be demonstrated across the qualification

  • Bringing the sciences together to solve problems – Learners will make connections across the science disciplines by exploring problems and challenges related to three specified focus areas

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

How will learners be assessed?

  • Exams (75%). Learners will take three exams that will assess content from the three science disciplines and the ‘bringing the sciences together’ focus areas

  • We want your views on the structure and timing of these exams. Please look at both options described in the full design proposal

  • Practical exam (10%). Assessing learners’ hands-on science skills. This assessment will be set and marked by the awarding body. A range of briefs will be available for schools to choose from

  • Investigation (15%). Learners will choose one of the focus areas they have studied in ‘bringing the sciences together to solve problems’. During the formal assessment, learners will respond to pre-seen questions (set by the awarding body) to reflect on their investigation and draw conclusions. This will be marked by the awarding body

  • Scientific curiosity skills will be assessed across all assessments

For more details on the purpose and aims, content and assessment arrangements of this qualification, please read the full design proposal.

For more information about our decision to create this new GCSE The Sciences Double Award qualification, please read the Frequently Asked Questions on our website.

We also have a Youth Friendly version for you to access.

Page last updated: 14 Dec 2023, 02:35 PM