Exam Board: AQA
In Chemistry, students learn about the composition, behaviour and properties of matter, the importance of the periodic table in understanding different elements and about the earth and its atmosphere.
Topic areas include: atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, energy changes, the rate and extent of chemical change, organic chemistry, chemistry of the atmosphere, and using resources.
The AQA Triple Science GCSE course allows students to experience greater depth and breadth of biology, chemistry and physics and explore practical science in a working scientifically context. Students will learn how to analyse and interpret data and form reasoned judgements using the scientific information presented to them.
Students will be taught the three science disciplines as separate subjects and achieve three GCSE grades, one in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A love of science and sound mathematical ability are important if a student is to achieve well on this course. Triple science includes more content than Combined science and requires students to study science at a deeper level. For this reason, science staff will be consulted when determining a student’s suitability for studying the three sciences as separate GCSEs.
The course is 100% examination. There are two examination papers per subject (six exam papers in total); each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. Papers may include multiple choice, long and short answer questions, open response, graphical skills and data analysis.
Students do not need to take Triple Science to study science courses at A ‘level and beyond but we would advise this as the best route, creating a strong foundation on which to build even more challenging concepts.
Possible career paths include: pharmacist, technician, astronomer, medical professional, chemical engineer and more. Studying chemistry develops skills which are also useful in many other areas, too, such as law and finance.
You will develop a range of transferable skills including communication, time management, numeracy, analysis, data management, problem solving, independence, teamwork, initiative and more.
Find out where studies in Chemistry can take you on Unifrog: