If you like doing science practicals and you prefer coursework to exams then this is the course for you; 50% of your final grade comes from the three exam units and 50% of your final grade comes from the three coursework units.
During this course you will be able to:
- practice experimental scientific techniques and explore how they’re applied in industry;
- follow a balanced science curriculum covering biology, chemistry and physics;
- plan and carry out a scientific investigation;
- explore ways in which topical scientific issues (such as cloning and fracking) are presented in the media;
- gain ideas about employment opportunities in science and prepare for courses in higher and further education.
Unit | Unit title and brief description | Area of science that you will study |
1 |
Key concepts in science |
Biology, Chemistry and Physics. |
2 |
Applied experimental techniques – Coursework |
Experimental techniques in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. |
3 |
Science in the modern world – Exam |
Investigate topical scientific issues. |
4 |
The human body – Exam |
The digestive system. |
5 |
Investigating science – Coursework |
How to plan and carry out an investigation. |
6 |
Medical physics – Coursework |
The use of diagnostic techniques, such as X-rays and ultrasound |
Where the course leads
Past students have gone on to study the following at university:
- nursing,
- paramedic science,
- radiography,
- environmental science
- forensic science
- midwifery
- psychology
- sports science (and related degrees)
- law
Other students have entered the world of work, joined the armed forces or secured higher level apprenticeships.
Entry requirements
Academic qualifications:
- Grade 4 or above in Science at GCSE
- Grade 4 or above in English & Maths at GCSE
Desirable qualities:
- The ability to work independently on written projects.
- A good level of written English.
- The work ethic needed to improve coursework (the ability and commitment to work independently) as well as good research skills.
Exam board: AQA
For further advice contact: Miss Stewart
Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/specifications/AQA-1775-SP-2016.PDF
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/applied-general/science
Latest News

Science Visit to The Swanage School
On Monday 16th November, Mr Foyle & Miss Robinson visited The Swanage School to deliver information on the science post 16 options available at The Purbeck School; Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Science. Year 11 students explored the links between Biology and Chemistry, using molecular models to build a glucose molecule. They also used chemical analysis, flame tests and halide ion precipitation, to identify unknown ionic compounds. The session culminated in

Swanage School Science Visit
On Monday 18th November, 27 keen year 11 science students visited us from the Swanage School. They took part in four 25 minute workshops on Applied Science, Physics, Biology and Chemistry, giving a taste of the science post 16 options available at The Purbeck School. As well as being given information about the subjects, students used diffraction gratings to look at a sodium lamp, constructed molecules of glucose and carried