GCSE Science is split up into the separate elements of the OCR 21st Century Science course. The majority of the Year 10 students will follow the GCSE Science A section which identifies the need for scientific literacy. The assessment for this section is through two pieces of coursework and four modular examinations taken in either January or June. In Year 11 the students need to decide whether to follow a concept-led course developed to give a deeper understanding of scientific ideas - GCSE Additional Science A, or a course developed to incorporate work-related contexts - GCSE Additional Applied Science A. Both of these Year 11 courses combine coursework with written modular examinations. All of these courses will have aspects of biology, chemistry and physics taught in discreet topics. The students will gain two GCSE grades in science, one for Year 10 and the other for Year 11. Those students who achieve a high grade at Key Stage 3 (6b or better) are invited to choose the separate science option. This means that over the two GCSE years they will have separate biology, chemistry, and physics modules taught by subject specialist teachers. Those that choose this option will gain three GCSE grades in science.