An Ultimate Guide to AQA Triple Science GCSE

Taking on AQA Triple Science? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know for your Physics, Chemistry and Biology exams.

Read on to learn more about the format of the exam, expected grade boundaries, where to find past papers and top tips for preparing for the big day.

Not sure which exam board your school uses? Take a look at our guide to finding out which exam board you’re studying.

Key takeaways:

• Triple science counts as three separate GCSEs.

• You’ll get three separate grades for Physics, Biology and Chemistry.

• A formula sheet for Physics will be provided for Triple Science exams.

What’s the format for AQA Triple Science GCSE?

AQA Triple Science counts as three separate GCSEs, with the exams taking the following format:

• Triple Science earns you three GCSEs: Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
• For each subject, there are two written exam papers.
• Each exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes, and is worth 100 marks.
• There are two tiers you can study: Foundation or Higher.
• You can mix tiers across the three sciences—check with your school to find out more.

What’s the difference between Triple Science: Higher and Foundation?

You can take Higher or Foundation tier Triple Science, depending on which set you’re in.

Foundation tier Triple Science AQA:

• Covers the core topics you need to know, excluding more complex or demanding areas.
• In Foundation Triple Science, you can achieve a maximum grade of 5.

Higher tier Triple Science AQA:

• The Higher tier covers both core and more advanced topics across the curriculum.
• For Higher tier Triple Science, you can achieve a maximum grade of 9 - the highest possible grade.

Your school will place you in the right tier based on your performance in Year 9. Sometimes, students may be moved up or down a tier during Year 10 or 11.

Check with your school if you want to mix Higher and Foundation across the three subjects.

Should I take Combined or Triple Science?

The key differences between Combined and Triple Science are:

• Combined Science counts as two GCSEs, giving you more choice for other subjects.
• Triple Science counts as three GCSEs and is a great option if you want to continue studying one or more of the Science subjects.
• You can take Triple Science subjects in a combination of Higher and Foundation. For example, you could do Higher Physics and Chemistry and Foundation Biology.
• You must take Combined Science at the same tier.
• Combined Science: Synergy, gives you the option to learn all three sciences in an integrated way.

It’s up to you to choose what suits your goals best. If you love all three sciences and want to pursue them further after GCSE, then Triple is a good choice for you. If you like Science but have other subjects you like more, Combined gives you more options for other subjects.

Is there an equations sheet for Triple Science AQA?

Yes! It’s been confirmed that equation sheets will continue to be provided for AQA Triple Science.

The sheet will cover key formulas used for Physics and will be provided for all Physics exams. The formula sheet includes key equations needed for both Foundation and Higher tier Physics.

Take a look at the 2025 equation sheet here.

What are the grade boundaries for AQA Triple Science GCSE?

It’s important to remember that the exact grade boundaries for your GCSE exams will change every year.

Exam boards adjust grade boundaries after an exam, depending on the exam's difficulty and how the cohort performed.

This is so students don’t have an advantage or disadvantage because of the year they took the paper. For example, if your paper were harder, grade boundaries would be lowered so that a grade 5 reflects the same level of knowledge as in previous years.

Let’s take a look at the grade boundaries for AQA Triple Science from the last few years to get a sense of how grades are awarded:

Remember, these won’t be the exact grade boundaries, but should give you a sense of how many marks to aim for to hit your target grades.

Learn more: take a look at our blog on how GCSE exams are graded.

Where can I find past papers and mark schemes?

Practising with past papers and mark schemes is one of the most effective ways to prepare for GCSE Triple Science.

Past papers help you understand question styles, see how marks are awarded, and build confidence with real exam timing and structure. _ Head to the AQA website to find past papers and mark schemes from previous GCSE Triple Science exams for Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

What key topics do I need to know for the AQA Triple Science GCSE?

AQA Triple Science papers cover a range of topics. You’ll need a thorough understanding of each to achieve top marks, so make sure you revise any areas you find tricky ahead of the exams.

The main topics for Triple Science

Biology topics

• Cell Biology
• Organisation
• Infection and Response
• Bioenergetics
• Homeostasis and Response
• Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
• Ecology
• Key ideas

Chemistry topics

• 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
• Chemical Analysis
• Chemistry of the Atmosphere
• Using resources
• Key ideas

Physics topics

• Energy
• Electricity
• Particle Model of Matter
• Atomic Structure
• Forces
• Waves
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Space Physics
• Key ideas

Check out the AQA GCSE specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics for more.

What are examiners looking for?

The assessment objectives for GCSE Triple Science are set by Ofqual, the exams regulator, and are consistent across exam boards.

Examiners are looking for the following in your exam papers:

• AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas; scientific techniques and procedures
• AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas; scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures
• AO3: Analyse information and ideas to interpret and evaluate; make judgments and draw conclusions; develop and improve experimental procedures

How can I prepare for AQA Triple Science GCSE?

To prepare for Triple Science exams, you’ll need to start revising early to make sure you’re confident covering all the key topics.

5 top tips to prepare for GCSE Triple Science:

1. Understand key vocabulary, definitions and units

Don’t miss out on marks for questions asking you to state or define terms. Make sure you get your head around the key vocab, definitions and units. You can use flashcards to help you memorise key terms and quiz yourself.

2. Use practice papers and mark schemes

The best way to prepare? Practise like it’s test day. Practising exam questions from past papers and checking your answers will help you get used to the question format and understand how to get top marks. You can also take a whole test and practise under timed conditions too, to build confidence for the real thing.

3. Mix up your revision techniques

It’s a good idea to try a mix of revision tactics. From flashcards to teaching others, a mix will help learning to stick. Studying little and often will also help you avoid fatigue and burnout.

4. Practise applying and analysing knowledge and ideas

Assessment objectives 2 and 3 are asking you to apply what you know to analyse and draw conclusions. When you learn a new concept, try asking yourself: how can I apply this in a different scenario? Or what assumptions or errors might affect this conclusion?

5. Plan, review, and adapt your revision

After each mock or practice paper you take, identify the topics or question types you struggle with, then prioritise those in your next revision cycle. Over time, your weak areas will shrink and your confidence will grow!

Triple Science GCSE is a great way to get an in-depth knowledge of all three sciences. By understanding how the exam is formatted and what to expect, you can be better prepared for revision and the big day.