Double Science and Triple Science

Discussion and advice on GCSEs

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2childmum
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Location: S E London

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by 2childmum »

Under the new GCSEs, science options are now either a Double Science qualification, or Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences. The two sets of qualifications are no longer linked together.
Catseye
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Location: Cheshire

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by Catseye »

2childmum wrote:Under the new GCSEs, science options are now either a Double Science qualification, or Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences. The two sets of qualifications are no longer linked together.
Is there no overlap of papers now ?

As an aside imo only those that want to do STEM-Medicine and allied subjects need necessarily do triple science(if available) those with more linguist/humanities bent are probably better off doing dual and an extra language or humanities subject.

With the new linear 9-1 gcse best to do between 8-10 subjects only.
tiffinboys
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Location: Surrey

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by tiffinboys »

With the new linear 9-1 gcse best to do between 8-10 subjects only.
+1

But looks like that the schools have not picked this up yet. Both Tiffins are still on 11 subjects. Special permission needed to drop one to 10 subjects. On the other hands, know quite a few children who are doing 12 subjects, all in year 11.
SteveDH
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Location: Harrow

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by SteveDH »

As they are now separate sciences, instead of doing double science, could you just pick 2 sciences, if you want to head in the stem direction, just do physics and chemistry ?
tiffinboys
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Location: Surrey

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by tiffinboys »

In theory, it should be possible. But not allowed at our school.

Those who wish, can apply to take Science and Additional Science (Double award). But not two separate sciences only. As far as I know, Tiffin girls have to take all three separate sciences.
Catseye
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Location: Cheshire

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by Catseye »

tiffinboys wrote:
With the new linear 9-1 gcse best to do between 8-10 subjects only.
+1

But looks like that the schools have not picked this up yet. Both Tiffins are still on 11 subjects. Special permission needed to drop one to 10 subjects. On the other hands, know quite a few children who are doing 12 subjects, all in year 11.
AGGS has always done just 9 unless you did the extended maths gcse but it's sibling boys school ABGS did or still do 11 or 12 and their results and Oxbridge/Med school entry is significantly lower than AGGS even taking into account the historical marginal better performance of girls over boys [although this effect is marginal at A level].

My son at his Indie only did 9 igcse linear gsces and he was not put at a disadvantage for uni applications including some of the best Unis in the UK.
KB
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Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by KB »

I would strongly advise against taking just two individual sciences subjects.

If you are intending to drop science after GCSE then taking double science uses the same number of slots but gives an overview of all three sciences which is useful generally but also does keep doors open for a change of heart a A level.

If you are intending to continue with science subject (s) at A level and beyond then not having even a GCSE in the other science subject(s) could be unhelpful. For many STEM courses at University and even more so in postgraduate study and beyond there is collaboration across the disciplines. Specific knowledge of another field as it pertains to a particular project etc can be obtained at the time but this is much harder if you don't have some basics in place first.

Physical scientists often have a tendency to be rather scathing about biologists and would argue it's an easy subject to pick up. Even if this is the case having an overview of the basics may still be an added insight when looking at physical science issues.
theonly1
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Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:24 am

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by theonly1 »

Hello,

Can a school impose Combined Science on a student? I have been told some do because of their result table if unsure the student will make As.
theonly1
Posts: 152
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:24 am

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by theonly1 »

Thanks KB. I just read your post.
theonly1
Posts: 152
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:24 am

Re: Double Science and Triple Science

Post by theonly1 »

Very useful info here. Thanks all.
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