Science: Combine or Triple
Everyone must study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at GCSE. The decision is how much Science you want to study.The 2 options are called Combined Science and Triple Science, and their main differences are compared in a table below:
| Name | Combined | Triple |
|---|---|---|
| Number of GCSEs | 2 | 3 |
| Depth of Study | Broad Overview | In-depth Study |
| Exams | 2 exams in Biology 2 exams in Chemistry 2 exams in Physics Each exam is 1h 15 and worth 70 marks | 2 exams in Biology 2 exams in Chemistry 2 exams in Physics Each exam is 1h 45 and worth 100 marks |
| Grades | Reported as 2 grades, either at the same level or one different (eg 66, 65, 55) Grade based on total marks across all 6 Science exams | Reported as a grade for each separate science Each grade is based on the total marks from the 2 exams in that subject |
| Tiers | Higher (Grades 99-44 then U) Foundation (Grades 55-11) Choice of tier applies the same to all 3 subjects | Higher (Grades 9-4 then U) Foundation (Grades 5-1) Choice of tier can be different for each separate science |
| Curriculum Balance | Want a balanced curriculum: If you're aiming for a broader range of subjects at GCSE level and don't want to dedicate a significant amount of time to science, Combined Science allows you to study other subjects in more depth | In-depth Study |
| Further study of Science | Enjoy science but don't plan to specialize in it: If you're interested in science but your future plans don't necessarily involve science-related A-Levels or careers, Combined Science provides a solid foundation and a good overview of all three sciences. However choosing this option does not prevent you from studying science further, many people study Science A-Levels having taken Combined Science. | Plan to study science at A-Level: Taking Triple Science provides a solid foundation for further science studies at A-Level and beyond. Are considering science-related careers: Many careers in fields like medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, engineering, and research require a strong scientific background, and Triple Science can give you an advantage. |
| Suitable for | Pupils who may find Triple Science too challenging: If you don't consider yourself a top science student or are concerned about the workload of Triple Science, Combined Science might be a more manageable option. | Pupils who excel in science subjects: If you consistently perform well in science and enjoy the challenge, Triple Science will allow you to stretch your abilities. |