SCIENCE OPTIONS FOR GCSE

Double, Single or Separate?

Additional or Additional Applied?

Who, What, How and Why?

Double Science

       WHAT YOU DO AND WHEN YOU DO IT You take one GCSE (Core Science) in Year 10 and a second (Additional Science or Additional Applied Science) in Year 11 You study science for 10 hours per fortnight (20% of your timetable) WHO CHOOSES THIS OPTION?

80% of students WHY CHOOSE IT? It gives you the knowledge and understanding of science you need to study science in the sixth form or go into a technical occupation, while keeping your other options open.

WHAT IS CORE SCIENCE?

    Core Science is about how science affects our lives and the decisions we take.

It examines the evidence about issues like mobile phone masts and global warming It also examines ethical and moral issues like stem cell research On its own it is not a preparation for other science courses

ADDITIONAL OR ADDITIONAL APPLIED

   You do not need to choose this option yet. You can make your mind up in Year 10 Additional Science is for people who might want to study Science at A level. It is traditional science about the periodic table, cells and equations.

Additional Applied Science is a more work related option. We study Life Care, Food and Agriculture and Materials. You will get a good understanding of how science affects our lives but it is not a preparation for A level

SEPARATE SCIENCES

         WHAT YOU DO AND WHEN YOU DO IT You take three GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) over a two year period. You study science for 15 hours per fortnight (30% of your timetable) WHO CHOOSES THIS OPTION?

Students who love science and know that they want to study these subjects at A level WHY CHOOSE IT? Because you are really good at science (Level 6H or better) Because you will get a more detailed understanding of these subjects which makes the step up to A Level easier. IS THERE A REASON NOT TO CHOOSE IT?

It is more difficult than double science and you lose the option of taking a different subject

SINGLE SCIENCE

           WHAT YOU DO AND WHEN YOU DO IT You take one GCSE (Core Science) over a two year period. You study science for 5 hours per fortnight (10% of your timetable) WHO CHOOSES THIS OPTION?

Students who want to do subjects other than science eg Drama and Dance together (Good Reason) Students who want to do as little science as possible (Bad Reason) WHY CHOOSE IT? Because you can’t fit the other options you really want to do together unless you only do single science. ARE THERE REASONS NOT TO CHOOSE IT?

You cannot do A Level sciences if you have only done Core Science Many employers want double science You will be in a mixed ability group with some students who are only there because they have to take some science.