Which one should I choose?

All students must take Science at GCSE, but they can choose between Combined Science and Triple Science. How do you know which one to pick for your option form?

Choosing between the two can be confusing, as the differences aren’t always clear, and even AI tools like ChatGPT might provide incomplete information. 

The most important factor to consider is your personal interest. However, to help you make an informed decision, here are some key points to think about:

1. Interest in Science:

If you’re not as passionate about science or have other subjects you’d be more interested in doing for GCSE then Combined Science might be the better option for you. It covers all three subjects but you’d have time to take another GCSE subject as well. 

On the other hand, if you love science and want to explore each subject (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) in greater detail then Triple Science would be good for you. It offers a more in-depth understanding of each subject as you cover more areas in each topic.

• Combined Science: Covers all three subjects with time for another GCSE.
• Triple Science: Offers a deeper study of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

2. Workload and Time Commitment:

If you opt for Combined Science then you’ll have fewer science lessons as there is less content to cover. The content that is covered is the same as Triple Science, as these students just cover extra parts in each topic. The extra content that is covered is not more difficult than that covered in Combined Science, there is just more of it to learn.

• Combined Science: Fewer lessons, same content as Triple Science but with less depth.
• Triple Science: More lessons, covers extra content in each topic but not harder.

3. Number of GCSEs:

Combined Science students will be awarded two GCSE grades. These are a combination of the results from the exams sat for each of the three science subjects. Therefore, if you have one science that is particularly weak then it can pull down your overall grades. On the other hand though if you have one that’s really strong then you could pull up the grade for the other two subjects. Students who take Triple Science will have three GCSE grades – one for Biology, one for Chemistry and one for Physics. 

• Combined Science: Two GCSE grades based on all three subjects, with results affecting each other.
• Triple Science: Three separate GCSE grades, one for each subject.

4. Number of exams:

For both Combined Science and Triple Science there are two exams for each of the science subjects, so in total you will have six exams. Triple Science exams are about half an hour longer than those for Combined Science. However, if you take Combined Science you could be preparing for more exams overall depending on the other subjects you choose. 

Please note that the Combined Science courses AQA Synergy and OCR B have a slightly different structure with only four exams. For both of these courses you still study all three science subjects and are awarded two GCSE grades. 

• Combined Science: Six exams total, may involve more exams overall depending on other GCSE options.
• Triple Science: Six exams total, with 30 minutes longer per exam.

5. Future studies:

You can do a science A level or any post 16 science course no matter which option you choose. The grade is what will be taken into account, not whether you studied Combined Science or Triple Science. However, in Triple Science you will have covered extra areas for each of the sciences which will make the transition onto a post 16 course easier as some of the content won’t be completely new.

• Combined Science: Your grade matters for post-16 courses, not the option you choose for GCSE.
• Triple Science: Extra content helps make the transition to post-16 courses easier.

 Conclusion:

Ultimately, deciding between Combined Science and Triple Science depends on your personal interests, workload preferences, and future plans. If you have a strong passion for science and enjoy delving into each subject in depth, Triple Science may be the right choice for you. However, if your interest in science is more general or if you have other subjects you’d like to explore, Combined Science offers a well-rounded approach with less time commitment. 

Overall though, both options provide a solid foundation in science for future studies, so choose the one that best aligns with your interests and ambitions at present.

Please get in touch to learn more about how we can support your child with their science.