GCSE Triple Science is made up of three separate sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In GCSE Triple Science, you'll need to take two exams for each of the three sciences. On the other hand, GCSE Double Science is a combination of two sciences, either Biology and Chemistry or Biology and Physics.
Is triple science more difficult than double science? Although the content of triple science is not more difficult than the double science content, triple science students have a greater workload. The extra content covered in triple science just delves deeper into the content taught across both sciences.
If you're already thinking about university and careers and are interested in science-based degrees and jobs then it is definitely worth considering taking separate science GCSEs. Most top universities prefer applicants for science subjects to have taken the triple award option at GCSE.
In Triple Science students study for three separate GCSEs: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Also known as 'Single Sciences' or 'Separate Sciences', students receive three GCSEs as they cover all three units of each Science.
A formula is used which means that around 20% of all grades at 7 or above will be a grade 9.
Triple science means the child will be taking an extra option. This means, there'll be much more content to cover and hence more for the child to learn. More challenging content. Triple science is more challenging with harder and more advanced content.
Every GCSE student in England should take at least two GCSEs in science. Around a quarter of students take Triple Science - separate GCSEs in physics, chemistry and biology. However, 69% of students take 'combined science', a qualification that counts as two GCSEs.
The main difference between Double Science and Triple Science is the amount of content. While this varies for different exam boards, Triple Science students generally study more content, whereas Double Science students cover approximately two thirds of the Triple Science content.
The old A*-G scale has been replaced by a new '9-1' scale. A grade 9 is the highest available (and is equivalent to a high A*). The new “good pass” is considered now to be a grade 5.
Triple science requires a huge amount of commitment and you need to be willing to complete independent study outside of the classroom. Students wishing to do separate sciences should be targeted at least grade 6 in English, Maths and Science.
There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.
There are two papers each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics content. All of these examinations are available in higher and foundation tier. Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) each GCSE will consist of two 105 minute examinations (6 in total).
Analysis of the top 10 most popular subjects also shows which had the smallest and largest drops in the grade five pass rate. English literature saw the smallest drop, down 0.9 percentage points, with religious studies second.
If you're looking for a more in-depth understanding of the sciences and a more challenging qualification, then GCSE Triple Science might be the best choice for you. However, if you want to gain a basic understanding of two sciences, then GCSE Double Science is a good option.
In a nutshell, Triple Science pass rates (grade 4 upwards) are much higher than for Combined – in the region of 90% against 60%.
Wherever possible subject specialist teachers will deliver the course content. All three science specialisms – Biology, Chemistry and Physics – are taught in units throughout years 10 and 11.
There are no GCSE (or equivalent) requirements for entry to Cambridge. GCSE results are looked at as a performance indicator, but within the context of the performance of the school/college where they were achieved.
Chemistry is famous for being one of the hardest subjects ever, so it's no surprise that a Chemistry degree is fiercely challenging. Just one topic in Chemistry (for example, organic chemistry) is incredibly complex.
You don't need to do triple Science but you are likely to need to do Maths ad Physics A level. Yes your GCSEs don't matter really when it comes to uni as long as you have a required grade in maths and English. Some might be fussy but not often, as pupils sometimes aren't allowed to do triple science for no good reason.
When we compare the old system to the new one, with reference to the table above, we can see that 70 per cent is equivalent to a GCSE grade 7.