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.