Choosing the right IGCSE Science Award
At the end of the Foundation Year the science options are:
Either: Double Award IGCSE Science
Pupils continue to take each Science subject for two periods per week. The qualification is equivalent to 2 IGCSEs in Science.
Or: Three Separate Award IGCSE Sciences
Pupils study each Science subject for three periods per week. The Science subjects are assessed and graded separately and pupils will achieve 3 IGCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Pupils planning to study in Germany either at Sixth Form or University level will need to take the Separate Award Science course because the Double award course is not currently recognised as a qualification in Germany.
Although Double Award Science is a reasonable preparation for studying Science subjects in the Sixth Form, it is recommended that anyone wishing to take science in the Sixth Form at IB Higher level or A Level should consider taking the Separate Award Science Courses. The additional syllabus material covered in Separate Award Science subjects provides a more extensive subject knowledge base and explores the applications of Science and the impact of Science in society in greater detail. The extra time allocated to Separate Award Sciences also provides a greater opportunity to develop those practical, analytical and interpretive skills that are so important in modern Science
courses in the Sixth Form and at university.
Reasons for doing Double Award Science
- You like Science, but you want to study another subject at GCSE which would not be possible if you did three Separate Award Sciences.
- You find Science difficult and do not want to take on the Separate Award Sciences which involve more challenging material and additional examinations.
Reasons for doing three Separate Award Sciences
- You really like Science and you want to study it in as much depth as possible.
- You are considering studying a Science subject at university or in following a career involving some aspect of Science.
Below are the individual subject pages that have all the course specifications for you to read.
