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Why should I choose Double Award Science?
This specification is designed to promote continuity, coherence and progression within the study of Science.
It builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed within the KS3 programme.
Students who take this course should find that it helps to facilitate the study of Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology to AS and Advanced level.
For entry into the Double award Science course students must have an excellent record in both Science and Maths by the end of Year 10. Students may occasionally be selected to study Triple Award Science which follows a similar but more in depth specification and is aimed at students that would be committed to continuing with A-Level Sciences. Triple Award Science will lead to three separate GCSE grades.
How will I be assessed in this subject?
The specification has seven units with 3 taken in Year 11 and 4 taken in Year 12.
What Will I study?
Year 11
Biology Unit B1
Biology Unit B1
Cells, Living Processes and Biodiversity.
Cells, Living Processes and Biodiversity.
Chemistry Unit C1
Chemistry Unit C1
Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis.
Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis.
Physics Unit P1
Physics Unit P1
Motion, Force, Movements, Energy, Density, Kinetic Theory, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fisson and Fusion.
Motion, Force, Movements, Energy, Density, Kinetic Theory, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fisson and Fusion.
Year 12
Biology Unit 2
Body Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms and Mechanisms.
Chemistry Unit 2
Further Chemical Reactions, Rates and Equilibrium, Calculations and Organic Chemistry.
Physics Unit 2
Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism, and Space Physics.
Practical Skills Unit 7
Experiments in Science Laboratories
What career paths are available to me if I study this subject?
After studying this course, you may go on to study either A-Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics or Applied Science.
You can progress into careers such as, Medicine, Food Science, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Agricultural Science, Engineering and IT.
Extra Curricular Activities
If you choose Double Award Science, you may have the opportunity to take part in the following activities;
NI Science Festival activities
Chemistry at Work workshop at Queen's University Belfast
Tyndall Physics Lecture at Queens
STEM bus - Forensic Science
STEM bus - Biology workshop
CREST awards
Experiments
Field Trips
Student Testimonials
“I chose Science because I really enjoyed it in junior school. I chose to do Double Award Science because it sounded so interesting and fun, whether it was learning about space and electricity or osmosis and genetics, it sounded great. In Physics, we are learning about space, which is awesome and fascinating, learning about the solar system, distinguishing different planets, comets, asteroids, everything. If you like space, you should definitely choose science for GCSE, you will not regret it!. I loved learning about this. (It was actually my favourite topic).
In Biology, we learnt about DNA and genetics.This was the best topic in science, it was interesting to discover new things about human genetics, mitosis, meiosis, the double helix, who discovered DNA, and so much more. It was my personal favourite topic in Biology. I hope to maybe take on one of the science’s for A Levels. I liked the practicals, you get to do something yourself and understand it. Instead of sitting on your seats for a lesson, it can be fun to do a practical.
Science has helped me with my choices, I have learnt a lot and want to keep on learning. That is why, I am thinking of doing science for A level. If you do pick Double Award or Triple, you will never look back. It is fun and interesting and a bit of hard work, but that's given with any subject, but if you really like something then it is no work at all, if you understand it and enjoy it. I hope this was helpful in making your decision about whether to do science or not! Science is amazing!”
Aimee, Year 12
“Hello Year 10’s, choosing your GCSE options can be hard at your age but choosing Double or Triple Award Science is a no brainer!
I chose Double Award Science, not only because it opens up a whole lot more job options but also because you get to do more experiments, learn more of the specific aspects of science AND you get to have fun while doing so. Single award science is fun from what I hear, but Double Award means double the fun and triple would mean triple the fun.
My favourite science is Physics because we get to do so many different experiments to help us learn the topics, for example we were in a race to see who could build the quickest working light bulb using all sorts of items. I hope you choose Double Award or Triple Award Science, good luck!”
Erin, Year 12
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