Year 9 Options
Separate Science Vs Combined Science
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Towards the end of Year 9, students must make a choice as to whether they wish to study Separate Science or Combined Science for GCSE (Year 10 and Year 11).
Towards the end of Year 9, students must make a choice as to whether they wish to study Separate Science or Combined Science for GCSE (Year 10 and Year 11).
To help you make your decision, please find information below to help you.
To help you make your decision, please find information below to help you.
View/Download a copy of our science options information booklet here!
View/Download a copy of our science options information booklet here!
Triple Vs Combined Handout Booklet.pdfCommon Questions and Misconceptions
Common Questions and Misconceptions
Do I have to take Separate Science if I want to study science at A-level?
Do I have to take Separate Science if I want to study science at A-level?
No. You are able to take A-levels in any science you wish regardless of whether you did Separate Science or Combined Science. Grade requirements might differ slightly (we ask for a Grade 6 if you do Separate Science or a 7 if you do Combined Science)
You can't get above a Grade 5 in science unless you do Separate Science
You can't get above a Grade 5 in science unless you do Separate Science
This isn't true. You can get any grade from Grade 1 to Grade 9 regardless of which science pathway you choose. In Year 11 it will be decided which paper set you will do for your exams (Higher or Foundation) based on your prior attainment and attitude to science, and this is the only thing that might limit what grade you can achieve. (Higher papers you can attain a Grade 4 to Grade 9. Foundation papers you can attain a Grade 1 to a Grade 5)
I don't like science. Can I drop one of them/all of them in Year 10?
I don't like science. Can I drop one of them/all of them in Year 10?
No. In the UK science is a core subject. This means that it is a subject you have to do up until the age of 16 (like English and Maths). You will need to continue to study all 3 science until the end of Year 11.
Only people who are really good at science are allowed to do Separate Science
Only people who are really good at science are allowed to do Separate Science
Those who choose to take Triple science are usually those who are better at science and enjoy it the most. This is because there is a lot more to learn in Triple science and the content is harder overall. However, the choice to do Triple or Combined science is up to you. Your teacher/Head of Science might try to guide you towards the choice that is most appropriate for you.
What Coursework is there for Science?
What Coursework is there for Science?
Science no longer has coursework. The GCSE in science is 100% exam assessed at the end of Year 11, with two exams in Chemistry, two in Biology, and two in Physics.
Whatever option I pick, I can't change my mind.
Whatever option I pick, I can't change my mind.
No. You are able to change your mind on which option you would like. In some circumstances we even have students move from Separate to Combined Science at the start of Year 10 too, though it is easier to move from Triple to Combined than the other way around as moving from Combined to Separate you would have to catch up on all the work they covered before you moved.
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