The initial decision you need to make is whether you want to commit to doing double science or triple science for your GCSEs.
In this article, we will look at what exactly each of these options means and the similarities and differences between them. This should hopefully help you decide which option is best suited to you.
To begin with, it is important to note that all of the options outlined in this article refer to a combination of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics courses. The only difference between the various options is that some have more content than others.
What is double science?
Double science is two GCSEs in science. That’s it! So if you take double science, you will end up with two GCSEs.
Double science is also known as combined science. Combined science contains subject matter from biology, physics, and chemistry but the content is smaller compared to triple science.
The content for the curriculum is much less than the content for triple science. Actually, it is 2/3 of the content of triple science. So, in double science, the content is somewhat less compared to the triple sciences.
What is triple science?
Triple science is the name given to three separate sciences which are studied simultaneously. These three sciences are biology, chemistry, and physics.
The exams usually contain two papers each for the three subjects, so it would be six papers altogether. However, this structure is similar in combined sciences as well, although the content assessed in combined sciences is much narrower.
Similarities and differences between double and triple science
- Double science and triple science are similar in many ways.
- The difference between them is that triple science has more content than double science.
- Triple science is thus more difficult than double science because of more content in the curriculum.
- Double science is two GCSEs and triple science is three GCSEs.
- Triple science is ideal if you wish to pursue a science-related career.
Should I do double science or triple science?
Whichever exam board you’re studying with, there are two options for how you can choose to study GCSE science. You can either sit one exam at the end of Year 11, which covers all three sciences, or you can sit three separate exams in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If you choose to do the first option then it’s called double science. If you do all exams for each of the three sciences, then it’s called triple science.
The biggest advantage of doing triple science is you get three separate GCSEs for each subject – physics, chemistry, and biology. If you are focusing on a highly competitive scientific field for your higher studies having three GCSEs with better grades will help you more.
After all, it is your decision that matters and what you wish to pursue after the GCSEs should also be considered.
