SCIENCE OPTIONS
FOR GCSE
Double, Single or Separate?
Additional or Additional Applied?
Who, What, How and Why?
Double Science
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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
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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
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SEPARATE SCIENCES
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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
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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.