3 science's at GCSE - D of Ed guidance?

MDTK different schools do do this very differently. More able groups can fit the extra work into the same time lower groups take for the double option, or some schools begin the course in year 9 instead of 10, so fit the extra time in there. Remember too that the lesson length is different at different schools. Science isn't usually too homework intensive however they do it.

I'm hoping I've got it wrong tbh, that's a big difference!

I always think it's a shame that children who aren't likely to do science A levels are encouraged not to do triple science. If they're able to do well at it they should be encouraged - it's their last chance to learn this stuff and they should take it if possible. On the other hand, bright children who do want to do science A levels should arguably consider diversifying their GCSE choices by choosing an arty subject instead - once they have science A-levels no-one will care if they did double or triple at GCSE and the A-level courses are designed to follow on from the double course - better to show you can do other things too and add another language or humanity to your GCSE selection instead of the extra science imo.

Wow. I'm going to have to prepare DS1 for an awful lot of homework in that case. I need to look into this, maybe I've misremembered the time it covers but I'm reasonably sure I haven't. Ds1 is sure it's only 6 too.

I've confused myself reading this thread - do different schools do different things?

DS1 is probably taking triple science. According to the meeting we had with the school last November there is no difference in timetable time between double and triple science (covers 6 blocks) so double is easier partly because it has less work in the same amount of classroom time. I assumed this was the set up in all schools, but now (unless I've got the wrong end of the stick) it seems as if other schools do triple over 9 periods?

DS2 is doing triple science. His school only have about 30 places for this. When he chose his options we were asked to explain why he wanted to do it on the form, and priority was given to those DC who might need triple science in order to do their chose career or uni course. DS2 wants to be a physiotherapist so we put that down. Fortunately there were more places than DC.

Coconutty DS1 was top set for maths and science all through school and did combined science. He didn't want to do any sciences at A level so it made sense for him not to do triple science. I don't think it matters TBH, DS1 got an A* and an A, he wants to be an Army Officer.

There may also be other slight complications as in my school the triple science kids get fewer maths lessons in order to fit in extra science lessons, therefore their maths ability is also key.

Personally, I went to a grammar school (selective not private) where all pupils did double science, including many who went on to do science subjects at A Level and university.

In my experience as a sixth form tutor, universities are not really interested in whether an applicant has double or triple, more what their GCSE average was and how they are doing in their specific A Levels.

Finally, the parents we 'know about' at our school - i.e. the ones who complain loudly and not always fairly - do tend to get what they want for their kids. So I wouldn't stop complaining if you feel strongly about something.

It was me that said that at my school they recommend L6 in Maths as well as L6 in Science, for selection for triple science.

I guess they do it because the Maths will help the Science. But also L6 Maths by the end of yr9 is really not that difficult; it is the 'standard' that Govt expect children to achieve by that point. So if they're not then Maths is a particular weakness, something that could hold them back with their Science. (Science course involves quite a lot of handing data, interpreting graphs, drawing graphs and charts, making calculations, etc.)

(In my boys' school some bright students achieve L6 by the end of the first term in yr7 and L8 by the end of yr8, sometimes even in yr7.)

This year they are doing L6 papers at primary for brighter students aren't they?

Forgive my ignorance but why do they need to be Level 6 in maths to do the triple science? Do they need to be good at maths for the physics? My son is really into science and already thinks he wants to do the triple science but he struggles a bit with his maths. He's only in Year 7 so there's a long way to go.

I think you have to weigh up what is the best course option in your school.

My son chose Triple science as the more studious pupils chose it - lots more Science lessons. His teachers were not overly enthusiastic about him taking it as at the time he was not a top scientist of the school.

However, he followed his instinct that the triple route was better for him and is on target for two A* and one A - now one of the top scientists!

In my son's school the best Science teachers or most specialized were put into the triple option as most pupils go on to A' level.

In my experience, as a teacher, Science education can be patchy as keeping or recruiting good staff is a challenge for most schools. My son was lucky with his staff. If it was a bad department, he would have done double Science and Geography.

Noblegiraffe - Ok, I understand now that you were speaking to hatesponge!

Dreamingofsun - KS3 traditionally ends at the end of yr9 (after 3 years in secondary school, age 13/14).

But some schools now choose to end KS3 at the end of yr8.

Blimey, education is complicated in this country, isn't it?!

noble/roisin, thanks for the clarification, I have been pondering over how it works for days (and concerned over the unfairness of DS doing 3 more subjects than others...!)

I think noblegiraffe might have been correcting hatesponge [fine set of names there!].

This is how I think it works.

Triple science:
Biology module 1 + Biology module 2 + Biology module 3 = Biology GCSE.
Chemistry module 1 + Chemistry module 2 + Chemistry module 3 = Chemistry GCSE.
Physics module 1 + Physics module 2 + Physics module 3 = Physics GCSE.

Very rare to get the opportunity nowadays to do one or two of those and not the third.

Double science:
Biology module 1 + Chemistry module 1 + Physics module 1 = Integrated Science GCSE.
Biology module 2 + Chemistry module 2+ Physics module 2 = Additional Science GCSE.

My son's school said that (a) double science was OK for those planning to do science A levels and (b) two A*s would look better than 3As/Bs (as Roisin said above).