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Original poster

GCSE Triple Science...is this really how it is now??

85 replies

bethnella · 26/04/2014 10:10

I had a progress meeting with dd's tutor yesterday, who happens to be head of science. He has explained that next year, Y9, they will start GCSE triple science by spending 1 year doing biology only and sitting the exam! Then in Y10 do Physics for a year, followed by an exam and then Chemistry in Y11!! Is this normal?? I find it hard to understand why? Surely A level biology will be far more difficult if you haven't studied it since Y9!!! Any input would be great! Should I post this in the staff room???

OP posts:
Dreamgirls234 · 26/04/2014 11:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MagratGarlik · 26/04/2014 10:43

Definately not the normal way to teach it. Some schools do teach e.g. biology for a term, then chemistry then physics, then some more biology etc, but not one subject only for a full year followed by the exam! If they are teaching each for a full year I would make a complaint or consider moving schools - this way of teaching will make A'levels virtually inaccessible.

Original poster
bethnella · 26/04/2014 10:40

I have! Let's see what the experts think!

OP posts:
MrsBodger · 26/04/2014 10:32

But yes, why not post in the staffroom section, to see what the experts say? Then you will be in a better position to take this up with the school.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 26/04/2014 10:25

That sounds insane for exactly the reason you describe but also because the exams are designed for the understanding of Year 11 kids, not Year 9 kids.
Bonkers!

Original poster
bethnella · 26/04/2014 10:25

I think that was his main reason for it - it was a ridiculously early appointment!

OP posts:
Northernlurker · 26/04/2014 10:23

That's odd. Dd's (top) set started the syallbus in Year 11 and are taking all the exams next month. She would have hated year long specialism - but I bet it makes it easier to teach Hmm

damn · 26/04/2014 10:21

Thats crazy. Its chsnge a lot since I did it. We had to do tge double science course and pass it in year 10 then had 2 lessons if each subject a week in year 11 then did the exam. This was a decade ago though.

Original poster
bethnella · 26/04/2014 10:15

Thank you!!! That is what I thought! It's been quite a while since I've been at school, but I try to keep up to date with all of the changes etc. I have two nieces that are currently doing A levels and they didn't do it like this!

OP posts:
MrsBodger · 26/04/2014 10:12

Sounds completely bonkers. I've certainly never heard of any school doing it this way.

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