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Original poster

GCSE: two individual science subjects instead of combined science?!

82 replies

gcsepanicmum · 21/10/2020 20:35

DS's school doesn't offer triple science so everyone was supposed to do combined science. It was a bit of shame as he was really strong at maths and science. But it was still OK as I knew triple science wasn't a necessity to study a science subject for A-level and at uni.

Today, I found out that the school was planning to drop combined science and instead encouraging the pupils to do chemistry and biology as a separate subject (no physics). DS knows it will narrow down his choices for A-level so feels a bit sad but says he would do chemistry for A-level anyway. It's true he really likes chemistry at the moment but he's as good at physics. He might change his preference then regret he let physics go so early. They still cover physics in lessons though, at least for now.

I am trying to understand the impact of this for his future. I see physics will be 100% out but what else I should know? Doing only two individual science subjects is going to be a disadvantage if he wants to pursue a science subject/career later? I am seriously thinking if we should move him before too late. He's very capable academically.

OP posts:
Misssugarplum12764 · 21/10/2020 21:26

V odd and I’m sure state schools aren’t allowed to do this!

ErrolTheDragon · 21/10/2020 21:24

That's a simply appalling decision by the school. ShockOnly doing combined science rather than allowing able students to do all 3 is bad enough, but limiting them arbitrarily to two is unconscionable. Don't they realise that physics is essential for most engineering degrees? That's a massive field, even before you get to physics itself.

I am seriously thinking if we should move him before too late. He's very capable academically.

I would, for sure.

KetoPenguin · 21/10/2020 21:15

I meant to add dds pathway shows combined science is a much better choice if the aren't offering triple science as it means you can choose any science A level if you get good grades.

KetoPenguin · 21/10/2020 21:13

My dd did combined science and was able to go on to do a physics A level which she seems to be keeping up with well so far. I think this is so limiting to anyone who likes physics and wants to do an engineering type career.

TicTacTwo · 21/10/2020 21:05

It is worrying that future physicists, engineers, computer scientists... are being deprived of the chance to study GCSE Physics and beyond. I would move schools over this decision tbh

OnTheBenchOfDoom · 21/10/2020 21:01

What year is he in now?

It seems strange that they don't get to choose which 2 science subjects they do study. Is it a lack of physics teachers? Have school given a reason for this?

TheLetterZ · 21/10/2020 21:00

This makes me very cross (physics teacher). Why not stick to the combined and if they insist on dropping to 2 why not give a choice!

This is ruling out a lot of careers - physics, all the engineerings, possibly architecture. Plus physics is a good coordinating subject for further maths studies. All of which we need more off not less!

It also perpetuates the myth that physics is the harder of the 3! You could try to challenge that they aren’t providing a broad and balanced curriculum.

Does he know what he wants to go on to do?