Which courses for which students?
Unless students study for all three separate science GCSEs, they must do either Entry Level or GCSE Science.
All students study GCSE Science, and the majority also take an Additional GCSE science course – see below.
GCSE Science
All students do GCSE Science, and may also take GCSE Additional Science, GCSE Additional Applied Science, or one or more of the Separate Sciences (these build on GCSE Science).
Option choices need to be considered carefully. For each student, the decision is likely to depend partly on career intentions and partly on the type of study which best motivates the individual.
See GCSE Science
GCSE Additional Applied Science
This meets the needs of students who wish to develop their understanding through authentic, work-related contexts. The course focuses on procedural and technical knowledge underpinning the work of practitioners of science, and gives students insight into contexts that students are likely to encounter in their personal and/or working lives.
The Applied Science course is broadly similar in approach to the Double Award Applied Science courses; however, it is half the size and with more flexibility in choice of topics. Science departments can offer any three modules from the six available; these do not need to be balanced across the three sciences. This choice of modules will affect the possibilities of progression to sciences at advanced level. Half the marks in Additional Applied Science come from internally assessed skills, enabling students to engage in extended research and problem-solving tasks.
The Applied Science course provides a 'ladder' of progression to high achievement. Students across a full range of abilities will find the steps rewarding to climb because of their authenticity.
See GCSE Additional Applied Science.
GCSE Additional Science
This is a concept-led course to meet the needs of students seeking a deeper understanding of basic scientific ideas. The topics in this course complement those in the GCSE Science course, so providing a balanced preparation for further study in any branch of science. The course is broadly similar in approach to the old Double Award courses. Typically it would be the choice for those who wish to become professional scientists, doctors, ophthalmologists and so on.
See GCSE Additional Science
Separate Sciences (Triple Science)
These build on modules from GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science and extend it with a further, larger module. This may suit students who enjoy understanding scientific concepts, are able to learn science at an accelerated pace, and are able to work independently.
The Further Science modules were developed on the same principle as the other courses, that is, they should have their own distinct purpose and flavour, and not be simply 'more of the same'. Each subject uses contemporary contexts to explore new concepts, and to encourage students to draw together some of the ideas they have already developed.
Entry Level
Entry Level will be appropriate for some students.
See Entry level
