I hear that, from September 2008, all students getting KS3 SATS level 6 and above are 'entitled' to study separate sciences (triple science) at GCSE level. What exactly does entitlement mean?
In March 2006, the British Government published its "Science innovation investment framework 2004-2014: next steps". That document includes this statement.
"The Government will:
• by September 2008, ensure that all pupils achieving at least level 6 at Key Stage 3 will be entitled to study triple science GCSE, for example through collaborative arrangements with other schools, FE colleges and universities;
• by September 2008, ensure that all specialist science schools offer triple science at least to all pupils achieving level 6+ at the end of Key Stage 3; and
• encourage all schools to make triple science available to all pupils who could benefit."
An FAQ on the website www.triplescience.org.uk, dated December 2007, says
" ... ‘entitlement’ does not require that all young people with L6 and over take Triple Science but those that would benefit are strongly encouraged to do so. ... The ‘entitlement’ is non-statutory... "
What this means: If students at your school would benefit from studying triple science (separate sciences), the school should explore ways of making it available. For example, the school might include these GCSEs within its curriculum offer, offer them in partnership with another school or college, or develop an independent learning approach based on ICT.
