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Many students and parents are confused when it comes to choosing the science subjects. What do single award, double award, and triple award sciences really mean?
In this post, we will help you to understand these:
First, let us take a look at one of the frequently asked questions in this topic.
It is noted there are different courses (e.g single award, double
Keith Wong
award & triple award) in coordinated sciences. My son will study IGCSE
Coordinated Sciences (Double Award) 0654 next year. May I know the
meaning of “double award” please?
Is triple award the best compared with double or single award?
All sciences have core and extended curriculum. Students either follow the core curriculum or the extended curriculum. For schooled students, the decision is derived from school’s assessments or teacher’s recommendation. Private candidate (homeschooled students) can freely choose the type of curriculum to follow.
Please bare in mind that, students who follow core curriculum are only eligible for grades C to G. While extended curriculum students are eligible for grades A* to G.
Single Award science, also known as Combined Science, is a subset of Co-ordinated science. It covers biology, chemistry and physics. Students learn the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies.
Students are awarded ONE IGCSE, from grade A* to G.
Double Award science, also known as Co-ordinated Science, is a subset of Triple Award Science. It covers biology, chemistry and physics. Students learn clearly defined biology, chemistry, and physics sections, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study.
Students are awarded TWO IGCSEs, with 2 identical grades, for example: AA or CC.
For Triple Award science, students are taking 3 separate sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are learning in-depth topics for each subject, and will be awarded separate grades for each subject. For example: A for Biology, B for Physics and C for Chemistry.
This is considered as THREE separate IGCSEs.
Double Award and Triple Award sciences will open more doors for you if you plan to further your study in science related courses, such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy, pure/applied sciences fields etc., in A-level or university.
Other wise, Single Award science is good enough – if you plan to take non-science related courses such as Law, Accounting, Business Administration etc…
If you’re not sure what is your future plan, we would recommend you to take Triple Award science or at least Double Award science – to keep more doors open for you in the future.
So Keith, this is our A to your Q. Hope you enjoy it. If you do, share it with your family and friends. Best is, sign up at here to receive our free email course, and awesome exam tips!
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152 responses
My son has opted for Physics, chemistry, computer sciences, environmental sciences etc..What are his options in the 11th grade? Please advice. In otherwords, since he has not taken all 3 sciences, how will thia affect him? He is not interested in medicine. Thanks
Hello Sharada,
There won’t be any effect on him if he is not going to take Biology or Biology related subjects in 12th grade and university.
But, please make sure he has taken all 5 core subjects. Please check the 5 core subjects here:
https://www.skolatis.com/what-is-igcse/
is it compulsory to take co-ordinated or separate sciences to opt for sciences in 11th??
please tell me..
Hi Devansh,
Yes. You must take either Co-ordinated Science or Triple Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry separately) in order to enter into science related course. Either in 11th or A-Level or Pre-U.
I am choosing combined science but wants to study medical in higher classes. Our teachers are asking us to give exams for combined science only. This is the first year of igcse in my school. My exams are in the month of November . Help me please.
What is the difference between ice group award and igcse certificate and the benefits of it and should I enroll for it or not. Should I choose combined science or not? Should I choose geography as my subject if I wants to choose medical.
Hello Vinay,
If you plan to study medicine later, it is advisable to take at least Co-ordinated Science (Double Award), or separate Sciences in Physics, Biology and Chemistry (Triple Award).
ICE Group Award is more popular in North and South America. If you plan to further your study in these area, you may consider to enrol for ICE, but not necessarily.
Geography is not considered as ‘core’ subject in medicine entry requirement. Take a look at your desired university entry requirement, and work backward on what subjects you ‘must’ take for your IGCSE.
is it compulsory to take co-ordinated or separate sciences to opt for sciences in 11th???
Even i do have the same question. Is it mandatory to choose co-ordinated science ir separate sciences if we wish to take separate sciences in a-levels… Please reply
Hello Rohan,
We are afraid you might need at least Coordinated Science in order to do Triple Sciences in A Level. However, you can always check with the A Level school and get confirmation on this.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your reply !
May I further clarify the following point for the double award please?
If I get A in Phy, B in Chem & C in Bio, what will be the overall grade please?
Thanks
Keith
Hello Keith,
You are most welcome! We think your further question might benefit other students, so we would answer them here.
You will study all three Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Co-ordinated Science. They are considered as “sections” in Co-ordinated Science. Just imagine, there are 3 sections in ONE book. You will NOT get separate grades for Physics, Chemistry or Biology.
As such, if you do well in Co-ordinated Science, you will see the grades as: A*A*, or BB etc… on your result slip. While other subjects like English, or Maths, or History etc etc… will show only one grade as A* or B.
The duplication of the grades makes it called “Double Award”. And it is counted as 2 units, and worth 2 IGCSEs which means you “gain” 2 certification by doing one subject.
Hope this clarify your question.
Pls explain more about igcse
Hi Sunita,
You can read more about IGCSE here:
https://www.skolatis.com/what-is-igcse/