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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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Amal Elsayed
Kuwait
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152 responses
Hi ,
I did my igcse x this yearwith coordinated science.
Does that qualify me for an AP class in physics or biology in the USA at high school?
Hi Rahul,
You need to check with the respective high school in the US.
Hi, please help me by giving useful advice as I am currently in Year 11 and in need of urgent help.
I am still confused as I don’t know what I want to do in the future. My parents has recommended me to take Triple Science but it didn’t work out as well as they thought I’d do. The science teachers had opened an opportunity for students, who are currently struggling, to take Extended-Coordinated Science saying that we could do better. But, I also have thoughts on having my future career to becoming a therapist/psychiatrist, is it the right decision for me to be joining Extended-Coordinated Science? Also, after listening to Double-Award Science, it is slightly different compared to the one we have in school. Ours said that Double-Award Science does not include Physics, only Chemistry and Biology so 6 papers in total. It is a completely different to what has been stated on the video, but I prefer the actual Double-Award Science instead of the one in school.
Please answer, ASAP – I am really desperate and helpless.
Hello there,
You may download the Coordinated Science syllabus here to find out on what is actually included: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/
For your future studies, Coordinated Science would do just fine.
Thank you for all of the information above. Please may I just ask for clarification re the different subject codes: Am I correct in saying that the single award is for Combined Science 0653; the double award is Coordinated Science 0654; and the triple award will be for the three individual subjects Chemistry 0620; Physics 0625; Biology 0610?
If so, then what is Physical Science 0652?
Also, from reading the above comments it would seem as though Physics is required mostly for any engineering degrees, is this correct?
Thanks so much!
Hi Candee,
Yes, you are right in the categorising of the 3 subjects.
Physical Science is a different subject. You can download the syllabus here and have a look: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/
Yes, Physics is a required subject for engineering courses.
Hi, I’m going to Year 10, I was wondering what’s the difference between coordinated science and triple science?
Hi Sid,
Coordinated Science is just ONE subject, combining all Biology, Chemistry and Physics into one.
The Triple Science is 3 separate subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
Hi, I’m currently in the process of doing my IGCSE exams, and I’ve signed up for 8, 3 of which are the triple award science. However, im thinking of withdrawing English Literature as one of the subjects I’m doing. since I want to apply for medicine, which is very competitive at the moment, I worry that 7 IGCSEs won’t be enough for me to get accepted in a top university (the average number of IGCSEs taken is 8-10). Next year i will start my A levels – Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics. I was wondering if as additional IGCSEs, I could maybe take the double award science while doing my A levels. i want to know if you’re allowed to take the double award science even if you have already done the triple award the previous year? (so i wouldn’t be taking them in the same year)
Thanks