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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
I’m a Year 10 student who hopes to study Business Administration at university level. What subjects do you think are best for me to take in IGCSE especially with reference to the coordinated, combined and triple science subjects selection?
Hello Victor,
We would suggest either Combined Science / Coordinated Science. However, it is best to confirm with the university on their entry requirement.
Hi,
I just started my IGCSEs and have the choice of choising between Co-ordinated Science (Double Award) and Triple Award. I cant figure out which one to choose as I dont know what I want to be in the future. However, I do like Maths,Science and ICT. I also plan to do A-Levels after IGCSE. I’ve heard that the triple awrad is very challenging and difficult, but it is recommended if I plan on taking Science in A-Level.Also,my family encourages me to take it if I can. What course should I take and are there benefits of taking triple or double award? Also is the triple award really worth it?
Hi Nikki,
If you plan to take science subjects in A-Level, you might want to consider taking the Triple award. Otherwise, Double Award is also good to go. Many candidates claimed to be able to take science subjects with Double Award.
If you want to have 100% confirmation, it is best to check with the A Level college/school that you?re going to apply. Each school/college would have their own entry requirement.
Hi,
I just started my IGCSEs and I have the option of choosing between Co-ordinated Science (Double Award) and Triple Science. I still am not sure what I want to become in the future yet but I enjoy Maths,Science and ICT. My family recommended The Triple Award but I heard that it shall be a very challenging and hard job. I’m also going to do A-levels after IGCSE. Which course should I take???
Hi Nikki,
If you plan to take science subjects in A-Level, you might want to consider taking the Triple award. Otherwise, Double Award is also good to go. Many candidates claimed to be able to take science subjects with Double Award.
If you want to have 100% confirmation, it is best to check with the A Level college/school that you?re going to apply. Each school/college would have their own entry requirement.
Hello IGCSE CENTRE, will you be uploading Feb/March 2017 papers? Would be really helpful if you could upload them as I have my ICT (0417) practical exam on Tuesday
Hi Vidushi,
We are doing our best to provide the past exam papers as soon as we could. However, we do not have a fixed schedule to update the papers. We will upload the papers as soon as they?re available. In the meantime, you can revise using the older past exam papers.
Hi! I did IGCSE extended combine science in year 10 and got a B (71%). I moved to the UK in year 11 and now doing GCSE science core and additional. I’m about to apply for sixth form collage this year and i need to past 5 GCSE. My question is does my IGCSE combine science count as 2 GCSE or what ? Please let me know!
Hi Son,
Combine Science (Single Award) is a single subject, hence it is counted as ONE IGCSE. Only Coordinated Science (Double Award) is counted as TWO IGCSEs.
Please make sure you do not confuse yourself by thinking that IGCSE can be counted as GCSE. IGCSE can?t be ?counted as? GCSE. They can only be ?accepted as equivalent?. IGCSE is well recognised in the UK. Your Combine Science grade should be accepted for sixth form application. Please check with the college that you wish to apply to.