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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
hey igcse
i have a question about my GCSE subjects i have chosen, i am doing double science and plan on becoming a doctor but i am worried because i am not doing triple science , can i still be able to do medicine with double award?
many thanks.
Hello Ciara,
There have been many candidates confirming that taking Double Award entitles them to take Biology and Chemistry in AS / A Level. You may want to confirm this with your school or the A Level college.
Hi IGCSE Team,
I am a parent and my daughter is taking IGCSE June2018 exam next year.
Her subject of choice is, English (0500), Mathematic (0580), Co-ordinated Science (0654),
Chinese (0547) and Business (0450).
I will be registering for her exam in Dec-17 and would appreciate your kind advice with regards to the correct components to take and also to download the correct past papers for her to revise.
Co-ordinated Science (0654) – 0654/22 & 0654/42
Business (0450) – 0450/12 & 0450/22
English (0500) – 0500/22 & 0500/ ??
Mathematics (0580) – 0580/23 & 0580/43
Chinese (0547) – 0547/12 , 0547/22, 0547/42
All her subjects are Extented.
Thank you in advance and looking forward to your reply.
Regards
Jiun
Hello Jiun,
Please refer to the latest syllabus on the combination of components:
https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/
If your daughter is a private candidate, you must also make sure if these subjects are available in your local area. Please proceed to your local British Council to enquire more on the available subjects, exam registrations, fees etc…
The past papers are available for free on the link below.
https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/
Just select the subjects and year, and you will be able to download the papers.
I take double science for GCSE in my school and i wish to become a doctor in the future. Is it possible to pursue this career if I’m doing double science right now?
Hello Candy,
Usually, the required subjects for medicine are: English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Add Maths for IGCSE Level.
Though some of our candidates claimed they managed to admit into medicine course with Double Award, we still strongly suggest you to consult the university on the required subjects as entry requirement.
Hi, I am a year 10 student studying IGCSE. I am planning to be a doctor in the futire and I am taking double award science, will it help me or should i take triple award. I wanted to ask too can i do my as levels on biology, chemistry and physics if I took double award science?
Hi Nooran,
There have been many candidates confirmed that taking Double Award entitles them to take Biology and Chemistry in AS / A Level. You may want to confirm this with your school or the A Level college.
What will happen if we apply for both combine science and pure phy chem bio in single sitting …?
Hi Talha,
Please download the latest syllabus for Combined Science here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/.
You must look for the ability for you to combine this subject with other subjects in the same examination series.
Hi Igcse centre
I want to know that am doing combined science this year but I want to do biology as a single subject next year. I want to know that after taking combined science can we sit for bio,chem or physics papers next year?
Hi there,
Yes, you can do that in a separate examination series, not in the same examination series.