GCSE Science – Single Award, Double Award and Separate Sciences (Triple Award)

Single Award

Single Award science is suitable for those students who might struggle with in-depth scientific understanding, but who remain interested in gaining knowledge across all three science disciplines – Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Single Award science is available through the Edexcel IGCSE board and consists of three examination papers (details below). It is important to check college entry requirements, to see whether they have minimum GCSE Science criteria to study certain A level subjects.

If a student has a certain interest in one science discipline in particular, it is possible for them to take a single science only with the Edexcel IGCSE board. This is something a number of our students choose to do each year and allows them to focus on one discipline in order to attain a higher grade.

Double Award

This remains the most common qualification for GCSE Science students within the majority of local schools. The Double Award is similar to Single Award, in that it assesses students across all three science disciplines. However, the papers are longer in length and assess the student in more depth. This qualification equates to two GCSEs.

Separate Sciences (Triple Award)

It is common for students who are looking to pursue a career in Medicine, or a related field, to study Separate Sciences at GCSE. You might also choose to study Separate Sciences, regardless of career intentions, but due to a strong interest and aptitude in each subject. Separate Sciences (Triple Award) provides students with three qualifications and ensures that each subject is taught and assessed at the highest depth. If you are studying Separate Science, you will sit two examinations papers in each subject. Our preferred board for any GCSE Science award is Edexcel IGCSE. We find that the question papers are clear and straightforward, making them accessible to students of all ability ranges and learning styles. Under Edexcel IGCSE, you will not undertake science practical examinations. However, you will still perform Science practicals within tutorials, to aid your learning and understanding.

Assessment Structure for Each Award