In Years 10 and 11 students choose one of two science pathways, summarised in the table below. Both pathways are rigorous academic qualifications which allow students to go on to take science subjects at A-level.
| Co-ordinated Science | Triple Science |
| You earn two Science IGCSEs. | You earn three IGCSEs: one in Biology, one in Chemistry, and one in Physics. |
| Is included in your core IGCSEs. | Takes up one of the three option subject slots. |
| The top grade is 9-9, the next 9-8, then 8-8, etc. down to 1-1. It is not possible to get an 8-5, for example. | Students receive a separate grade for each science. For example, a student might earn: Biology – 9, Chemistry – 6, Physics – 7. |
| There are three exams, all of which include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Multiple Choice – 45 minutes Theory – 120 minutes Alternative to Practical – 90 minutes |
There are three exams for each science, so students take nine exams in total. The structure of the exams in the same in each science.
Multiple Choice – 45 minutes Theory – 75 minutes Alternative to Practical – 60 minutes |
Both pathways develop the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to science, cover biology, chemistry and physics, and have strong emphasis on practical skills. In Triple Science, each of the three sciences is covered in greater depth which is reflected in the greater lesson time and the greater number of exams
Both pathways prepare students to take A-levels in the sciences and it is common for students who attain a good grade in Co-ordinated Science to be successful at A-level. However, there is a slight disadvantage to being a Co-ordinated Science student taking a science at A-level, as some of the course content in the A-level will build on content which is not covered in the Co-ordinated course.
Taking a science at A-level at Runnymede requires at least a grade 7 in the relevant science IGCSE, or an 8-7 in Co-ordinated Science IGCSE
Students opting for Triple Science have typically:
• really enjoyed their science lessons in Year 9,
• have achieved good grades throughout the year
• want to spend a large proportion of their time at IGCSE doing science,
• are motivated to study for a greater number of science exams.
If you are unsure which pathway is right for you, your science teacher will be the best person to give you advice.
If you would like further details about the content of each qualification, details from the exam board are linked below.
Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Sciences -Co-ordinated (0973)
Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Biology 0970