The Double award science course is taught as separate subjects, with different teachers covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course is assessed by 2 hr terminal exams, one per subject at the end of year 11. The average performance in these three exams is calculated and the student taking Double Award will gain two science IGCSE qualifications. The “Double,” addresses the number of qualifications as opposed to the number of science subjects taken. The final grades are calculated from the total science score from the 3 separate subject exams and categorized into the numerical 9-1 scale grades. There is no coursework component and the examinations are externally marked. The examination will test understanding of scientific concepts, content knowledge and testing understanding of the scientific method. Students can access the IB full diploma or the ID Applied Learning diploma in the upper school with this course. Double science provides a strong scientific foundation for progression into IB science (both standard and higher level although its more suitable as a pathway into a standard course). Double Award science develops an appreciation of the application of science in the world. It also aims to prompt reflection on the wider social, ethical, environmental and technological contexts of science in a contemporary context.
As in earlier years, the course will be firmly based on experimental work and the development of the scientific skills of designing experiments and analysing data.
For Further Information: Please see Mr Jon Gilchrist, Head of Science
