Arrangements for GCSE science teaching in schools are diverse and complex, not least because there are a variety of ways that students can be entered for GCSE science qualifications. A science teacher got in touch with Teacher Tapp wanting extra intelligence about how schools were offering and accommodating three science entries because their school is planning a change in their approach.
Before we look at the national picture, it’s important to say that we don’t know what ‘good’ or ‘less good’ practice looks like. There isn’t any research out there (yet) on whether GCSE triple science arrangements affect either GCSE attainment, the mix of students going on to study A-Level sciences, or A Level science attainment. Allowing some students to study ‘more science’ sounds great, but it necessarily means that other students feel they have studied ‘less science’ which may affect their future subject decisions.
