The Student Room Group

Triple or combined?

I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

Reply 1

I don't know why you wouldn't take triple. Unless I'm missing something, it's pretty standard to take triple science for competent students. Having to stress a little over 10 or so GCSEs is just part of the school experience. You're not going to feel distinctly more relaxed by dodging one of them

Reply 2

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

let me honest. from my point of view, triple science it simply a longer higher tier exam paper, with a few questions that are from triple. I took computer science as well and if you do ocr, then the best thing you can do is simply exam practice. Even if you do the same paper 3 times, its all going to benefit you in the end. But if you won't do science at A-level then its better if you just do combined, because there is no point doing triple if you won't do it at a level.

Reply 3

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?


combined makes more sense, any college or 6th form or uni doesn’t really care because some schools don’t always offer triple, as someone who was in top set science but my school didn’t do triple i was so glad there is a big difference between combined and triple, don’t make your life more difficult when it doesn’t need to be

Reply 4

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?


To be honest, if you are already getting good scores in science, I’d do triple. I mean, it’s an extra GCSE as you said, but it also means if you’re doing better in one science and not in another it’s not gonna bring your overall grade down like in combined. Also, in my opinion, and as said above, the triple paper is very similar to the combined paper, with it only being slightly extended due to a few extra topics. For that reason, I haven’t found that it is that much extra work compared to my friends in combined. However, that being said, if you did want to do combined, you would have no problem doing that and wouldn’t be disadvantaged in any way. Even if you did want to do STEM at college you’d be fine with a good combined science grade which it sounds like you’ll get. Hope this helps and good luck deciding haha. Whatever you choose to do will be fine!
Ooh also if you’re really struggling on deciding, you could have a look at some past papers for each science and compare them. I don’t know if it’s the same for all exam boards, but I know that, for example, the 6 marker in Edexcel combined is the same as one of the six markers from the triple paper.
(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 5

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

Since your school offers it and you are capable then 100% triple. It shows your ability to do welll and stretch over more science ideas and apply them. Also, in terms of work, you will need to apply yourself more but it’s really not too difficult as long as you don’t leave it until the last minute.

Reply 6

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

Combined is not 'easier' than triple - this is a common misconception. It is only 'easier' in the sense that there is less content to learn, but in terms of level of difficulty, the higher tier on combined is the same as the higher tier on triple.

TSR is obsessed with accumulating as many GCSEs as possible. In reality, so long as you have a 'normal' number of them, then all these extra ones are unnecessary and irrelevant to any future prospects. If you've got no interest in taking science A levels or doing a science-based degree, then I'd suggest one of two options:

1.

If you're equally strong over all three sciences, then take combined and aim for 8,8 or higher.

2.

If you're better at physics and chemistry (which I'm guessing you are), then take two separates in this. Less workload (and biology probably has the largest amount of content of all three), but you'll maximise your chances of getting 8,8 or higher by dropping the science you're least interested in. If it's not biology but another one that's your weakest, then drop that one and take two separates in the others.

Reply 7

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

Hi @redstar_2 ,

It's great to see you are doing so well in science!

Triple science is a great opportunity to further your education in a STEM subject. If you were doing combined, it's likely you would need to choose an additional GCSE to fill the gap. If you do triple, it just takes up that extra slot, meaning you will end up with the same amount of GCSEs either way, but science is quite valuable.

Personally I did triple science and didn't find it much more stressful than others around me doing combined as they had to choose an extra GCSE subject as previously stated.

If you're not planning to do A-level science, then combined may be a better option if another subject aligns greater with your aspirations and interests. I recommend talking with your tutor or maybe your science teachers to get their opinion, I'm sure they would be happy to help. 😊

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)

Reply 8

Original post
by UCLan_Sophia
Hi @redstar_2 ,
It's great to see you are doing so well in science!
Triple science is a great opportunity to further your education in a STEM subject. If you were doing combined, it's likely you would need to choose an additional GCSE to fill the gap. If you do triple, it just takes up that extra slot, meaning you will end up with the same amount of GCSEs either way, but science is quite valuable.
Personally I did triple science and didn't find it much more stressful than others around me doing combined as they had to choose an extra GCSE subject as previously stated.
If you're not planning to do A-level science, then combined may be a better option if another subject aligns greater with your aspirations and interests. I recommend talking with your tutor or maybe your science teachers to get their opinion, I'm sure they would be happy to help. 😊
I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)

So basically, i havent pinpointed what career I want to do, but I want to do something IT related, along with some creativity (photography, design and those stuff aren't necessarily science based.

Reply 9

Original post
by redstar_2
So basically, i havent pinpointed what career I want to do, but I want to do something IT related, along with some creativity (photography, design and those stuff aren't necessarily science based.

Hi @redstar_2 ,

You're right! 😁 Science is less of a priority with those courses. Based on this I would highly recommend going through the GCSEs your school offers. See which align best with those skills and do some research into the GCSEs that are best for particular A-levels or jobs. 📋️

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)

Reply 10

but because i havent pinpointed my career choice, i'm like i should keep my options broad. But I know IT isnt science-heavy. But theres also a what if i do IT in a science field?

Reply 11

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?


I do triple and think the content is really interesting - I also had no interest in science a levels in y9 but triple content has made me consider physics. also I would say don't worry too much about content for computer science - one paper (OCR) is based entirely on logic and the coding you have learned, rather than content. Paper 1 does have content but conceptually it's not difficult. you can always switch your options next year so don't worry too much!

Reply 12

Original post
by redstar_2
but because i havent pinpointed my career choice, i'm like i should keep my options broad. But I know IT isnt science-heavy. But theres also a what if i do IT in a science field?

Hi @redstar_2

It's good that you're thinking ahead. 😊

I recommend looking into the types of industries you can head into using IT. If you are not interested in science, then you may not enjoy a science field. If your not planning to do science at A-levels, then combined should be fine but if your confident in your sciences it may be worth doing triple.

It's entirely up to what you see yourself end up in. If your planning to pursue IT further, such as degree levels, check out the desired requirements such as which A-levels. If you don't want to focus on science and see through the requirements you don't need to, then combined should be fine.

Focus on what your truly passionate about!

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)

Reply 13

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

As someone who has sat both triple and combined science GCSE’s there is no reason you need to pick triple it’s harder, more content and stressful. Unless you are someone who is organised, and is able to set an appropriate amount of studying towards it then there is no point. In summary even if you are doing sciences in A levels still pick combined science

Reply 14

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

Hey! I just completed my GCSEs this year, and I did take Triple Science. I am predicted all 8s and 9s, and as an alumni, I would definitely recommend taking Triple Science if you are passionate about Science as a subject, and are willing to put in the work. The reason you are getting an extra GCSE is because the papers will be longer, and worth more marks. Alongside this, the load of content increases by a multitude, so as long as you are ready to put in the work, go for it! It is extremely useful for future careers like Medicine and Engineering, or anything really that is Science related!

If you want some notes, feel free to check out: https://itzm33ts.gumroad.com/

Reply 15

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

Hiii I just did my GCSE's this year and I did triple science. As someone as stated earlier, triple science isn't neccesarily "harder". It just has a few extra topics so it's worth more marks. Honestly, I'd advice going for triple science as it gives an extra GCSE and you'll need to pick less subjects than your peers who will do combined science. Which will give you less work in the long run. Also some of the topics are really interesting like the astronomy unit in triple physics. Plus I also did computer science and i'm predicted a 9. And it's not really content heavy especially in paper 2 where it's more common sense. And as a bonus in most schools, if it ever gets too hard or stressful, a triple science student is allowed to switch to combined science. Though ultimately, the choice is all up to you. And whichever option you pick, remember that you're intelligent and you have lots of help and resources everywhere! Goodluck in any exmas you do.
P.S: If you need help in any subject or to know great (FREE) revision resources/websites just let me know!!!
☺️☺️

Reply 16

Original post
by redstar_2
I'm in year 9 and our school ran a Triple Science "eligibility" test. I got 51 out of 60 on the Triple Science test, so I’m probably going to be offered it. I’m generally good at Science and Maths, and I don’t usually struggle with them. I picked Computer Science and iMedia for GCSE, and I’m just thinking about how much work Triple might add on top of that.
I know Combined is a bit easier, but Triple gives that extra GCSE. I don’t want to get to Year 11 and be stressing out trying to handle too much at once, especially with Computer Science being quite content-heavy. And in fact, I won't be doing Science in A Level either way so yeah
Do you think Triple would be a good choice for me, or would Combined make more sense?

Hi there!

I did triple science - the only difference is an extra unit and longer paper - no huge difference from what I remember (I did mine in 2018!). It is not too much of a hassle. However, uni's don't care about if you did triple or combined - they care about your post 16 qualifications 🙂 either route is fine

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

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