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Triple science has become a postcode lottery

Computing and STEM
The option for pupils to take triple science has become a postcode lottery, with many teachers forced to teach subjects not familiar to them, says Pauline Hoyle.

Last month the BBC published alarming figures gathered by the Open Public Services Network (OPSN) on how the secondary science curriculum was being taught across the England.

The statistics revealed an unnerving postcode lottery, with some students not having access to triple science GCSEs. Studying triple science, (one GCSE each in chemistry, physics and biology) is key to students progressing on to study more than one science at A level, having an impact on future careers, university choices and opportunities in their life ahead.

At this time of year, with students making important decisions about their GCSEs, and their future, a large number of students are restricted in choosing GCSE options from a limited list. Currently, only 22.4 per cent of pupils nationally are studying triple science, and the figure is lower when we look at certain groups, such as Pupil Premium students.

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