Information, advice and guidance

Students, parents and careers advisers are among the groups that need to be aware of the new opportunities to study for different science qualifications. School sixth form staff should also be aware of the Triple Science curriculum and the impact on progression to A-level. ASE research on attitudes towards school science (ASE 2006) shows that students become less positive from the ages of 11 to 16. The evidence from focus groups shows that children are interested in science but less interested than in other subjects.

It follows therefore that a carefully thought-out promotional strategy will be needed to ensure recruitment of the right target group to the Triple Science GCSEs and raise awareness with other stakeholders.

Twenty First Century Science has suggested that the student profile for Triple Science could be:

able to learn science at an accelerated pace
enjoys understanding scientific concepts and ideas
enjoys reading about science beyond the course
has a science-related leisure interest
able to work independently
likely to study science at AS or A-level.

For full details, see the OCR website www.21stcenturyscience.org

Through impartial information, advice and guidance students should be made aware of the implications of taking Triple Science for their other options and future career aspirations, as well as for preparation for A-level science.