When you are about to embark on a new journey in your secondary school, the choices you make will have a significant impact on your academics and the direction of your career. For instance, the subject stream you choose will be a major decision in such aspects.
Many students feel confused when they are faced with the choice of combined science and pure science.
Although it might look like a simple choice, it actually influences what subjects you will have in your O-level exams. Apart from that, it will also enable you to choose your potential streams for your Junior College (JC), Polytechnic Courses, and other institutions.
Therefore, to understand the major differences between pure science and combined science and which one to choose, read on.
Pure Science: What Does It Offer?
As you choose pure science, it requires you to have an in-depth focus on individual science subjects. Apart from that, by choosing pure science, you will get a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of science and scientific subjects. Here, the focus will be on specific fields like physics, chemistry, and biology.
In fact, if you choose pure science, it means that you are strongly interested in a particular scientific domain. Also, it shows you have an aptitude in that field of study and you want to pursue advanced studies and research.
Moreover, the depth of study is high as students have to consider going beyond learning scientific theories. Here, pure science courses equip students with the necessary skills that allow them to deal with special experiments and analyses.
Combined Science: What New It Offers?
Combined science is more interdisciplinary and broader in its approach when it comes to scientific studies. For instance, combined science contains a mix of scientific subjects within one curriculum. Hence, students get exposure to a broad range of scientific concepts.
Therefore, if you are a student with a general interest in science and do not want any specialization, choose combined science. Afterward, there are options for higher studies as well. However, in some cases, you need combined Science tuition for O Level.
Generally, in combined science, you can experience a holistic overview of major scientific principles and concepts. Here, you do not need to tackle extensive topics but rather deal with fundamental concepts only.
On the other hand, combined science students also have practical assessments. However, this carries a lower weight. Hence, it shows that combined science is less intensive.
Choosing Between Pure Science and Combined Science
Before you proceed to choose between pure science and combined science, read the following factors:
1. Determine Your Aptitude and Interest
To make the right choice, you need to consider your aptitude and personal interest. For instance, if you have a passion for a particular scientific discipline, you must choose pure science. However, if you have a broader interest in science and you cannot choose one particular discipline, opt for combined science.
2. Chalk Out Future Opportunities
Pure science offers you specialized knowledge in a particular discipline. Hence, it is better if you are looking for a career in a specialized field, academia, or research. Meanwhile, combined science offers generalized knowledge.
3. Understand Admission Requirements in Higher Education
If you have a plan to apply to some particular educational institution or a university, research their admission requirements. Hence, understanding those requirements will enable you to align your choice.
4. Practical Skills vs. Theory
Pure science focuses more on specialization and hence consists of great practical work and experiences. Hence, if you want a hands-on learning environment, choose pure science. Although combined science offers practical knowledge, it does not offer specialized knowledge.
5. Workload and Academic Demands
Generally speaking, pure science courses are more specialized and demand more time and effort. This is because you will need to deal with in-depth studies and research. On the other hand, combined science has a broader scope and offers a balanced workload.
Make a Choice
You must consider your preferences, aptitude, and strength before you choose a subject stream for your senior secondary school. Basically, combined science is less extensive and combines the fundamentals of different scientific disciplines in one. On the other hand, pure science requires you to have an in-depth study of major scientific subjects.
Do you have some suggestions on how to choose between pure science and combined science? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.