This change means that students will have more time to complete the new "9-1" GCSE science courses, which are more demanding than the previous "A*-G" courses they have replaced.

Students who show a high level of commitment and ability in science will be able to complete all three subjects (biology, chemistry and physics) using just one block of option time in addition to the core curriculum time that is already provided for science.
Other students may choose to study whichever two sciences best suit their career plans, again using just one block of option time.
A small number of students, for whom science is a challenging subject, may decide not to select sciences in the option blocks but will able to study one science of their own choosing, again matching those students' interests and career plans.