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About IGCSE Combined Science
Combined Science is a double award: one qualification covering biology, chemistry and physics, with two grades at the end of it. Cambridge calls it Co-ordinated Sciences 0654 and Edexcel calls it Science (Double Award) 4SD0. It is usually taken instead of three separate science IGCSEs.
Both boards award paired grades, because it is a double award. Cambridge grades run from A*A* down to GG, where A*A* is the highest and GG is the lowest. Edexcel grades on a 17-grade scale from 9-9 to 1-1, where 9-9 is the highest. So a strong Combined Science student leaves with two top grades, not one.
The two boards also examine it differently. Cambridge sets three papers: a multiple-choice paper, a theory paper, and a separate practical paper worth 20%. Edexcel sets three papers as well, but one per science, each worth 33.3% of the qualification: Biology Paper 1, Chemistry Paper 1 and Physics Paper 1. We work from real past papers.
Who IGCSE Combined Science Is For
This course suits students taking one double award across all three sciences rather than three separate IGCSEs.
- Year 10 and Year 11 students sitting IGCSE Combined Science this year
- Students preparing for Cambridge 0654 or Edexcel 4SD0
- Students aiming for the top pair of grades on their board's scale
- Learners balancing three sciences at once and needing a steady weekly rhythm
- Students who are strong in one science and weaker in another
IGCSE Combined Science Exam Boards We Cover
Both boards award two grades, and both examine all three sciences in a single qualification. Cambridge sets a multiple-choice paper, a theory paper and a separate practical paper, and offers Core and Extended routes. Edexcel sets three papers, one per science, and is untiered.
Cambridge
Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) 0654 is a double award, so candidates receive two grades. All candidates take three papers. Core candidates sit Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6, and can be awarded grades CC to GG. Extended candidates sit Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6, and can be awarded grades A*A* to GG. Paper 1 and Paper 2 are multiple-choice papers of 45 minutes and 40 marks, carrying 30% of the qualification, each with 40 four-option questions. Paper 3 and Paper 4 are theory papers of 2 hours and 120 marks, carrying 50%, using short-answer and structured questions. The practical element is a choice of two papers: Paper 5 is a Practical Test of 2 hours, and Paper 6 is an Alternative to Practical paper of 1 hour 30 minutes, each worth 60 marks and 20%. Every paper is externally assessed, and grades run from A*A* down to GG, with A*A* the highest and GG the lowest. The subject content is divided into three sections that every candidate must study, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Cambridge states that candidates achieving grades A*A* to CC are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level sciences.
Edexcel
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) 4SD0 is untiered and linear, with three written examinations taken in the same series. Each paper covers one science and carries 33.3% of the qualification: Biology Paper 1, Chemistry Paper 1 and Physics Paper 1, each a 2 hour examination worth 110 marks. Together the papers carry 330 marks, and the marks are not scaled. Question styles include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions, and a calculator may be used in all three papers. Papers are available in November and June, and the first certification was in August 2019. Practical work is assessed inside the written papers rather than in a separate practical exam. The qualification is graded and certificated on a 17-grade scale from 9-9 to 1-1, where 9-9 is the highest grade, and individual papers are not graded. It also awards two grades, because it is a double award. The Biology paper covers five core areas, the Chemistry paper four, and the Physics paper eight.
How Centaurus Helps IGCSE Combined Science Students Excel
Two Grades, One Plan
A double award produces a pair of grades, so the target is a pair. We plan for both together, not one at a time.
Three Sciences, One Timetable
Biology, chemistry and physics all carry real weight. We keep a steady weekly rhythm across all three instead of revising the easiest one.
Cambridge Practical Paper
Cambridge's practical paper carries 20% of the qualification and can be a Practical Test or an Alternative to Practical. We prepare whichever your centre enters you for.
Edexcel Paper-per-Science
Edexcel's three papers are one science each, worth 33.3% apiece. One weak paper costs most of a grade pair, so nothing is left to drift.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live group sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right IGCSE Combined Science support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
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Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About IGCSE Combined Science
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