IGCSE Combined Science (“Cambridge”)
This course gives you the opportunity to study biology, chemistry and physics. You will learn
about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. There
is also an emphasis on developing scientific skills.
The external assessment that takes place at the end of the year is outlined below. There are
three papers to be sat. All three papers are compulsory and focus on different aspects of the
course.
Assessment:
Paper 1
Paper 3
Paper 6
Science
Multiple Choice
Open Ended Questions (Extended)
Written Alternative to Practical
30%
50%
20%
External Examination
External Examination
External Examination
Internal tests and exams
At the end of each Unit there will be short test. These tests will contain questions styled around
paper 1, 3 and 6. Practice mid-year and end-of-year examinations will cover multiple units.
Resources
While no specific textbook will be used for this course, in class you will receive notes and
worksheets and participate in practical activities. Other resources and activities will be available
on the school’s Moodle site.
CIE topic
Title
Concepts included
Atomic structure and
bonding
Atomic structure; Elements, mixtures and compounds;
Bonding
Periodic table, formulae
and equations
Periodic table; Formulae and equations
Cells
Cell structure; Transport into and out of cells; Enzymes
Nutrition
Nutrients; Human diet and digestion; Plant nutrition
Plants
Transport, Reproduction; Coordination
Motion and forces
Length and time; Forces; Mass and weight; Density;
Speed, velocity and acceleration
Energy
Energy; Sources of energy; Work; Power
Biology
B5.2; B6.1;
B6.2; B7.1;
B8.3
Transport, coordination
and reproduction in
humans
Transport in humans; Respiration; Gas exchange;
Coordination in humans
Unit 5
C8, C10, C11
Metals and non-metals
Metals; Extraction of metals; Air; Rusting of iron; Water
Acids, bases and salts
Acids and bases; Salt production and usage
Heat
States of matter; Thermal expansion and transfer of heat
Electricity
Electric circuits and current; Resistance; Safety
B9; B10
Organisms and their
environment
Energy flow in ecosystems; Food chains and nutrient
cycles; Humans and their environment
C5-7; C12
Chemical reactions
Exothermic and endothermic; Rate of reaction; Oxidation
and reduction; Electrolysis; Tests for ions and gases
Fuels and hydrocarbons
Fuels and combustion; Alkanes and alkenes
Waves
Waves; Electromagnetic spectrum; Light; Sound
Unit 1
C1-4; C9
Chemistry
Unit 2
Biology
Unit 3
B1 – 4; B5.1;
B7.2; B8.1 &
8.2
P1-3
Physics
Unit 4
Chemistry
Unit 6
P4-6; P11-12
Physics
Unit 7
Biology
Unit 8
Chemistry
Unit 9
Physics
P7-10
IGCSE Combined Science (“Cambridge”)
This course gives you the opportunity to study biology, chemistry and physics. You will learn
about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. There
is also an emphasis on developing scientific skills.
The external assessment that takes place at the end of the year is outlined below. There are
three papers to be sat. All three papers are compulsory and focus on different aspects of the
course.
Assessment:
Paper 1
Paper 3
Paper 6
Science
Multiple Choice
Open Ended Questions (Extended)
Written Alternative to Practical
30%
50%
20%
External Examination
External Examination
External Examination
Internal tests and exams
At the end of each Unit there will be short test. These tests will contain questions styled around
paper 1, 3 and 6. Practice mid-year and end-of-year examinations will cover multiple units.
Resources
While no specific textbook will be used for this course, in class you will receive notes and
worksheets and participate in practical activities. Other resources and activities will be available
on the school’s Moodle site.
CIE topic
Title
Concepts included
Atomic structure and
bonding
Atomic structure; Elements, mixtures and compounds;
Bonding
Periodic table, formulae
and equations
Periodic table; Formulae and equations
Cells
Cell structure; Transport into and out of cells; Enzymes
Nutrition
Nutrients; Human diet and digestion; Plant nutrition
Plants
Transport, Reproduction; Coordination
Motion and forces
Length and time; Forces; Mass and weight; Density;
Speed, velocity and acceleration
Energy
Energy; Sources of energy; Work; Power
Biology
B5.2; B6.1;
B6.2; B7.1;
B8.3
Transport, coordination
and reproduction in
humans
Transport in humans; Respiration; Gas exchange;
Coordination in humans
Unit 5
C8, C10, C11
Metals and non-metals
Metals; Extraction of metals; Air; Rusting of iron; Water
Acids, bases and salts
Acids and bases; Salt production and usage
Heat
States of matter; Thermal expansion and transfer of heat
Electricity
Electric circuits and current; Resistance; Safety
B9; B10
Organisms and their
environment
Energy flow in ecosystems; Food chains and nutrient
cycles; Humans and their environment
C5-7; C12
Chemical reactions
Exothermic and endothermic; Rate of reaction; Oxidation
and reduction; Electrolysis; Tests for ions and gases
Fuels and hydrocarbons
Fuels and combustion; Alkanes and alkenes
Waves
Waves; Electromagnetic spectrum; Light; Sound
Unit 1
C1-4; C9
Chemistry
Unit 2
Biology
Unit 3
B1 – 4; B5.1;
B7.2; B8.1 &
8.2
P1-3
Physics
Unit 4
Chemistry
Unit 6
P4-6; P11-12
Physics
Unit 7
Biology
Unit 8
Chemistry
Unit 9
Physics
P7-10