IGCSE Science
IGCSE Science
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Science Courses
Students gain an understanding of the principles of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. Students will learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabuses helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in scientific developments.
All students at HHIS study IGCSE Science. From August 2025, Year 10 students will have the option of studying either Triple Science (separate Sciences: Biology, Physics and Chemistry) or IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award Science). Both pathways provide students the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically coherent syllabus.
IGCSE Separate Sciences
IGCSE Separate Sciences is the more rigorous course, covering more topics in more depth. Students will complete 3 exams in each of the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They will therefore sit a total of 9 Science exams across the three Science disciplines. Students therefore have to be fully focused, motivated and show a high level of scientific skill and knowledge in order to complete these demanding qualifications. Students will receive a separate IGCSE qualifications in each of the Science subjects.
Students will have 11 lessons of Science in Year 10 and 12 lessons of Science in Year 11, evenly divided between each separate Science.
This pathway should be considered for any student who is passionate about Science and is considering studying at least one Science at Higher Level for IB and or going on to do a Science based degree at university.
Separate Science Assessment
Students complete three components for each of the Sciences.
A 45-minute multiple choice exam worth 30% of the qualification. This is externally assessed.
A 1 hour 15 minute written exam worth 50% of the qualification consisting of short-answer and structured questions. This exam is externally assessed.
A practical style component of the qualification that is worth 20% and assesses a student’s ability with experiments and investigations. This exam is externally assessed.
As with all IGCSEs the grades available range from A*-G.
A total of 3 IGCSEs are awarded in Separate Sciences
IGCSE Co-ordinated Science
Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Science is a double award qualification meaning that students will receive two IGCSEs, at grade A*A* - GG. All three Science disciplines will be examined in each exam paper and an overall grade awarded for Science that is then 'doubled' meaning this qualification is worth 2 IGCSEs. Students will sit 3 exam papers in total for Co-ordinated Science instead of the 9 sat for Separate Science.
If studying Co-ordinated Science, students will have 7 Science lessons per week in Year 10 and 8 Science lessons per week in Year 11. These will be evenly divided between each of the Sciences.
It is possible for students who find Co-ordinated Sciences too challenging, to sit the 'Core' tier paper. This still allows students to gain two IGCSEs in Science but allow students more time to focus on the basic principles and consolidate their knowledge and understanding. Students sitting the core paper will be able to achieve grades C-G.
The decision to complete either the double IGCSE in Co-ordinated Sciences Extended or Core will be confirmed between teachers, students and parents during Year 10 and 11, once students have had time to develop confidence studying the Science curriculum.
Co-ordinated Science Assessment
Students complete three components for both the Co-ordinated and Combined Science IGCSE:
A 45-minute multiple choice exam worth 30% of the qualification. This is externally assessed.
A 2-hour written exam worth 50% of the qualification consisting of short-answer and structured questions. This exam is externally assessed.
A practical style component of the qualification that is worth 20% and assesses a student’s ability with experiments and investigations. This exam is externally assessed.
As with all IGCSEs the grades available range from A*-G but students earn 2 IGCSEs for this course.
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