Combined science

Overview –

GCSE combined science is a combination of biology, chemistry and physics. Students take combined science as an option unless they choose separate science. Combined science covers less subject content that separate science. Combined science may be suitable for students who are very sure that they do not want to study science or science related subjects in the future. Combined science counts as two GCSEs rather than one in recognition of the breadth and depth of content.


The course covers the following topics:

  • Biology – key concepts, cells and control, genetics, natural selection and genetic modification, health, disease and the development of medicines, plant structures and their functions, animal coordination, control and homeostasis, exchange and transport in animals and ecosystems and material cycles;

  • Chemistry – states of matter, methods of separating and purifying substances, atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic bonding, covalent bonding, types of substance, acids and alkalis, calculations involving masses, electrolytic processes, obtaining and using metals, reversible reactions and equilibria, groups in the periodic table, rates of reaction, heat energy changes in chemical reactions, fuels and Earth and atmospheric science;

  • Physics – motion, forces and motion, conservation of energy, waves, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, energy, electricity and circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, particle model and forces and matter.


Assessment –

Pupils will complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE (grades 1 – 5). The science qualification consists of six equally weighted examination papers. Two papers of biology, two chemistry and two physics. All papers are the same length.


Paper : Biology 1

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calculator:Yes

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Paper : Chemistry 1

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calculator:Yes

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Paper : Physics 1

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calculator:Yes

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Paper : Biology 2

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calculator:Yes

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Paper : Chemistry 2

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calculator:Yes

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Paper : Physics 2

Length: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calculator:Yes


Subject links –

Science has strong links to all other subjects, especially mathematics.


Careers –

Qualifications in science can lead to careers such as astronomer, doctor, environmentalist, medical researcher, prosthetist, medical journalist, biomedical engineer and many more.


For further information, please contact –

Head of faculty – John Ling Email - info@ipswichacademy.org.uk