IGCSE Combined Science

IGCSE Combined Science

What is the International GCSE?
 
IGCSEs are the same as GCSEs and are accepted in just the same way.

Edexcel International GCSE qualifications are:
 

• Relevant and academically rigorous
• Currently available in 39 subjects
• Recognised as equivalent, grade for grade, to a UK GCSE, and have the same status in terms of university entry requirements.

What is IGCSE Combined Science (Double Award)?

This completely new IGCSE course is designed to help meet the needs of those who want an introduction to this challenging subject either with a view to further study at A Level or simply to supplement a portfolio of IGCSE/GCSE subjects.

The International GCSE in Science (Double Award) aims to impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and facts, and an understanding of scientific concepts, principles, themes and patterns. Experimental skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques are developed, as well as students’ ability to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them. This single-tier qualification is suitable for delivery in schools and colleges, and is assessed via three papers – one each from chemistry, biology and physics. Students are awarded two International GCSE grades from A* to G.
 
Key subject aims:

• To impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and facts, and an understanding of scientific concepts, principles, themes and patterns
• To further students’ appreciation of the practical nature of science, developing experimental skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
• To develop an appreciation of the importance of accurate experimental work to scientific method and reporting
• To develop students’ ability to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
• To sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the scientific world
• To foster an appreciation of the significance of science in wider personal, social, environmental, economic and technological contexts, with a consideration of ethical issues
• To enable students to select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate scientific terms and conventions
• To prepare students for more advanced courses in each of the three scientific disciplines that comprise this specification

 
A detailed description of the specification can be found on the Edexcel website: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/igcse/igcse09/science/Pages/more.aspx
 
What is the course title and code for this qualification?
 
Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SC0)
 
 
We will begin by looking at what the examination board will require of you in the way of examinations.  You will be referred to what you need to do in terms of registration and arranging with an external centre for you to take the examinations.

Once the administration matters have been cleared up, we will look at the specification we will be following, namely the IGCSE in IGCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SC0).
 
This course contains a large number of activities; these are intended to be exercises to aid your learning as you progress through the course. These are self-assessed and should not be returned to your tutor.
 
There are also a number of Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs). These are more lengthy and challenging and should be returned to your tutor for marking and feedback. However, they do not count towards your final assessment in any way.
 
As stated above, this is an exam-only syllabus and we will be preparing you for this as the principal aim of the course.
 
As part of your course, you will be supplied with the Study Guide for IGCSE and A Levels. Do make use of this as it has been written to help you with your studies and to supplement the specific information and guidance given in the course material itself.

 
What will the exams look like?
 
This Edexcel IGCSE in Science (Double Award) comprises three externally assessed papers:
 

• Biology Paper 1
• Chemistry Paper 1
• Physics Paper 1

 
Biology paper 1 Paper code: 4SC0/1B
 

• Externally assessed
• Availability: January and June series

 
.3% of the total Award IGCSE marks
 
Overview of content:
 

• Section 1: The nature and variety of living organisms
• Section 2: Structures and functions in living organisms
• Section 3: Reproduction and inheritance
• Section 4: Ecology and the environment
• Section 5: Use of biological resources

Overview of assessment:
 

• The paper is assessed through a 2-hour examination paper set and marked by Edexcel
• The total number of marks is 120

 
Chemistry paper 1 Paper code: 4SC0/1C
 

• Externally assessed
• Availability: January and June series3.3% of the total

 
Double Award
 
IGCSE marks
 
Overview of content:
 

• Section 1: Principles of chemistry
• Section 2: Chemistry of the elements
• Section 3: Organic chemistry
• Section 4: Physical chemistry
• Section 5: Chemistry in society

 
Overview of assessment:
 

• The paper is assessed through a 2-hour examination paper set and marked by Edexcel
• The total number of marks is 120

Physics paper 1 Paper code: 4SC0/1P
 

• Externally assessed
• Availability: January and June series%

Overview of content:
 

• Section 1: Forces and motion
• Section 2: Electricity
• Section 3: Waves
• Section 4: Energy resources and energy transfer
• Section 5: Solids, liquids and gases
• Section 6: Magnetism and electromagnetism
• Section 7: Radioactivity and particles

 
Overview of assessment:
 

• The paper is assessed through a 2-hour examination paper set and marked by Edexcel
• The total number of marks is 120

 
What will I be examined on?AO1: Knowledge and understanding
 
In the examination, students will be tested on their ability to:
 

• Recognise, recall and show understanding of specific scientific facts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques, including aspects of safety
• Draw on existing knowledge to show understanding of the social, economic, environmental and technological applications and implications of biology, chemistry and physics
• Select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically, using appropriate vocabulary

 
AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding, analysis and evaluation
 
In the examination, students will be tested on their ability to:
 

• Describe, explain and interpret phenomena, effects and ideas in terms of the principles and concepts of biology, chemistry and physics, presenting arguments and ideas clearly and logically
• Interpret and translate, from one form into another, data presented as continuous prose or in tables, diagrams, drawings and graphs
• Carry out relevant calculations

 
AO1: Knowledge and understanding
 
In the examination, students will be tested on their ability to:
 

• Recognise, recall and show understanding of specific scientific facts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques, including aspects of safety
• Draw on existing knowledge to show understanding of the social, economic, environmental and technological applications and implications of biology, chemistry and physics
• Select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically, using appropriate vocabulary

 
AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding, analysis and evaluation
 
In the examination, students will be tested on their ability to:
 

• Describe, explain and interpret phenomena, effects and ideas in terms of the principles and concepts of biology, chemistry and physics, presenting arguments and ideas clearly and logically
• Interpret and translate, from one form into another, data presented as continuous prose or in tables, diagrams, drawings and graphs
• Carry out relevant calculations
• Apply the principles and concepts of biology, chemistry and physics to unfamiliar situations, including those related to applications of these sciences in ethical, social, economic and technological contexts
• Assess the validity of scientific information and make informed judgements based on it

 
AO3 Experimental and investigative skills
 
In the assessment of practical skills, students will be tested on their ability to:
 

• Devise and plan investigations, selecting appropriate techniques
• Demonstrate or describe appropriate experimental and investigative methods, including safe and skilful practical techniques
• Make observations and measurements with appropriate precision, record these methodically and present them in a suitable form
• Analyse and interpret data from experimental activities to draw conclusions which are consistent with the evidence, using scientific knowledge and understanding, and communicate these findings using appropriate specialist vocabulary

 
Evaluate data and methods
 
We have deliberately designed the course to make it as relevant to the demands of the specification as possible with lots of self-assessment exercises for you to carry out prior to you taking the Tutor Marked Assignments. These are assignments which you will send them to your tutor and receive feedback on to improve your knowledge and skills in handling examination questions.
 
Where do I sit my examinations?

Students are reminded that it is their responsibility to find and register with a centre to take the examinations. We cannot take any responsibility for this.

You should consult the Guidance for Private Candidate handbook on the Edexcel website.
 
Any registered Edexcel centre may enter private candidates for their chosen subject(s).

To request a list of Edexcel registered centres please send an email to the following address: private.candidate@edexcel.com

You should approach local schools and colleges to see if they are willing to accept you as a Private Candidate. When consulting them, take with you details of the specification as they are far more willing to listen to your request if they can see immediately what will be involved on their part. Do stress that there is no coursework component involved, merely three exams of two hours each. Have the syllabus number to hand as well. Once you have found a centre they will complete your entries for you, issue all entry forms, and carry out general administration arrangements and correspondence to you.