Subject Details

Why Study Combined Science?

Combined Science is a comprehensive subject that integrates Biology, Chemistry, and Physics into a single course, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of fundamental scientific concepts. It is an excellent option for students who want to develop scientific literacy without the intensity of taking all three sciences separately. This subject helps in building analytical thinking, investigative skills, and problem-solving abilities, making it a perfect foundation for future studies in medicine, engineering, technology, and environmental sciences.

The Cambridge IGCSE/O-Level Combined Science course is designed to develop curiosity about the world and its scientific principles, preparing students to think critically about real-life applications of science. Whether exploring how energy is transferred, how chemical reactions work, or how living organisms function, students gain essential knowledge that supports further education and career opportunities in STEM fields.

Combined Science also encourages students to apply their learning to everyday life, such as understanding climate change, medical advancements, and technological innovations. By integrating practical and theoretical knowledge, students learn to conduct experiments, analyze data, and evaluate scientific evidence, ensuring they become scientifically informed citizens in an increasingly technological world.

Global Recognition & Importance

Combined Science is widely taught in international schools and Cambridge-affiliated institutions across the UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Singapore, and many other countries. Because it covers key scientific principles across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, it provides a strong foundation for students planning to take individual sciences at A-Level or pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Exam Format

The Cambridge IGCSE/O-Level Combined Science assessment consists of theoretical and practical components, designed to evaluate students' conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and experimental techniques.

✅ Core Assessment (Grades C to G)

📌 Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions – 45 minutes, 40 marks. Covers fundamental concepts in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

📌 Paper 3: Theory – 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks. Includes compulsory structured and short-answer questions.

✅ Extended Assessment (Grades A* to G)

📌 Paper 2: Multiple-choice questions – 45 minutes, 40 marks. Covers both core and supplement topics.

📌 Paper 4: Theory – 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks. Requires structured responses and application-based answers.

✅ Practical Assessment (Grades A* to G)

Students can select one of the following:

📌 Paper 5: Practical Test – 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks. Requires students to conduct hands-on laboratory experiments.

📌 Paper 6: Alternative to Practical – 1 hour, 40 marks. Assesses experimental understanding without requiring physical experiments.

How A* Quiz Helps

A* Quiz is an excellent tool for mastering Paper 1 & Paper 2, providing extensive practice with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to strengthen core concepts and test-taking skills. Additionally, by engaging in structured quiz practice, students build a solid understanding of key scientific topics, which enhances their performance in Paper 3, Paper 4, and even the practical components by reinforcing subject knowledge and analytical thinking.