How to Ace CAIE IGCSE Combined Science – Tips from Expert Tutors

What Is IGCSE Combined Science?

In order to make IGCSE Science more accessible, CAIE offers a number of separate courses and exams that will ensure that students always gain a strong foundation in scientific education.

IGCSE Combined Science is an IGCSE that guides students through biology, chemistry and physics. The syllabus takes the most foundational topics from the biology, chemistry and physics syllabi (also known as ‘Triple Science’). Depending on whether the student is taking Core or Extended papers, they will sit two exam papers (one multiple choice, one based on the application of scientific theory), and perform a practical experiment. This will result in one IGCSE awarded to the student at the end of the course.

Should I Take Combined Science or Triple Science?

Given that CAIE offers students a range of IGCSE Science courses (Triple Science, Co-ordinated Science, Combined Science), it can be a challenge to determine which one is best suited to a student.

Most of the time, students must rely on their school’s judgement and teaching to determine which IGCSEs they take. Most schools in Hong Kong will support a number of different courses. This is because the core content remains the same. Whereas those students who show a good aptitude for science are usually guided towards taking biology, chemistry and physics as separate IGCSEs, others are encouraged to take Combined Science. Schools will often tell students which option they should take towards the end of the first year of their IGCSE programme.

What Are the Challenges of IGCSE Combined Science?

As with most IGCSEs, there are a number of challenges associated with CAIE’s Combined Science IGCSE course. 

One of the biggest challenges lies in the volume of content that candidates are required to learn. As an IGCSE that offers an overview of three sciences, there is a lot of material for students to fully understand and be able to apply to questions. 

All IGCSEs help students develop study skills, like how to structure revision time and produce relevant and helpful revision resources. Combined Science gives students a thorough understanding of scientific principles, but the associated memorisation, and subsequent application in an exam scenario, can be a challenge.

Top Tips for Success in IGCSE Combined Science

Our science tutors agree that the most important tip for IGCSE Combined Science is to consolidate your knowledge as you go. Students who wait until the end of their course to start revision in earnest create more work for themselves, and will inevitably struggle to finish all their content in time for their exam. Instead, students should revise as they go. Taking time to consolidate content after each IGCSE Combined Science class will help you remember material in a more sustainable way.

Active revision tools, such as flashcards and making use of online resources such as Quizlet are also very helpful for students wishing to succeed in Combined Science.

Developing Good Study Habits for IGCSE Combined Science

All IGCSE students need to develop excellent study habits in order to succeed. This also applies to Combined Science. Of course, this does not happen overnight! 

Instead, IGCSE students should focus on building study habits across the two year course. This can be built gradually. For example, a Combined Science student doesn’t need to immediately spend an hour a day studying. Instead, just focus on brief 10-15 minute revision bursts every few days. This helps to establish good study habits without being overwhelming. These habits can then be expanded gradually as needed.

Common Mistakes from IGCSE Combined Science Students

Of course, there are common errors and mistakes made in every subject, and Combined Science is no exception.

Students frequently find themselves drawn more towards one science over another, even within Combined Science, where students have to study biology, chemistry and physics. While understandable, revision is more effective when the focus is on improving on areas of weakness. 

Combined Science students should also aim to use their resources effectively, including past papers and mark schemes. IGCSE mark schemes are always very precise in the answers that they reward, so there’s little ambiguity in what will earn marks. Examining mark schemes carefully can help students avoid imprecision in answers, thus allowing them to earn higher grades in Combined Science. 

BartyED’s Expert IGCSE Combined Science Support

BartyED’s team of expert science tutors have years of experience in coaching students through the various IGCSE programmes, including Combined Science. Trained in both the content of the CAIE course and the best exam techniques, our tutors are well-situated to supporting students through the exams. 

We focus on content mastery, and on developing exemplary learning habits. We are proud of our long-term relationships with our clients, and have many families join us as students progress through their IGCSEs and beyond. 

If you would like to learn more about the Combined Science, and other IGCSE support that we offer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team via email at enquiries@bartyed.com, or contact us via our form here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • IGCSE Combined Science is one of many options for students wishing to earn an IGCSE in Science. In this rigorous programme, students study topics across three experimental sciences—biology, chemistry and physics—and gain an understanding of scientific reasoning skills.

  • Most schools that offer IGCSE Combined Science will direct their students towards the programme based on their academic performance. While Combined Science provides a substantial understanding of key topics in Science, the course is not as intensive as taking the Science subjects as separate IGCSEs. Thus, if a student shows that they are capable of performing well in Combined Science, but are not a good fit for taking the three science IGCSEs individually, they will be directed towards Combined Science.

  • Many IGCSE Combined Science students make the mistake of starting their revision too late in the programme. To ensure good results, it’s always best to take advantage of the whole two years. Doing small amounts of content consolidation and revision throughout the IGCSE Combined Science course will benefit a candidate far more than waiting a month before the exam and trying to cram the material.

  • A good way to prepare for IGCSE Combined Science is to go through the topics on the syllabus individually and identify areas of strength and weakness. Focusing on developing your weaknesses and simply reinforcing areas where you feel more confident will allow you to make good progress in your study of Combined Science.

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IGCSE, ScienceMark Malone