Combined Science (0653)
Cambridge IGCSE Combined Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. It is a single award qualification, earning one grade. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study.
They 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 syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
Link to full syllabus: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/329756-2019-2021-syllabus.pdf
Key Benefits
Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science gives learners the opportunity to study biology, chemistry and physics within a scientifically coherent syllabus and is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential knowledge and ability.
As well as a subject focus, the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science syllabus encourages learners to develop:
- a better understanding of the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
- a recognition of the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and how to apply this to other disciplines and in everyday life
- relevant attitudes, such as a concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
- an interest in, and care for, the environment
- a better understanding of the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, economy, technology, ethics, the community and the environment
- an understanding of the scientific skills essential for both further study and everyday life.
Recognition and Progression
Cambridge IGCSEs are general qualifications that enable learners to progress either directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications.
Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.
UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable to the standard of GCSE in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities worldwide.
Resources
The following are the preferred resources at Istanbul International School:
- Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 Coursebook
- Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 Biology Workbook
- Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 Chemistry Workbook
- Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 Physics Workbook
Cambridge International Examinations
Core Candidates take:
Paper 1
Multiple Choice – 30% (45 minutes)
40 four-choice multiple-choice questions
Questions will be based on Core subject content
Externally assessed
Paper 3
Theory – 50% (1 hour 15 minutes)
Short-answer and structured
Questions will be based on Core subject content
Externally assessed
Paper 6
Alternative to Practical – 20% (1 hour)
Questions will be based on the experimental
Skills in Section 6
Externally assessed
Extended Candidates take:
Paper 2
Multiple Choice – 30% (45 minutes)
40 four-choice multiple-choice questions
Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement)
Externally assessed
Paper 4
Theory – 50% (1 hour 15 minutes)
Short-answer and structured
questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement)
Externally assessed
Paper 6
Alternative to Practical – 20% (1 hour)
Questions will be based on the experimental
Skills in Section 6
Externally assessed