Edexcel IGCSE Science (Single Award) specification (4SS0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Science (Single Award) exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel IGCSE Science (Single Award) specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel IGCSE Science (Single Award) (4SS0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Single Award) is designed to develop students’ understanding of fundamental scientific principles across biology, chemistry and physics. It encourages learners to acquire knowledge and apply concepts in both theoretical and practical contexts. The course equips students with analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills through exposure to scientific facts, terminology, experimental techniques and real-world applications. Although the Single Award covers approximately half the content of the Double Award, it maintains rigorous standards. It provides a broad science foundation for students progressing to further study, work or vocational education:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Biology
- 1 The nature and variety of living organisms: Characteristics of life; diversity of eukaryotes, prokaryotes, viruses and pathogens.
- 2 Structure and functions in living organisms: Levels of organisation; cell structure; biological molecules; diffusion, osmosis, active transport; nutrition; respiration; gas exchange; transport systems.
- 3 Reproduction and inheritance: Asexual/sexual reproduction; human and plant systems; inheritance, genes, alleles, monohybrid crosses, variation and natural selection.
- 4 Ecology and the environment: Ecosystems; quadrat sampling; trophic levels; food chains; energy transfer; carbon cycle.
- 5 Use of biological resources: Crop yield improvements; yeast and respiration; genetic engineering and insulin production.
Chemistry
- 1 Principles of chemistry: States of matter; elements and mixtures; atomic structure; Periodic Table; bonding and formulae.
- 2 Inorganic chemistry: Groups 1 and 7 properties and trends; air composition; reactivity series; rusting; acids and alkalis.
- 3 Physical chemistry: Exo/endothermic reactions; calorimetry; rates of reaction; catalyst use.
- 4 Organic chemistry: Hydrocarbons; fractional distillation; alkanes/alkenes; combustion; polymers; environmental impact.
Physics
- 1 Forces and motion: Speed, acceleration, graphs; Newton’s laws; friction, braking distance.
- 2 Electricity: Current, voltage, resistance; series/parallel circuits; mains electricity; power equations.
- 3 Waves: Wave properties; EM spectrum; reflection/refraction; sound/light; total internal reflection.
- 4 Energy resources and energy transfers: Energy stores; conservation; efficiency; work and power.
- 5 Solids, liquids and gases: Pressure, density; gas laws; temperature and volume/pressure relationships.
- 6 Magnetism and electromagnetism: Fields, electromagnets; motors; left-hand rule.
- 7 Radioactivity and particles: Structure of atoms; radiation types and risks; half-life; nuclear applications.
- 8 Astrophysics: Solar system; stellar evolution; orbits; gravitational variation:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 (Biology – 4SS0/1B)
- 1 hr 10 min; 60 marks; 33.3% of total.
- Covers: biology topics 1–5.
- Mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, calculations, and extended open-response questions.
- Calculator allowed.
Paper 2 (Chemistry – 4SS0/1C)
- 1 hr 10 min; 60 marks; 33.3% of total.
- Covers: chemistry topics 1–4.
- Same format as Paper 1.
Paper 3 (Physics – 4SS0/1P)
- 1 hr 10 min; 60 marks; 33.3% of total.
- Covers: physics topics 1–8.
- Same format and rules.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 38–42%
- AO2: Application, analysis and evaluation – 38–42%
- AO3: Experimental skills and data interpretation – 19–21%
Grading
- Linear qualification; 3 papers sat in one series.
- Total marks: 180; graded 9–1.
- Practical knowledge assessed via written exam; no separate practical paper:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Science (Single Award) isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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