Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double Award specification (9204)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double 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 Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double 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 Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double Award (9204) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
OxfordAQA International GCSE Combined Science Double Award provides a comprehensive foundation in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, aiming to develop students’ scientific knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of scientific processes. The course encourages enquiry-based learning, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Students learn to apply scientific knowledge in real-life contexts and understand the role of science in technological advancements and societal impact. The qualification focuses on scientific investigation, analysis, and the application of concepts, preparing learners for further study or careers in science-related fields. The syllabus supports the development of experimental and investigative skills through a range of required practicals, enabling learners to work confidently as scientists:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Biology
- Organisation – Cell structure, tissue systems in animals and plants, transport in cells.
- Bioenergetics and Ecology – Photosynthesis, human circulation, digestion, breathing, respiration, energy transfer, adaptations, carbon cycle.
- Organisms' Interaction with the Environment – Nervous system, homeostasis, temperature control, glucose regulation, behaviour, infection and immune response.
- Inheritance – Reproduction, cell division, genetic variation, genetic disorders, genetic manipulation.
- Variation and Evolution – Causes of variation, natural selection, speciation.
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table – States of matter, atomic models, isotopes, periodic trends.
- Structure, Bonding and Properties of Matter – Ionic, covalent, metallic bonding, macromolecules, properties.
- Chemical Changes – Metals, reactivity series, extraction methods, electrolysis, metal carbonates.
- Chemical Analysis – Purity, chromatography, ion identification.
- Acids, Bases and Salts – Properties, reactions, preparation.
- Quantitative Chemistry – Conservation of mass, mole concept, calculations.
- Trends within the Periodic Table – Group properties, reactivity trends.
- The Rate of Chemical Change – Reaction rates, collision theory, catalysts.
- Energy Changes – Exothermic/endothermic reactions, energy calculations.
- Organic Chemistry – Crude oil, hydrocarbons, cracking, polymers, alcohols, carboxylic acids.
Physics
- Forces and Their Effects – Types of forces, motion, resultant forces, Newton's laws, vehicle safety.
- Energy – Work, energy transfers, conservation, efficiency, energy resources.
- Waves – Wave properties, EM spectrum, sound, reflection.
- Particle Model of Matter – Kinetic theory, specific heat capacity, latent heat, energy transfers.
- Electricity and Magnetism – Circuits, resistance, series and parallel circuits, electromagnetism.
- Generating and Distributing Electricity – Household electricity, the motor effect, energy transfer.
- Nuclear Physics – Atomic structure, radiation, nuclear fission.
- Space Physics – Life cycle of stars, solar system, orbital motion:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Biology
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks.
- Covers all biology content.
- Structured and open questions.
Paper 2: Chemistry
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks.
- Covers all chemistry content.
- Structured and open questions.
Paper 3: Physics
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks.
- Covers all physics content.
Structured and open questions.
- All papers are written examinations.
- Students must take the same tier for all three papers.
- No mixed tiering permitted.
- Required practical activities are assessed in written papers.
- Focus on experimental and investigative skills, mathematical applications, and conceptual understanding.
- Papers assess knowledge, application, and analytical skills through a variety of question types, including data analysis and problem-solving.
- The course is linear, with exams taken at the end of the course in a single series:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double 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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