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 earning one GCSE qualification. 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.

Students opting for this pathway will have far more time to develop conceptual understanding and the content of the syllabus is reduced significantly. The students opting for this course will be entered as Core candidates (foundation level). Core candidates take paper 1 which is a multiple-choice paper, paper 3 an extended response theory paper and paper 6 which is an alternative to practical paper based assessment. The Core candidate however can only gain a maximum C grade equivalent for this GCSE qualification. This option provides a pathway for students who need additional support in science. If a candidate is working at a higher level than this then they ought to be considering the Double or Triple pathway.

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The Combined Science qualification is recognised by universities and will allow students to grasp the basics of science that are important in the current technological world in which we are living. Students can access the IB full diploma or the ID Applied Learning diploma in the upper school with this course. The Group 4 option of the IB course, however, will be limited to Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only), Food Technology, Computer Science, or Sports and Exercise Health Science.

Combined science students will not be able to access Environmental Systems (HL), Biology, Chemistry or Physics IB courses.