Biomedical PhD researcher tutoring the sciences
GCSE subject guide
GCSE Combined Science
Combined Science covers biology, chemistry and physics in less depth than the separate sciences and is worth two GCSEs, graded on a 17-point scale from 9-9 to 1-1.
AQA 8464 · Edexcel 1SC0 · OCR J250
- Papers
- AQA Trilogy: 6 papers, 1 hr 15 min each
- Award
- Double award, e.g. 6-5 or 7-7
- Tiers
- Foundation 1-1 to 5-5 · Higher 4-4 to 9-9
- Practicals
- Required practicals assessed in exams
Understanding the grade
The two grades are a single award based on total marks across all papers. A strong physics paper can make up for a weaker biology paper, so tutoring time is best spent where the most marks are available.
How a tutor usually helps
Mapping the student’s marks by paper, then targeting the topics that carry the most marks across all three sciences. Many students need one tutor who is comfortable across all three, which we look for when matching.
Details differ by board and change over time. Always check the current specification on the exam board’s website.
Approved tutors for GCSE Combined Science
Maths graduate who can explain in English or Cantonese
Chemistry teacher with Pearson Edexcel marking experience
Further reading
How to use past papers properly
Past papers help most when they are used to find gaps. Doing paper after paper without reviewing them rarely changes a grade.
Tell us what your child needs. We will do the searching.
A member of our team reads every request and replies with a shortlist of approved tutors, or an honest update if we need more time.