Sciences are best studied with plenty of hands-on experiences and practical investigations. This can be done, but if you cannot access all the materials or a laboratory for a practical examination, you can take an alternative to practical component as part of Cambridge IGCSE Sciences Co-ordinated (Double) (0654) , and you can answer practical-based questions in AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award) (4SD0).
Each examination board uses a syllabus or specification to clearly state, among other things, the subject course content and methods of final assessments. Additionally, each examination board will give suggested textbooks and other resources, some of which are endorsed (that is, they carefully follow the specific syllabus or specification). Teachers and students can choose the best resources to facilitate learning. You don't need all the suggested resources, but it is useful to have one or two textbooks as a scaffold, alongside the syllabus or specification and online resources as needed.
I will include resources here for all three examination boards, and wish you the best in your research into IGCSE or GCSE Sciences.
Each examination board uses a syllabus or specification to clearly state, among other things, the subject course content and methods of final assessments. Additionally, each examination board will give suggested textbooks and other resources, some of which are endorsed (that is, they carefully follow the specific syllabus or specification). Teachers and students can choose the best resources to facilitate learning. You don't need all the suggested resources, but it is useful to have one or two textbooks as a scaffold, alongside the syllabus or specification and online resources as needed.
I will include resources here for all three examination boards, and wish you the best in your research into IGCSE or GCSE Sciences.
Syllabuses and specifications
To have the most success in final assessments (exams), read the syllabus or specification carefully. Consider this as the rule book, as it gives clear details about the subject.
Here are the links for the IGCSE and GCSE courses at AQA, CAIE, and Pearson Edexcel:
Here are the links for the IGCSE and GCSE courses at AQA, CAIE, and Pearson Edexcel:
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Cambridge IGCSE Sciences Co-ordinated (Double) (0654)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-sciences-co-ordinated-double-0654/
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award) (4SD0)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-science-double-award-2017.html
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Cambridge IGCSE Sciences Co-ordinated (Double) (0654)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-sciences-co-ordinated-double-0654/
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award) (4SD0)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-science-double-award-2017.html
Past paper practice
One of the best ways to understand how well you will do in the final assessments is to complete some past papers, mark them, and reflect on your strengths and challenges. Then repeat the process. Strong IGCSE and GCSE knowledge and skills are built through practice, so you should make sure to get support from teachers, tutors, or mentors as necessary. In the meantime, visit the examination board's website and look for past papers, the mark schemes (answer keys or rubrics) and the examiners' reports. All these documents will be helpful in honing your skills in this subject.
Suggested textbooks
The endorsed textbooks are closely aligned to examination board courses and will be the best resource to use as a scaffold for learning. Each examination board also suggests other textbooks and resources for each subject course. The choice of books for teaching and learning is yours, but I have always relied on one or two endorsed textbooks, and then used other resources to supplement my own learning and teaching.
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses, with the ISBN to help search for the resources more effectively. Remember: you do not need all the resources, so take the time to find the best texts for you.
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses:
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses, with the ISBN to help search for the resources more effectively. Remember: you do not need all the resources, so take the time to find the best texts for you.
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses:
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
- Beeby, J. & Pilling, A. (2017) AQA GCSE (9-1) Biology for Combined Science: Trilogy. ISBN: 9780008175047 [Endorsed]
- Daniels, A. (2017) AQA GCSE (9-1) Chemistry for Combined Science: Trilogy. ISBN: 9780008175054 [Endorsed]
- Mitchell, S. (2016) AQA GCSE (9-1) Physics for Combined Science. Trilogy. ISBN: 9780008175061 [Endorsed]
- Dixon, N. et al. (2016) AQA GCSE (9-1) Combined Science: Trilogy 1. ISBN: 9781471851353 [Endorsed]
- Dixon, N. et al. (2016) AQA GCSE (9-1) Combined Science: Trilogy 2. ISBN: 9781471851360 [Endorsed]
- Dixon, N. et al. (2016) AQA GCSE (9-1) Combined Science: Trilogy (single book option). ISBN: 9781471883286 [Endorsed]
- Fullick, A. & Coates, A. (2016) AQA Biology for GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy. ISBN: 9780198359265 [Endorsed]
- Ryan, L. & Peacock, R. (2016) AQA Chemistry for GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy. ISBN: 9780198359272 [Endorsed]
- Breithaupt, J. (2016) AQA Physics for GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy. ISBN: 9780198359289 [Endorsed]
- Locke, J. et al. (2018) AQA GCSE Foundation: Combined Science: Trilogy and Entry Level Certificate: Student Book. ISBN: 9780198428831 [Endorsed]
Cambridge IGCSE Sciences Co-ordinated (Double) (0654)
- Winterbottom, M. & de Winter, J. (2017) Approaches to learning and teaching Science: a toolkit for international teachers. ISBN: 9781316645857 [Endorsed]
- Jones, M. (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences: Biology Workbook. ISBN: 9781316631041 [Endorsed]
- Harwood, R. & Lodge, I. (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences: Chemistry Workbook. ISBN: 9781316631058 [Endorsed]
- Jones, M. et al. (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences: Coursebook. ISBN: 9781316631010 [Endorsed]
- Jones, M. et al (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences: Teacher's Resource DVD-ROM. ISBN: 9781316631072 [Endorsed]
- Sang, D. (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences: Physics Workbook. ISBN: 9781316631065 [Endorsed]
- Kearsey, S. (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences: Biology. ISBN: 9780008191573 [Endorsed]
- Goodman, S. & Sunley, C. (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences: Chemistry. ISBN: 9780008210212 [Endorsed]
- Bradley, M. & Gardner, S. (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences: Physics. ISBN: 9780008210229 [Endorsed]
- Bradley, M. et al (2017) Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences: Teacher Guide. ISBN: 9780008191580 [Endorsed]
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award) (4SD0)
- Arnold, B. et al (2017) Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Science Double Award: Student Book. ISBN: 9780435185282 [Endorsed]
- Clegg, J. et al (2017) Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Biology: Student Book. ISBN: 978 0008236199 [Endorsed]
- Clark, J. et al (2017) Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Chemistry: Student Book. ISBN: 9780435185169 [Endorsed]
- Arnold, B. et al (2017) Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Physics: Student Book. ISBN: 9780435185275 [Endorsed]
Useful websites for IGCSE and GCSE Co-ordinated and Combined Sciences
Using an endorsed textbook alongside the syllabus or specification is always my first strategy in teaching or tutoring IGCSE or GCSE Co-ordinated or Combined Sciences. Then I look through the online resources to supplement and complement what is being learnt, and I am constantly researching new resources.
Here are a few resources you might find useful:
Here are a few resources you might find useful:
http://www.biology-resources.com
One of my favorite websites with experiments, drawings and notes on plants and animals.
www.cellsalive.com
Images of living cells and organisms to look at on this website.
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrkw2hv
BBC Bitesize gives plenty of revision notes for the sciences, as well as mini tests at the end of reviewing the material.
www.mheducation.com/highered/connect/virtual-labs.html#virtuallabs
If you cannot get access to a lab or you want to do virtual labs, this subscription site may be worthwhile. There are other virtual labs, like Late Night Labs, so make sure to do your research before purchase.
www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/biology
This is another revision site, with easy-to-read information.
http://www.adaptivecurriculum.com/us/
A subscription-based site, this is a good resource for virtual labs. The student works through the interactive lessons, and can ‘use’ lab equipment, take assessment tests, make notes and so on. The high school curriculum is being updated and improved all the time. NEW: Have a look at the Activity Objects to find a lab : www.adaptivecurriculum.com/us/lessons-library/catalog.html
http://www.apchute.com/biolab/index.htm
Although this is aimed at AP Level in the USA, this is a site worth looking through by the teachers, as there are many useful exercises. The ‘Various types of cells’ shows most of the common cells under a microscope, and then labels them.
http://www.khanacademy.org/
This is a really comprehensive site, mainly for maths and science. Geared at students of all ages, it is a wonderful site for self-paced learning. Teachers can use the site for lesson planning or to supplement what they are doing. It’s also fun to earn badges for completion of skill levels.
http://www.biology-online.org/
This site has been visited countless times by students, for dictionary definitions of words and terms, tutorials and more. The site can be an excellent reference source for teachers and students.
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/
An American based website for biology topics. This might be useful for students who like to research their information online.
http://www.biotopics.co.uk/
This site is full of information on a variety of biology topics. It is very busy so you need to take your time with it.
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/teachers
Investigations for selected biology topics by the Nuffield Foundation.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Lots of information about genetics, for the interested Biologist!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/chemistry/
Though this site does not cover IGCSE chemistry, it is still a useful secondary source of revision for students.
http://www.gcsechemistry.com/
This is another comprehensive site, useful for revision purposes or for note taking. The adverts are distracting though, and take up so much visual display.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/chemistry
A useful revision site for students, especially to recap all the basics.
http://www.docbrown.info/
Doc Brown’s comprehensive site of notes and revision material. The interactive quizzes with instant marking and explanations make this site worth returning to, again and again.
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/index.html#top
A UK-based site, with specific content on CAIE Chemistry for students and teachers alike.
http://www.chalkbored.com/lessons/chemistry-11.htm
A US-based site, but it contains useful information, including power points that can be used by students and teachers.
https://teachercavalcade.wordpress.com/
Another US-based site, this might have useful content, and it’s free, thanks to the teacher, Mr. Guch.
http://www.newyorkscienceteacher.com/sci/pages/miscon/refs.php
This site is a good resource to access for common misconceptions in science.
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-chemistry
Aimed at teachers, this site has plenty of experiments, worksheets and lesson plans. Well worth a look.
http://www.rsc.org/
There are numerous resources here for teachers and students. The periodic table is a quick reference tool, as hovering over any element gives various statistics.
http://www.world-nuclear.org/education/uran.htm
Nuclear energy information website, including where nuclear power reactors are found in the world.
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/science/chemistry
The Open University has some really interesting videos on a variety of subjects, including Chemistry.
www.gcsephysicsonline.com
I stumbled upon this website recently and it looks good. Physics was not my favorite science to learn about, so I rely on textbooks, videos and discussions to relearn and teach.
totallyphysics.co.uk
A website with Physics material, created by a teacher.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zpm6fg8
The BBC website page on Physics for GCSE. High quality content, well worth the visit.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/physics
The revision site for GCSE physics has plenty of useful information for the CIE syllabus.
http://www.gcse.com/physics.htm
Another revision site, giving bite-size chunks of information.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLijqQiSMHnP2aEdAajHRDsralGH9n3gHT
A highly qualified educator, Dr. Physics has uploaded lots of physics videos. This is a useful way to learn physics (especially for me!).
https://sites.google.com/site/quantumboffin/
Science is best learnt by doing, so this website of videos is a great way to understand the content of the course. Not specifically CAIE material, but fun physics videos to watch.
http://www.cyberphysics.co.uk/
This website was created by a Physics teacher, to help us navigate through the syllabus content. Thank you!
www.physicsclassroom.com
A comprehensive website covering Physics topics. Well worth a look.
Websites need to be checked often to make sure they are still relevant and the links are still active. All websites were checked and updated: April, 2021.
One of my favorite websites with experiments, drawings and notes on plants and animals.
www.cellsalive.com
Images of living cells and organisms to look at on this website.
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrkw2hv
BBC Bitesize gives plenty of revision notes for the sciences, as well as mini tests at the end of reviewing the material.
www.mheducation.com/highered/connect/virtual-labs.html#virtuallabs
If you cannot get access to a lab or you want to do virtual labs, this subscription site may be worthwhile. There are other virtual labs, like Late Night Labs, so make sure to do your research before purchase.
www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/biology
This is another revision site, with easy-to-read information.
http://www.adaptivecurriculum.com/us/
A subscription-based site, this is a good resource for virtual labs. The student works through the interactive lessons, and can ‘use’ lab equipment, take assessment tests, make notes and so on. The high school curriculum is being updated and improved all the time. NEW: Have a look at the Activity Objects to find a lab : www.adaptivecurriculum.com/us/lessons-library/catalog.html
http://www.apchute.com/biolab/index.htm
Although this is aimed at AP Level in the USA, this is a site worth looking through by the teachers, as there are many useful exercises. The ‘Various types of cells’ shows most of the common cells under a microscope, and then labels them.
http://www.khanacademy.org/
This is a really comprehensive site, mainly for maths and science. Geared at students of all ages, it is a wonderful site for self-paced learning. Teachers can use the site for lesson planning or to supplement what they are doing. It’s also fun to earn badges for completion of skill levels.
http://www.biology-online.org/
This site has been visited countless times by students, for dictionary definitions of words and terms, tutorials and more. The site can be an excellent reference source for teachers and students.
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/
An American based website for biology topics. This might be useful for students who like to research their information online.
http://www.biotopics.co.uk/
This site is full of information on a variety of biology topics. It is very busy so you need to take your time with it.
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/teachers
Investigations for selected biology topics by the Nuffield Foundation.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Lots of information about genetics, for the interested Biologist!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/chemistry/
Though this site does not cover IGCSE chemistry, it is still a useful secondary source of revision for students.
http://www.gcsechemistry.com/
This is another comprehensive site, useful for revision purposes or for note taking. The adverts are distracting though, and take up so much visual display.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/chemistry
A useful revision site for students, especially to recap all the basics.
http://www.docbrown.info/
Doc Brown’s comprehensive site of notes and revision material. The interactive quizzes with instant marking and explanations make this site worth returning to, again and again.
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/index.html#top
A UK-based site, with specific content on CAIE Chemistry for students and teachers alike.
http://www.chalkbored.com/lessons/chemistry-11.htm
A US-based site, but it contains useful information, including power points that can be used by students and teachers.
https://teachercavalcade.wordpress.com/
Another US-based site, this might have useful content, and it’s free, thanks to the teacher, Mr. Guch.
http://www.newyorkscienceteacher.com/sci/pages/miscon/refs.php
This site is a good resource to access for common misconceptions in science.
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-chemistry
Aimed at teachers, this site has plenty of experiments, worksheets and lesson plans. Well worth a look.
http://www.rsc.org/
There are numerous resources here for teachers and students. The periodic table is a quick reference tool, as hovering over any element gives various statistics.
http://www.world-nuclear.org/education/uran.htm
Nuclear energy information website, including where nuclear power reactors are found in the world.
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/science/chemistry
The Open University has some really interesting videos on a variety of subjects, including Chemistry.
www.gcsephysicsonline.com
I stumbled upon this website recently and it looks good. Physics was not my favorite science to learn about, so I rely on textbooks, videos and discussions to relearn and teach.
totallyphysics.co.uk
A website with Physics material, created by a teacher.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zpm6fg8
The BBC website page on Physics for GCSE. High quality content, well worth the visit.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/physics
The revision site for GCSE physics has plenty of useful information for the CIE syllabus.
http://www.gcse.com/physics.htm
Another revision site, giving bite-size chunks of information.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLijqQiSMHnP2aEdAajHRDsralGH9n3gHT
A highly qualified educator, Dr. Physics has uploaded lots of physics videos. This is a useful way to learn physics (especially for me!).
https://sites.google.com/site/quantumboffin/
Science is best learnt by doing, so this website of videos is a great way to understand the content of the course. Not specifically CAIE material, but fun physics videos to watch.
http://www.cyberphysics.co.uk/
This website was created by a Physics teacher, to help us navigate through the syllabus content. Thank you!
www.physicsclassroom.com
A comprehensive website covering Physics topics. Well worth a look.
Websites need to be checked often to make sure they are still relevant and the links are still active. All websites were checked and updated: April, 2021.