GCSE

AQA GCSE Combined Science Revision

Adaptive practice aligned to the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance specification. 10 topics, exam-style questions, and instant AI feedback.

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About AQA GCSE Combined Science

AQA is the largest exam board in England, setting GCSE and A-Level exams taken by millions of students each year. Known for clear mark schemes and well-structured specifications across all major subjects.

GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) covers all three sciences — Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — in a single qualification worth two GCSEs. You study the core content from each discipline but in slightly less depth than the separate science GCSEs.

Topics in AQA GCSE Combined Science

1 Cell Biology

2 Atomic Structure

3 Energy

4 Bioenergetics

5 Chemical Changes

6 Electricity

7 Ecology

8 Organic Chemistry

9 Forces

10 Waves

Study Tips for AQA Combined Science

Create a revision timetable that allocates equal time to Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It is tempting to focus on the science you enjoy most, but your grade is based on all three, so balance is key.

Use topic checklists from your exam board specification to track what you have revised. Tick off each topic as you cover it so nothing slips through the cracks across three subjects.

Prioritise understanding the required practicals for all three sciences. Practical-based questions make up around 15% of the marks and are often the most straightforward to prepare for.

Make a formula sheet for Physics equations and a glossary of key terms for Biology and Chemistry. Review these for ten minutes each day to build long-term recall.

Exam Tips for AQA Combined Science

You will sit six papers in total — two for each science. Check which topics are on which paper so you can focus your last-minute revision appropriately before each exam.

For calculation questions in Chemistry and Physics, always show your working and include units. Even a wrong final answer can earn method marks if your approach is correct.

Manage your time carefully across each paper. If a question is worth 1 mark, spend about a minute on it. If it is worth 6 marks, allow yourself 8-10 minutes to plan and write a full response.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many papers are in GCSE Combined Science?

There are six papers in total: two Biology, two Chemistry, and two Physics. Each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes. Together they count as two GCSEs.

How is Combined Science graded?

Combined Science is graded on a 17-point scale from 1-1 to 9-9. You receive a double grade, such as 7-7 or 6-5, which counts as two GCSEs on your results slip.

Can I do A-Level Biology with Combined Science?

Yes, most sixth forms will accept a high grade in Combined Science (typically 7-7 or 6-6) for A-Level science subjects. However, some schools prefer students who took the separate sciences. Check your chosen sixth form for their specific requirements.

Is Combined Science easier than separate sciences?

The content is slightly less detailed, but the breadth is enormous — you are effectively covering three subjects. Many students find the workload comparable to separate sciences, just distributed differently.