Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science: Your Complete Guide

Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science is a double-award qualification: you study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in a coordinated way and receive two IGCSE grades (e.g. AA, BC). This guide covers papers, Core vs Extended, and how to prepare.

What is IGCSE Coordinated Science?

Coordinated Science covers the three sciences with more depth and clearer separation of each subject than Combined Science. You sit six papers (2 per science) and get one double award. It is a strong preparation for A-Level or IB sciences.

Papers you need to choose

You take 6 papers in total:

• Biology: 2 papers (Core or Extended — your school chooses one level for all three).
• Chemistry: 2 papers (Core or Extended).
• Physics: 2 papers (Core or Extended).

You cannot mix Core and Extended. Most students aiming for strong grades take Extended in all three.

Calculator use

Calculators are allowed where calculations are required. You must show working and use correct units in all three sciences.

How hard is Coordinated Science? Is it popular?

• Difficulty: Often seen as more demanding than Combined Science due to more content and depth per subject. Extended across all three is a substantial workload.
• Popularity: Coordinated Science is very popular in international schools as the default double-award option.

Top revision tips for Coordinated Science

1. Practise past papers for each science under timed conditions.
2. Balance revision across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — all count towards your double grade.
3. Learn key terms, equations, and formulae for each subject.
4. Use a resources platform with past papers and revision notes to cover all three sciences efficiently.

How Tutopiya supports IGCSE Coordinated Science students

Tutopiya specialises in IGCSE and supports Coordinated Science. Our resources platform includes 200,000+ past papers, AI practice, and revision notes developed over 8+ years. Our tutors include ex- and current international-school teachers and IGCSE board examiners (subject-dependent). You can use the platform for past papers and revision across all three sciences, and book a free trial for 1-to-1 tutoring in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

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This guide is for information only. Check the latest syllabus and papers with your school and Cambridge International.