IGCSE 2026 Exam Trends: Edexcel Combined Science 4SD0

Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science (4SD0) is a double award (two grades) covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It is assessed with Biology Paper 1, Chemistry Paper 1, and Physics Paper 1 (or equivalent structure – check the current spec). Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• 4SD0 – separate Biology, Chemistry, and Physics papers; structure unchanged for 2025–2026. Each science is examinable; practical skills are tested within the written papers.
• Balance of topics follows the spec; calculations (chemistry, physics) and key terms (biology) are regularly tested. Identify which science each question is from and use correct terminology.
• Practical-style questions (method, variables, data, conclusions, evaluation) appear across the three sciences.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Biology: Cells, enzymes, nutrition, circulation, ecology; magnification; variables and control; precise terms and cause–effect explanation.
• Chemistry: Mole, electrolysis, organic (names, reactions), rates, equilibrium; balanced equations; calculations with working and units.
• Physics: Forces, energy, electricity (V=IR, circuits), waves; formulae, units; working in calculations; explanation in terms of physics principles.
• Cross-topic or application questions may draw on more than one science; correct subject and terminology are essential.

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports highlight confusion between sciences (e.g. wrong terms), calculation errors (formula, units), and practical evaluation underperforming.
• No reported shift in difficulty; clarity about which science is being tested and accuracy in calculations and terminology are key.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format matches past Edexcel series. Past papers are a good guide to balance and question style for each science.
• Topics are predictable from the spec; contexts vary. Exact questions are not predictable; marking focus (correct science, working, units) is.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Correct subject – biology terms for biology, chemistry for chemistry, physics for physics. Calculations – formula, substitution, answer with unit; working credited.
• Practical – variables, control, conclusion from data, evaluation with specific points. Marking consistent with past series.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Three sciences – revise all three; use correct terminology per subject. Calculations (chemistry, physics) and explanation (all three). Practical – method, analysis, evaluation.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Subject focus – use the right science and correct terms in each answer.
2. Chemistry and physics calculations – formula, substitution, units; working.
3. Biology – key terms, definitions, cause–effect explanation.
4. Practical – variables, control, tables, graphs, conclusion, evaluation.
5. Past papers – under timed conditions for each science.

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Based on current specification and examiner reports. Always use the latest Edexcel 4SD0 specification for your series.