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Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award) Past Papers
Official question papers, mark schemes and examiner reports.
66 papers13 exam sessionsFree to download
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Navigator’s note
Reacting Ratios for Chemistry
Always check the coefficients in the chemical equation and incorporate them into your mole-to-mass or mole-to-mole conversions.
All 5 examiner tipsEdexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award) papers by session
November 2020
6 papersLatest seriesJanuary 2020
6 papersExaminer InsightsEdexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award)
Examiner tips.
Practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and write stronger answers.
01Common mistake
Reacting Ratios for Chemistry
A very common mistake is ignoring the molar ratios (e.g., 2:1 or 3:2) provided in balanced chemical equations.
How to improve
Always check the coefficients in the chemical equation and incorporate them into your mole-to-mass or mole-to-mole conversions.
Check the command word before you write.
1 / 5
02Common mistake
Bonds vs. Intermolecular Forces
Students often confuse the strong covalent bonds within a molecule with the weak intermolecular forces between molecules. Phrases like "weak forces between the bonds" are frequently seen and score no marks.
“weak forces between the bonds”
How to improve
Use "covalent bonds" only when discussing the atoms inside a molecule and "intermolecular forces" when discussing boiling/melting points of simple molecular substances.
Check the command word before you write.
2 / 5
03Common mistake
Energy Descriptions for Chemistry
When explaining high or low melting points, students often say "more" or "less" energy is needed.
How to improve
Use absolute terms. Giant structures require a "large amount of energy" to break strong bonds, while simple molecules require "little energy" to overcome weak forces
Check the command word before you write.
3 / 5
04Common mistake
Confusing Contamination and Irradiation for Physics
There is significant confusion between radioactive contamination (the unwanted presence of radioactive atoms on or in an object) and irradiation (exposure to radiation without becoming radioactive).
How to improve
Remember that if a source remains in a fixed location (like thorium in a solid work surface), it can only irradiate nearby objects; contamination only occurs if physical particles of the radioactive material are moved onto another surface.
Check the command word before you write.
4 / 5
05Common mistake
Poorly Constructed Orbital and Field Diagrams for Physics
For space physics, students often fail to draw the Sun or Earth at the centre of the orbit for planets or moons. In magnetism, field lines are sometimes drawn crossing each other or with incorrect arrow directions.
How to improve
Use a sharp pencil and compass where possible.
Stick to 2D drawings (avoid 3D perspective as it obscures the shape) and always label the direction of field lines as North to South.
Check the command word before you write.
5 / 5
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (Double Award) specification changing for 2027?
No. The 2027 specification is identical to 2026—same core content, practicals, and exam format. Physics equation sheets will continue to be provided during exams, so you won't memorize formulas. Instead, focus on application over memorization , core practicals, and precise subject terminology across biology, chemistry, and physics. Past papers and revision guides from 2026 remain fully suitable for 2027.
When was the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science (Double Award) specification last substantially rewritten?
The last major overhaul was for first teaching in September 2017 (first exams June 2019), which introduced the 9–1 grading scale. Since then, there have been two structural changes: Edexcel scrapped the January exam series in November 2023 (replaced with November exams; content unchanged) and introduced a Modular option in September 2024, allowing international schools to split exams into separate units across different exam series. The modular content is identical to the 2017 linear syllabus—only the exam timing and structure differ.
How do you know which Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science syllabus code and exam route you're registered for?
Check your Statement of Entry for your code: 4SD0 is the Linear route (all exams at the end in one series); 4XSD0is the Modular route (units tested separately across different terms, available only outside the UK). Both teach identical content—only the exam timing differs. You may see an "R" added to codes (e.g., 4SD0R), which indicates Regional papers for your geographic area; these test the same syllabus but with different questions. Don't confuse it with Triple/Separate Science (codes 4BI1, 4CH1, 4PH1), which are different qualifications, or with UK domestic GCSE (codes starting with 1, like 1SC0), which has different content and requires physics equation memorization. Past papers from both standard and "R" versions are safe to practice—they cover identical content.
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