Edexcel International GCSE Science Revision Guide

Getting ready for your Edexcel International GCSE Science exams? Don’t worry – this guide breaks everything down clearly and gives you practical revision tips to help you feel confident and prepared 💪

📑 How Many Papers Are There?

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) is assessed through three externally examined papers: 

• Biology Paper 1

• Chemistry Paper 1

• Physics Paper 1

It is a linear qualification, which means all exams are taken at the end of the course, rather than being spread out over time. 

📑 Paper: Biology

• ⏰Duration: 2 hours




• 🏆Marks: 110 marks (33.3% of total grade)




• 📌Content: This paper covers the main areas of biology that ALL Double Award students must know. Key topics include:

The Nature and Variety of Living Organisms

• Characteristics of living organisms

• Variety of life: plants, animals, fungi, protoctists, bacteria, viruses

• Understanding pathogens and basic biology of life forms

Structure and Functions in Living Organisms

• Levels of organisation (cells → systems)

• Cell structures and functions

• Biological molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids)

• Membrane processes (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)

• Nutrition, respiration and gas exchange

• Transport systems in plants and humans

• Excretion and homeostasis

• Nervous and hormonal coordination

Reproduction and Inheritance

• Sexual vs asexual reproduction

• Reproduction in plants and animals

• Genes, DNA, Natural Selection

Ecology and the Environment

• Ecosystems, food chains/webs

• Energy flow and cycling of matter

• Human impacts and conservation

Use of Biological Resources

• Food Production

• Selective Breeding

• Genetic Modification

• ❓Question Types: The exam uses a mix of question formats that test recall, understanding, application, analysis, interpretation of data/graphs and explanation skills.

Main Question Types Used

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

• One correct answer chosen from four options (A–D)

• Usually placed at the start of the paper

• Worth 1 mark each

Short-Answer Questions

• Require a word, phrase or short sentence

• Often worth 1–2 marks

• Very common throughout the paper

Diagram-Based Questions

• Based on drawings of cells, organisms, organs or biological processes

• May involve labelling, identifying parts or explaining functions

Data Handling and Calculation Questions

Types include:

• Calculating means

• Calculating magnification

• Using formulas

• Reading values from tables and graphs

• Describing trends and patterns

Structured Questions (Multi-part Questions)

• Several linked parts (a), (b), (c), etc.

• Marks increase as questions progress

• May combine knowledge, explanation and data interpretation

Gap-Fill / Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

• A passage of text with missing biological terms

• Students write the correct word or phrase in each gap

Extended Response Questions

• Require longer written answers

• Typically worth 3–6 marks

• Answers must be well-structured and use correct terminology

Command Words Commonly Used:

• State / Name – short factual answer

• Describe – say what you see or know

• Explain – give reasons

• Calculate – show working and give an answer

• Compare – similarities and/or differences

• Suggest – apply knowledge to a new situation

📑 Paper: Chemistry

• ⏰Duration: 2 hours




• 🏆Marks: 110 marks (33.3% of total grade)




• 📌Content: The Chemistry Paper assesses understanding of chemical principles and processes across four main areas:

Principles of Chemistry

• States of matter and particle theory

• Atomic structure

• Chemical equations and reactions

• Ionic and covalent bonding

• The Periodic Table

Inorganic Chemistry

• Group properties (e.g., Group 1, halogens)

• Acids, bases and salts

• Acids and alkalis

• Gases in the atmosphere

• Reactivity series

Physical Chemistry

• Rates of reaction

• Energetics

• Reversible reactions and equilibria

Organic Chemistry

• Hydrocarbons

• Synthetic polymers

• Alkanes and Alkenes

• ❓Question Types: The paper assesses knowledge, understanding, application, calculation and practical chemistry skills.

Multiple-Choice and Selection Questions

• Students select the correct answer from given options.

• Usually worth 1 mark.

Short-Answer Recall Questions

• Require a brief response such as a name, symbol, formula or definition.

• Typically 1–2 marks

Diagram and Table Interpretation

• Use of diagrams such as:

• Periodic table extracts

• Dot-and-cross diagrams

• Apparatus diagrams

Calculation Questions

A significant part of the paper tests mathematical skills in chemistry.

Types include:

• Relative atomic mass (Ar)

• Relative formula mass (Mr)

• Empirical and molecular formula calculations

• Energy changes 

Students must usually show working and include units.

Data Interpretation and Graph Questions

• Students analyse results from experiments.

• Tasks may include:

  • Describing trends

  • Explaining patterns

  • Using data to justify conclusions

Practical and Experimental Scenario Questions

Although there is no practical exam, practical knowledge is assessed in writing.

Typical tasks:

• Explaining the purpose of apparatus

• Describing experimental methods

• Explaining results using particle theory

• Suggesting improvements to experiments

Explanations and Extended Responses

• Require longer written answers using correct scientific language.

• Usually worth 3–6 marks.

Multi-Part Structured Questions

• Longer questions broken into parts (a), (b), (c), etc.

• Difficulty increases through the question.

• Early parts test recall; later parts test application and reasoning.

📑 Paper: Physics

• ⏰Duration: 2 hours




• 🏆Marks: 110 marks (33.3% of total grade)




• 📌Content: Physics content is grouped into fundamental conceptual areas that build basic scientific reasoning:

Forces and Motion

• Speed, acceleration and motion graphs

• Forces, movement, shape and momentum

Electricity

• Electric current and resistance

• Circuits, potential difference and power

• Practical measurements

Waves

• Wave properties and behaviour

• Light and sound phenomena

• The electromagnetic spectrum

Energy Resources and Transfer

• Work and power

• Energy transfers

Solids, Liquids, Gases

• Density and pressure

• Ideal gas molecules

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

• Magnetism

• Electromagnetism

• Electromagnetic induction

Radioactivity and Particles

• Radiactivity

• Fission and fusion

Astrophysics

• Solar system and universe basics

• Light years, stars, life cycles

• ❓Question Types: The Physics paper tests knowledge, mathematical skills, data interpretation, practical understanding and written explanations.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Students choose one correct answer from four options (A–D).

• Usually appear at the start of the paper.

Short-Answer Questions

• Require brief written responses: a word, phrase, value or short sentence.

• Usually 1–2 marks.

Calculation Questions

Common calculations include:

• Speed, distance, and time

• Acceleration

• Force and weight

• Work done and energy

• Power

Data Interpretation and Graph Questions

Students frequently analyse tables, charts and graphs.

Tasks include:

• Reading values from graphs

• Describing trends

• Explaining relationships between variables

• Using data to support conclusions

• Calculating gradients or areas (where appropriate)

Diagram-Based Questions

• Use diagrams of:

• Circuits

• Ray diagrams

• Force diagrams

• Wave diagrams

• Experimental setups

Practical and Experimental Scenario Questions

Typical tasks:

• Identifying variables (independent, dependent, control)

• Describing how an experiment works

• Explaining sources of error

• Suggesting improvements

• Interpreting experimental results

✨Here are some top tips to make your revision more effective:

1. Know the specification📑 

• Use the specification as a checklist ✔️

• Tick off topics as you revise them

• Make sure you understand key command words like describe, explain and calculate

2. Revise all three sciences regularly 🔄

• Don’t revise Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately for months at a time

• Rotate subjects each week to keep ideas fresh 🧠

• Short, focused sessions (30–45 minutes) work best

3. Practice calculations ➗

• Learn key equations and practice rearranging them

• Always show your working – method marks matter!

• Check units carefully (a very common mistake 🚨)

4. Use past papers and mark schemes 📄

• Past papers are one of the best revision tools

• Practice under timed conditions ⏰

• Use mark schemes to learn how answers are worded

You will find the links to past papers and mark schemes on this page!

5. Don’t ignore practical skills 🔬

• Revise required practicals and experiments

• Know:

• Variables (independent, dependent, control)

• Why experiments might be inaccurate

• How to improve reliability and validity

6. Explain answers clearly 🗣️

• Use scientific keywords

• Write in full sentences for explanation questions

• For 4–6 mark questions, structure your answer logically (point → explanation → example)

Final tips for exam day 🌟

• Read each question carefully 👀

• Check how many marks are available before answering

• Don’t panic if a question looks difficult – try it anyway 💡

• Leave time at the end to check calculations and units