GCSE Combined Science
GCSE Combined Science, Physics Papers
GCSE Combined Science, physics papers only, taught to all major exam boards, online across the UK or in person in Birmingham and London.
Combined Science is worth two GCSEs and is assessed by six papers, two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. This page covers the two Physics papers.
How the exam works
- Linear: all six papers are sat at the end of Year 11, with no coursework.
- Each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks, one sixth of the qualification.
- All six papers are sat at the same tier.
- Foundation tier covers grade combinations 1-1 to 5-5. Higher tier covers 4-4 to 9-9.
The two physics papers
Topics 18–21: Physics paper 1
Physics paper 1
Physics paper 1
Physics paper 1
Physics paper 1
Topics 22–24: Physics paper 2
Physics paper 2
Physics paper 2
Physics paper 2
Space physics isn’t part of Combined Science — it’s covered only in separate Physics. Content here follows the same topics as separate Physics, but in less depth.
Required practicals
Combined Science has 21 required practicals across all three sciences. As at separate Physics GCSE, there’s no teacher-assessed practical endorsement — practical-based questions are examined through the written papers.
Combined Science or separate Physics?
If your school has entered you for separate sciences, you sit separate Physics, Chemistry and Biology as three individual GCSEs, with more content and more depth per subject. If you’re entered for Combined Science, you sit this six-paper Trilogy route instead and come away with two GCSEs. If you’re studying separate Physics rather than Combined Science, see our GCSE Physics tutor page instead.
How lessons work
- A shared digital whiteboard, worked through together in real time.
- Screen share, for past papers, specifications and your own working.
- Written notes sent after every session.
- Evening and weekend availability, with no travel time.
In-person lessons are also available in Birmingham and London, with a 90 minute minimum session.
See the teaching, not a claim about it
A fully worked question
A kettle transfers 180,000 J of energy to the water in 90 seconds. Calculate the power of the kettle.
Power is energy transferred per second.
Substitute E = 180,000 J, t = 90 s.
Power of the kettle.
Format and price
GCSE Maths, Physics and Combined Science
Gaps diagnosed first, then exam technique and past papers.
Frequently asked questions
Do you teach the Biology and Chemistry papers too?
No. Combined Science is assessed by six papers, two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics, and we teach the two Physics papers only. Please don't book expecting Biology or Chemistry coverage.
How is AQA Combined Science: Trilogy assessed overall?
Six papers in total, all sat at the end of Year 11 with no coursework: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks, and worth one sixth of the qualification. It's worth two GCSEs.
What grade do I actually get?
Combined Science awards two grades on a single 17-point scale, for example 7-6. Foundation tier covers grade combinations from 1-1 to 5-5; Higher tier covers 4-4 to 9-9.
What's the difference between Combined Science and separate Physics?
Combined Science physics covers the same topic areas as separate Physics but in less depth, across two papers instead of separate Physics's two. Space physics isn't included in Combined Science at all — it's separate Physics only. See our separate Physics page if you're choosing between the two, or unsure which you're taking.
Does online tuition work as well as in person for Combined Science physics?
For most students, yes: a shared whiteboard and screen share cover diagrams and calculations the same way an in-person lesson would. If you'd prefer to work through it face to face, in-person lessons in Birmingham or London are available too.
Ready to book?
No charge for the first call.