Contents
Getting ready for Combined Science GCSE doesn’t need to feel confusing. If you’re taking your exam with AQA, we’re here to help.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from where to find AQA past papers to an overview of the Combined Science specification. Read on to understand what the exam will look like and how you can best prepare to ace the test.
Not sure which exam board your school uses? Take a look at our guide to finding out which exam board you’re studying.
Key takeaways:
Combined Science is a double award, so you’ll receive two final grades.
You can study either Synergy or Trilogy, with Trilogy following a more traditional format, separating Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
A formula sheet for Physics will be provided for Combined Science exams.
What’s the format for AQA Combined Science GCSE?
There are different formats of AQA Combined Science. You can choose the option that best matches your subject skill and further or higher education goals.
Combined Science is a double award, meaning you’ll receive two final grades (eg. 6-7)
There are two tiers you can study: Foundation or Higher.
There are two types of AQA Combined Science exam, Trilogy and Synergy, which are explained in more depth below.
Both types test Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
What’s the difference between Trilogy and Synergy?
There are two routes for Combined Science with AQA: Trilogy and Synergy.
The key differences between the two are:
Trilogy
Focuses on each of the three sciences individually: Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
Six papers in total: two Chemistry, two Physics and two Biology.
Each paper is 1 hour and 15 minutes long and worth 70 marks.
Each science discipline is assessed separately across two papers.
Synergy
Learning is grouped by theme into ‘Life and Environmental Science’ and ‘Physical Science’.
Four papers in total: two on ‘Life and Environmental Science’ and two on ‘Physical Science’.
Each paper is 1 hour and 45 minutes long and worth 100 marks.
The learning is integrated, linking topics across disciplines.
If you’re someone who likes to find connections across different topics and disciplines, Synergy might be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer to separate the disciplines or plan to study one or more of the Sciences beyond GCSE, Trilogy might be the right choice.
What’s the difference between Higher and Foundation?
As well as choosing Synergy or Trilogy, you can also take Higher or Foundation level Combined Science, depending on your level.
Foundation tier Combined Science AQA:
Covers the core topics you need to know, excluding more complex or demanding areas.
In Foundation Combined Science, you can achieve a maximum of 5 for each grade (5-5).
Higher tier Combined Science AQA:
The Higher tier covers both core and more advanced topics across the curriculum.
For Higher tier Combined Science, you can achieve a maximum of 9 for each grade (9-9).
The lowest grade you can get is a 4-4, or a 4-3 for students who just miss a 4-4.
Your school will place you in the right tier based on your performance in Year 9. Sometimes, students may be moved up or down a tier during Year 10 or 11.
AQA requires all Combined Science exams to be taken at the same level, so you cannot do Higher for one part and Foundation for another.
Should I take Combined or Triple Science?
The key differences between Combined and Triple Science are:
Combined Science counts as two GCSEs, giving you more choice for other subjects.
Triple Science counts as three and is a great option if you want to continue studying one or more of the Science subjects.
You can take Triple Science subjects in a combination of Higher and Foundation. For example, you could do Higher Physics and Chemistry and Foundation Biology.
You must take Combined Science at the same tier.
Combined Science: Synergy, gives you the option to learn all three sciences in an integrated way.
It’s up to you to choose what suits your goals best. If you love all three sciences and want to pursue them further after GCSE, then Triple is a good choice for you. If you like Science but have other subjects you like more, Combined gives you more choice.
Is there an equations sheet for Combined Science AQA?
Yes! It’s been confirmed that equation sheets will continue to be provided for AQA Combined Science.
The sheet will cover the key formulas used for Physics and will be provided for both the Trilogy Physics papers and all the Synergy papers.
The formula sheet includes key equations needed for both Foundation and Higher tier Physics.
Take a look at the 2025 equation sheet here.
What are the grade boundaries for Combined Science GCSE?
It’s important to remember that the exact grade boundaries for your GCSE exams will change every year.
Exam boards adjust grade boundaries after an exam, depending on the exam's difficulty and how the cohort performed.
This is so students don’t have an advantage or disadvantage because of the year they took the paper. For example, if your paper were harder, grade boundaries would be lowered so that a grade 5 reflects the same level of knowledge as in previous years.
Let’s take a look at the grade boundaries for AQA Combined Science from 2024 to get a sense of how grades are awarded:
Remember, these won’t be the exact grade boundaries for the next exam, but should give you a sense of how many marks to aim for to hit your target grades.
Learn more: take a look at our blog on how GCSE exams are graded.
What grade counts as a pass for Combined Science?
With Combined Science giving you two grades, it can be confusing to understand whether you’ve passed or not if one of your marks is lower than a 4 or 5.
So, is a 4-3 a pass for GCSE Combined Science?
It’s important to understand that your grade is based on your overall mark across the three subjects. You can only get either the same grade (5-5) or adjacent grades (5-4) to reflect your performance across the papers.
A 4-3 would not count as a full pass. You have one pass and one fail. The best thing to do is check with your school or college to see whether you need to resit the exam to carry on with your choice of Further Education.
Where can I find past papers and mark schemes?
Practising with past papers and mark schemes is one of the most effective ways to prepare for GCSE Combined Science.
Past papers help you to understand the different question styles, see how marks are awarded, and build confidence with real exam timing and structure.
Head to the AQA website to find past papers and mark schemes from previous GCSE Combined Science exams for Trilogy and Synergy.
What key topics do I need to know for AQA Combined Science GCSE?
AQA Combined Science papers cover a range of topics. You’ll need a thorough understanding of each to achieve top marks, so make sure you revise any areas you find tricky ahead of the exams.
Main topics for Combined Science: Trilogy
Biology topics
Cell Biology
Organisation
Infection & Response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis & Response
Inheritance, Variation & Evolution
Ecology
Key ideas integrated across Biology
Chemistry topics
Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table
Bonding, Structure & the Properties of Matter
Quantitative Chemistry
Chemical Changes
Energy Changes
Rate & Extent of Chemical Change
Organic Chemistry
Chemical Analysis
Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Using Resources
Key ideas integrated across Chemistry
Physics topics
Energy
Electricity
Particle Model of Matter
Atomic Structure
Forces
Waves
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Key ideas integrated across Physics
Main topics for Combined Science: Synergy
Building blocks
Transport over larger distances
Interactions with the environment
Explaining change
Building blocks for understanding
Interactions over small and large distances
Movement and interactions
Guiding Spaceship Earth towards a sustainable future
Key ideas
All the themes blend Chemistry, Physics, and Biology to provide an integrated way of learning Science.
Check out the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification for Synergy and Trilogy to learn more.
What are examiners looking for?
The assessment objectives for GCSE Combined Science are set by Ofqual, the exams regulator, and are consistent across exam boards.
Examiners are looking for the following in your exam papers:
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas; scientific techniques and procedures
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas; scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures
AO3: Analyse information and ideas to interpret and evaluate; make judgments and draw conclusions; develop and improve experimental procedures
How can I prepare for AQA Combined Science GCSE?
To prepare for Combined Science exams, you’ll need to start revising early to make sure you’re confident covering all the key topics.
5 top tips to prepare for GCSE Combined Science:
1. Understand key vocabulary, definitions and units
Don’t miss out on marks for questions asking you to state or define terms. Make sure you get your head around the key vocab, definitions and units. You can use flashcards to help you memorise key terms and quiz yourself.
2. Use practice papers and mark schemes
Practising exam questions from past papers and checking your answers will help you get used to the question format and understand how to get top marks. You can also take a whole test and practise under timed conditions too, to build confidence for the real thing.
3. Mix up your revision techniques
It’s a good idea to try a mix of revision tactics. From flashcards to teaching others, a mix will help learning to stick. Studying little and often will also help you avoid fatigue and burnout.
4. Practise applying and analysing knowledge and ideas
Assessment objectives 2 and 3 are asking you to apply what you know to analyse and draw conclusions. When you learn a new concept, try asking yourself: how can I apply this in a different scenario? Or what assumptions or errors might affect this conclusion?
5. Plan, review, and adapt your revision
After each mock or practice paper you take, identify the topics or question types you struggle with, then prioritise those in your next revision cycle. Over time, your weak areas will shrink and your confidence will grow!
Whether you choose to pursue Trilogy or Synergy, understanding the format of the AQA papers, mark schemes, and grade boundaries will help you properly prepare. Bookmark this blog and get ready to go into the exam hall with confidence.
Don’t miss Atom’s GCSE giveaway!
Six months. Six epic prizes. Six chances to make the GCSE season unforgettable.
We’re launching Atom for GCSE prep in 2026, and to celebrate, over the next six months, we’re giving away thousands of pounds worth of prizes to help your child level up their GCSE revision.
Here’s a taste of what’s up for grabs:
The latest Apple tech, including an iPad Air, Vision Pro and more
Festival tickets for Boardmasters and Reading 2026
Europe interrail passes and £1,000 spending money
…and that’s just a few of the amazing prizes available.
Our September winner has already taken home an incredible prize! Find out who it was and what they won in our latest giveaway update.
It’s free to join. UK only. Full T&Cs apply.
Contents