International GCSE Science (Double Award) (9–1) (Modular) - Issue 2 - Specification updates

Oct 20, 2026

Specification for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (Modular) 4XSD1, Issue 2. Covers key qualification dates—first teaching from September 2024, first examination in June 2025, and first certification in August 2025. Describes modular structure, assessment approach, and learning content across biology, chemistry, and physics, with assessment objectives, administration requirements, and a set of appendices such as codes, transferable and mathematical skills, command word taxonomy, practical investigations, formulae, circuit symbols, and glossary.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages96

Reading Time4 h 2 min

AccessFree to download

Summary of changes made between previous issue and this current issue

About Pearson

Summary of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) Modular 4XSD1 - Issue 2 changes

1 About this specification

Course introduction

Why choose Pearson Edexcel qualifications?

Why choose the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (Modular)?

Supporting you in planning and implementing this qualification

2 Qualification at a glance

3 Science content

Biology content

Chemistry content

Physics content

4 Assessment information

Assessment objectives and weightings

Relationship of assessment objectives to components/papers

5 Administration and general information

Entries and forbidden combinations

Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice

Awarding and reporting

Learner recruitment and progression

Appendices

International GCSE Science (Double Award) (9–1)(Modular) Specification Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (Modular) (4XSD1) First teaching September 2024 First examination June 2025 First certification August 2025 Issue 2 About Pearson We are the world’s leading learning company operating in countries all around the world. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. We are committed to helping equip learners with the skills they need to enhance their employability prospects and to succeed in the changing world of work. We believe that wherever learning flourishes so do people. References to third party materials made in this specification are made in good faith. Pearson does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Materials may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All information in this specification is correct at time of publication. Publication code: GQ000031 All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2024 Summary of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) Modular 4XSD1 Issue 2 changes | Summary of changes made between previous issue and this current issue | Page number | | --- | --- | | Appendix 4: Command word taxonomy
Command words amended | 82, 83 | 1 About this specification 3 Course introduction 4 Why choose Pearson Edexcel qualifications? 6 Why choose the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (Modular)? 7 Supporting you in planning and implementing thisqualification 9 2 Qualification at a glance 10 3 Science content 17 Biology content 19 1 The nature and variety of living organisms 19 2 Structure and functions in living organisms: Part 1 21 3 Structure and functions in living organisms: Part 2 24 4 Reproduction and inheritance 26 5 Ecology and the environment 28 6 Use of biological resources 30 Chemistry content 32 1 Principles of chemistry: Part 1 32 2 Inorganic chemistry: Part 1 35 3 Physical chemistry: Part 1 37 4 Organic chemistry: Part 1 38 5 Principles of chemistry: Part 2 40 6 Inorganic chemistry: Part 2 42 7 Physical chemistry: Part 2 44 8 Organic chemistry: Part 2 45 Physics content 46 1 Forces and motion 46 2 Electricity 48 3 Energy resources and energy transfers 50 4 Solids, liquids and gases: Part 1 52 5 Waves 53 6 Solids, liquids and gases: Part 2 56 7 Magnetism and electromagnetism 57 8 Radioactivity and particles 59 9 Astrophysics 61 4 Assessment information 63 Assessment objectives and weightings 67 Relationship of assessment objectives to components/papers 67 5 Administration and general information 68 Entries and forbidden combinations 68 Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice 68 Awarding and reporting 71 Learner recruitment and progression 73 Appendices 75 Appendix 1: Codes 77 Appendix 2: Transferable skills 78 Appendix 3: Mathematical skills 80 Appendix 4: Command word taxonomy 82 Appendix 5: Suggested practical investigations 84 Appendix 6: The Periodic Table 87 Appendix 7: Physics formulae for relationships 88 Appendix 8: Electrical circuit symbols 90 Appendix 9: Glossary 91 The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (Modular) is part of a suite of International GCSE (Modular) qualifications offered by Pearson. This qualification is not accredited or regulated by any UK regulatory body. This specification includes the following key features. Structure The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) is a modular qualification. All units are available in the June and November exam series and can be sat in any order or re-sat. A cash-in

FAQs

What qualification is covered by this specification and what is the code?

This specification is for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (Modular), code 4XSD1.

What are the key dates for first teaching, assessment, and certification?

First teaching starts in September 2024, first assessment takes place in June 2025, and first certification is in August 2025.

How is the International GCSE Science (Double Award) structured for assessment?

It is a modular qualification where all units are available in the June and November exam series, can be taken in any order, and can be re-sat; a cash-in code is required to obtain an overall grade.

Oct 20, 2026

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