Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SD0) - Issue 4 - Specification

Oct 20, 2026

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SD0) specification sets out the linear qualification structure for untiered, written examinations, including requirements and assessment objectives. It explains how the science content is organised across biology, chemistry and physics topics, with practical investigations integrated as specification points. The document details assessment information, administration and general guidance, entry and forbidden combinations, awarding and reporting, and a full set of appendices covering codes, command words, transferable skills, mathematical skills, and supporting resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages96

Reading Time4 h 2 min

AccessFree to download

About this specification

Qualification at a glance

Science content

Biology content

Chemistry content

Physics content

Assessment information

Assessment requirements

Assessment objectives and weightings

Administration and general information

Entries and forbidden combinations

Access arrangements and malpractice

Awarding and reporting

Student recruitment and progression

Appendices

Appendix 1: Codes

Appendix 5: Command word taxonomy

Appendix 6: Suggested practical investigations

Appendix 10: Glossary

International GCSE Science (Double Award) (9–1) Specification Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SD0) First teaching September 2017 First examination June 2019 Issue 4 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. ISBN 978 1 446 93121 9 All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2024 Summary of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award ) (4SD0) specification Issue 4 changes | Summary of changes made between previous issue and this current issue | Page number | | --- | --- | | Qualification at a glance
Availability of series amended to November and June | 7, 8, 9 | | Administration and general information
Modular International GCSEs added to forbidden combinations | 63 | | Appendix 5: Command word taxonomy
“Which” added to the command word taxonomy | 78 | If you need further information on these changes or what they mean, contact us via our website at: [qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html](qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html). About this specification 1 Why choose Pearson Edexcel qualifications? 4 Why choose the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award)? 5 Supporting you in planning and implementing thisqualification 6 Qualification at a glance 7 Science content 11 Biology content 13 Chemistry content 27 Physics content 41 Assessment information 59 Assessment requirements 59 Assessment objectives and weightings 61 Relationship of assessment objectives to components/papers 61 Administration and general information 63 Entries and forbidden combinations 63 Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice 63 Awarding and reporting 66 Student recruitment and progression 66 Appendices 67 Appendix 1: Codes 69 Appendix 2: Pearson World Class Qualification design principles 71 Appendix 3: Transferable skills 73 Appendix 4: Mathematical skills 75 Appendix 5: Command word taxonomy 77 Appendix 6: Suggested practical investigations 79 Appendix 7: The Periodic Table 83 Appendix 8: Physics formulae for relationships 85 Appendix 9: Electrical circuit symbols 87 Appendix 10: Glossary 89 The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) is part of a suite of International GCSE 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 linear qualification. Three written examinations must be taken in the same series at the end of the course of study. Content The content is relevant, engaging, up-to-date and of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE in Combined Science . Assessment Untiered, written examinations with questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities. Approach It builds a foundation for students wishing to progress to Pearson Edexcel AS and Advanced Level or equivalent qualifications, focusing on key science theory.

FAQs

What is the structure of the International GCSE Science (Double Award) qualification?

It is a linear qualification requiring three written examinations to be taken in the same series at the end of the course of study.

How is the science content organised in the specification?

Content is arranged as separate biology, chemistry and physics topics, and each topic includes a summary of sub-topics at the start. Centres must teach the specified minimum bullet points, including the required level of detail introduced by the word “including”.

When does Issue 4 take effect for first teaching and assessment?

Issue 4 is valid for first teaching from September 2017, with first assessment from June 2019 and first certification from August 2019.

Oct 20, 2026

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