Wolsey Hall is a registered online Cambridge International School.
We offer a wide range of IGCSE courses.
IGCSE Combined Science will prepare your child for the following papers of Cambridge (CAIE) Combined Science syllabus 0653.
Benefits of studying Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science
Our Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science homeschooling course will give your child the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a scientifically coherent syllabus. Combined Science is a single award and will count as one subject.
Note that this course will not provide sufficient background to enable your child to move on to A level in any of the Sciences. Note also that this subject may not be taken alongside single subject Biology, Chemistry or Physics because of the overlap in syllabus content.
Your child will learn about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. As well as focusing on individual sciences, the course will enable an introduction to our technological world and a more informed interest in science and scientific developments. It is a good option if you would like your child to have an initial grounding in science rather than to take the individual science subjects.
Take a look at our latest Exam Results.
Prior requirements and hours of study
- Prior learning: CAIE recommends that learners who are beginning this course should previously have studied a Science syllabus such as that of the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme or equivalent national educational frameworks (eg. Years 7-9). Learners should also have adequate mathematical skills for the content contained in this syllabus (see the mathematical requirements in section 7.7).
- Your child should allow for up to 180 hours’ study time to complete the course plus additional time for completing assignments.
Additional service – online tuition
We are pleased to be able to offer Wolsey Hall students the opportunity to book 1:1 tuition at IGCSE level in Combined Science. Each session lasts 45 minutes.
Our courses are designed with a self-study approach, however, you may wish your child to have the opportunity to discuss a particular topic area with a Tutor and our 1:1 sessions allow them to direct their learning in this way.
Please note that this is an add-on service that incurs an additional fee.
The syllabus and exam
Paper 2
Extended multiple choice paper: 45 minutes, (30% of total mark)
Paper 4
Extended theory paper: 1 hour and 15 minutes, (50%)
Paper 6
Alternative to Practical paper which will test your familiarity with practical procedures which you will learn during the course: 1 hour, (20%)
IGCSE Combined Science Core will prepare your child for the following papers of Cambridge (CAIE) Combined Science Core syllabus 0653.
Paper 1
Multiple Choice (Core): 45 minutes (30% of total mark)
Paper 3
Theory (Core): 1 hour 15 minutes (50% of total marks)
Paper 6
Alternative to Practical paper which will test your familiarity with practical procedures which you will learn during the course: 1 hour (20% of total makes)
All of our IGCSE courses include a number of past exam papers in the final module. These include the most recent paper which can be taken as a mock exam and submitted to your Tutor for assessment and feedback for a modest additional fee.
Course sample
Course Fees
Ross Young
Steve Dixon
IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences
Our Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences homeschooling course will give your child the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a scientifically coherent syllabus. Co-ordinated Sciences counts as two subjects both for examination and for fees. Note however that the exam may not be taken alongside single subject Biology, Chemistry or Physics because of the overlap in syllabus content. Your child will learn about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies.
IGCSE English Language
Our IGCSE English Language homeschooling course will enable your child to communicate clearly and effectively. These skills are vital for entry to higher education and in the workplace. A good grade in IGCSE English Language (C or 4 or better) is evidence of these skills. It will satisfy the English Language entrance requirements of universities, and meet the needs of employers everywhere.
IGCSE Maths
Our Cambridge IGCSE Maths homeschooling course will provide your child with a strong grounding in the subject and fully prepare them for the IGCSE exam. They may take it at Extended level (up to grade A* or 9), or at Core level (up to grade C or 5).
IGCSE Computer Science
Our Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science homeschooling course will guide your child through the principles of computer science that will give them the underpinning knowledge required for other science and engineering subjects. Computer scientists design, develop, and apply the software and hardware for the programs we use day in day out. Almost every aspect of society, from family-owned businesses needing digital protection to homeless shelters needing a way to streamline their volunteer base, relies on computer science innovation.
Wolsey Hall Oxford’s IGCSE courses are excellent for students who wish to homeschool. The step by step programme of study, with designated textbooks and online resources ensured that my daughter understood the concepts and their application in a logical manner. She also benefitted from completing the assignments and past exam papers. She worked hard… asking questions, getting feedback from her Tutors and sharpening her exam technique. Without the Wolsey Hall Oxford programme, she would not have achieved her fantastic results (six A*’s in her IGCSEs in 2016).
Andrew Yeoh, IGCSE Homschooling Parent
Australia
I compared several homeschooling providers and although all charge similar fees (some even slightly lower!) I decided on Wolsey Hall Oxford because I felt confident about the help and care my daughter would receive. The support we receive is excellent. I would recommend Wolsey Hall to parents who care, not only about grades, but about the study experience as a whole. Students receive the respect they deserve and they get the encouragement to move forward despite sometimes having difficulties.
Dr Rose Haque, IGCSE Homeschooling Parent
Malaysia
I would recommend Wolsey Hall Oxford to anyone considering homeschooling. Each course has plenty of resources on canvas and the course books are very informative. Any questions or help that we needed (preparing and arranging exams etc) have always been dealt with by the friendly tutors and student progress manager. My daughter achieved excellent IGCSE results and is now taking an A Level course.
Donna Hogan – IGCSE Parent
UK
My son James was homeschooled and we chose Wolsey Hall to support him. The learning material was clear and concise and he was buoyed by the knowledge that support was only an email away. They say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Well, James did a clean sweep of A* and A’s. Job done. Thanks Wolsey Hall.
Rachel Fox, IGCSE Parent
UK
I’ve just got my results back and let’s just say I’m so happy! I am very lucky to have done schooling through this system. I used to go to regular school, where although my grades weren’t bad, I was struggling to keep up with everyone. I’ve found the best thing about Wolsey Hall is how I’m able to work at my own pace, so I’m never leaving topics behind that I don’t understand. Every question or problem I’ve had has been answered either through the Canvas resources or by my tutors. I’m really grateful for Wolsey for helping me pass all my exams, and I look forward to continue into my AS and AL years!
Rebekah Lubbe – IGCSE Student
Zimbabwe
Contact us
If you’re thinking of enrolling your child at Wolsey Hall Oxford and you’d like to know more about what we do or how to enrol, please get in touch. We’re ready to enrol new students throughout the academic year.