GCSE Combined Science B: Which practicals do I need to cover with my students?

For separate sciences, you need to cover at least 8 practicals per science. For Combined Science, you need to cover at least 16 practicals across the three sciences.

We have split these practicals into Practical Activity Groups (PAGs) and suggested practicals that you can complete. You can choose to do your own version of a practical, and don’t need to stick to our suggestions.

You need to ensure that whatever practical you do meets the apparatus and techniques required, which are listed in our practical tables. These are what are assessed in the exams, alongside How Science Works/Working Scientifically.  

The practicals we suggest, and the apparatus and techniques list are found in each specification.

For each PAG, we offer 2 or 3 suggested practicals. These can be found under Teaching on Teach Cambridge.

We also have resources with suggested practicals for each PAG, with teacher and technician notes, and student extension questions. 

Within the specification content there are also a number of practical techniques and apparatus that students should be familiar with but do not need to perform in the classroom.