What is the difference between IGCSE Combined Sciences Core and Extended?

To take account of differing abilities, there is a choice between Core and Extended papers in IGCSE Combined Sciences. 

All candidates take three papers. 

Candidates who have studied the Core subject content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G. 

Candidates who have studied the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.

If a student is currently in the ‘middle’ of the performance range A* to G, only the Extended tier will offer the higher grades the student may be capable of achieving. Students are not able to achieve above a C for their syllabus grade if they are entered for the Core curriculum.