Science

Pupils follow the 2 year Cambridge IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses at KS4. At present, the Biology course is compulsory to students at this level while the Chemistry and Physics courses are optional. (www.cie.org.uk)

 

The three assessment objectives in Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610, Chemistry 0620 and Physics 0625 are:

 

A: Knowledge with understanding

B: Handling information and problem solving

C: Experimental skills and investigations

 

The aims of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics syllabus, listed below, are the same for all students:

 

1. to provide a worthwhile educational experience for all candidates, through well designed studies of experimental and practical science, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level

 

2. to enable candidates to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to:

• become confident citizens in a technological world, to take or develop an informed interest in scientific matters

• recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and to appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life

• be suitably prepared for studies beyond the IGCSE in pure sciences, in applied sciences or in science-dependent vocational courses

 

3. to develop abilities and skills that:

• are relevant to the study and practice of biology, chemistry and physics

• are useful in everyday life

• encourage efficient and safe practice

• encourage effective communication

 

4. to stimulate interest in the environment and caring for it

 

5. to promote an awareness that:

• scientific theories and methods have developed, and continue to do so, as a result of the co-operative activities of groups and individuals

• the study and practice of science is subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations

• the applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment

• science transcends national boundaries and that the language of science, correctly and rigorously applied, is universal

 

A list of topics studied in IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Chemistry and IGCSE Physics can be seen in the pdf attached below