Subject Overview

IGCSE Science aims to provide an enjoyable and worthwhile educational experience for all students learning science. It gives a well-rounded approach to each of the scientific disciplines and has a strong emphasis on investigative techniques and the Inquiry Cycle. Throughout the course, students can expect to plan and carry out many investigations to test scientific concepts and phenomenon in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

IGCSE Science also aims to enable students to appreciate that science is subject to social, economic and technological influences and that the applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual and the environment, how it is the responsibility of the individual, and to ensure that science is applied in an ethically acceptable manner.

The IGCSE Science syllabus provides the perfect step-up for any student wishing to continue a science based subject at IB level or equivalent.

Internal Assessment

Non exam based assessment: Students will be assessed on the quality of their lab reports. These may be a written document or presented in the form of a presentation, video or podcast! Assessed areas include planning and exploration, data analysis and making valid conclusions and evaluating.

End of Semester / Term Tests: These are usually set from IGCSE past papers and will provide invaluable feedback to students and teachers on areas that may need extra attention, as well as help generate working at grades for reports.

External Assessment

End of Course IGCSE Exams: Students taking IGCSE Science will take three exams at the end of the two year course from which their final grade will be gained. More able students will sit extended papers and will be able to access grades from A* - G. Students taking the core syllabus will be able to achieve a maximum grade of a C.

- Paper 1 (core) or 2 (extended) : Multiple choice – 30% (Assessing knowledge, understanding and problem solving ability)

- Paper 3 (core) or 4 (extended): Short Answer questions – 50 % (Assessing knowledge and understanding and problem solving ability)

- Paper 6 (all): Written Practical exam – 20% (Assessing Experimental skills only)