Biology Curriculum Framework

Biology Curriculum Framework

The content in this H2 Biology syllabus is organised around four Core Ideas of Biology. For each Core Idea, pertinent and open-ended guiding questions are listed to help students frame the concepts and promote inquiry, while narratives allow links between concepts – both within and between Core Ideas – to be made.

Within each Core Idea, there are two columns. The column on the left states the assessable learning outcomes that help frame the content students need to learn for each Core Idea. Unlike past syllabuses which state only assessable learning outcomes, this syllabus is designed with learners in mind. In this regard, an additional column on the right lists suggested Learning Experiences (LEs) that provide opportunities for students to explore and deepen their conceptual understanding. These experiences include activities such as carrying out practical work or scientific investigations, appreciating prominent historical endeavours and discussing ethical issues. The suggested LEs are not mandatory, rather, teachers are encouraged to incorporate LEs that match the interests and abilities of their students and provide opportunities to illustrate and exemplify the Practices of Science where appropriate.

Besides the Core Ideas, this H2 Biology syllabus features two Extension Topics. These are based on important emerging biological issues impacting both the local and global contexts. They require students to demonstrate assimilation of the Core Ideas and extend their knowledge and understanding to real-world challenges. Furthermore, extension topics will equip students with the necessary knowledge and process skills to make informed decisions about scientific issues. In line with this, the two Extension Topics chosen are (A) Infectious Diseases, and (B) Impact of Climate Change on Animals and Plants. Both Extension Topics take up about 10 percent of the total H2 Biology curriculum and are presented through the use of guiding questions, narratives, assessable learning outcomes and suggested learning experiences.

Students are expected to study all four Core Ideas and both Extension Topics.