Science courses include Coordinated Science at the IGCSE level, as well as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the AS/A level.
IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically coherent syllabus. It is a double award qualification, earning two grades. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study.
They learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
As well as a subject focus on biology, chemistry, and physics, the IGCSE science syllabi enable students to
- Understand better the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
- Recognize the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method and how to apply this to other disciplines and in everyday life
- Develop relevant attitudes, such as a concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
- Develop an interest in and care for the environment
- Better understand the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, economy, technology, ethics, the community, and the environment
- Develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for both further study and everyday life
AS/A level
Biology
A and AS Level Biology builds on the skills acquired at IGCSE(or equivalent) level. This course provides an in-depth knowledge of biology’s most important themes and strong practical skills. Learners also develop lifelong skills of scientific enquiry, confidence in technology, and communication and teamwork skills. Content areas include
- Cells as the units of life
- Biochemical processes
- DNA, the molecule of heredity
- Natural selection
- Organisms in their environment
- Observation and experiment
The different fields of biology are intertwined and cannot be studied in isolation: observation and enquiry, experimentation and fieldwork are fundamental to biology.
Chemistry
A and AS Level Chemistry builds on the skills acquired at IGCSE (or equivalent) level. A and AS Level Chemistry is ideal for students who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge including
- Atoms and forces
- Experiments and evidence
- Patterns in chemical behaviour and reactions
- Chemical bonds
- Energy changes
Physics
A and AS Level Physics builds on the skills acquired at IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The key concepts on which this syllabus is built are set out below:
- Models of physical systems
- Testing predictions against evidence
- Mathematics as a language and problem-solving tool
- Matter, energy, and waves
- Forces and fields
