Core Experimental Sciences

Biology (HL & SL)

Chemistry (HL & SL)

Physics (HL & SL)

Biology, Chemistry and Physics at SL and HL:

1. What is the nature of Science at IB level?

Overall

We will not simply be taking notes and carrying out experiments. The content of the three courses is designed to be relevant to what is happening in today’s world. We cannot escape factual content and students must expect to be required to learn facts and to keep well organised notes and data. However, we prefer to emphasise inquiry and hands-on experience using a variety of approaches to teaching and learning which is at the core of the IB philosophy. Rather than being told about processes, theories, pieces of evidence and procedures students should expect to follow a route leading them to discover as much as possible for themselves. Students will be answering questions, asking questions, discussing issues and arguing points. Biology students will conduct a considerable amount of work in the field using local resources. Regular links will be made to Theory of Knowledge and the Nature of Science.

Biology

Biology is taught as a natural science that focuses on the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. The nature of biology is based on empirical evidence, and students learn to use scientific inquiry skills to develop an understanding of biological concepts and theories. Students study topics such as cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and human physiology. The IB biology program emphasises the interconnectedness of biological systems and the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in understanding biological phenomena. Students learn to think critically and to use evidence-based reasoning to evaluate scientific claims and arguments. The program is designed to prepare students for further study in biology and related fields and to help them become informed and responsible citizens who can make informed decisions about biological issues.

Conditions for entry:

Biology HL: At least a B in IGCSE Biology or BB in Co-Ordinated Science

Biology SL: At a C in IGCSE Biology or CC in Co-Ordinated Science

FC students must have a recommendation from their teacher

Students new to the school must have studied Biology at IGCSE/O-level or equivalent.

Chemistry

Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, chemistry is a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental science, and serves as useful preparation for employment.

Conditions for entry:

Chemistry HL: At least a B in IGCSE Chemistry or BB in Co-Ordinated Science

Chemistry SL: At a C in IGCSE Chemistry or CC in Co-Ordinated Science

FC students must have a recommendation from their teacher

Students new to the school must have studied Chemistry at IGCSE/O-level or equivalent.

Physics

Physics is all around us and above all, it is a manifestation of the Physical world that has triggered the curiosity of many generations. Your child will have the opportunity to learn a range of very exciting topics such as Nuclear Physics, Light, Electricity, Magnetism and Gravity. They will also have the opportunity to analyse, identify and solve complex problems related to the physical universe by using various experimental techniques and mathematical equations. Students who achieve a good grade in IB Physics demonstrate an excellent aptitude for analysing and solving problems that are highly valued by top universities. Individuals who study Physics at a higher level and university are usually very highly sought after in the corporate world, and are hired and trained as engineers, financial analysts, data scientists, investment bankers, etc…. Physics has changed the way we live and continues to address some of the current problems in society in fields such as medicine, aerospace, communication, renewable energy, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, nuclear energy, etc….

Conditions for entry:

Physics HL: At least a B grade at IGCSE Maths (Extended) and a at least a B in IGCSE Physics or BB in Co-Ordinated Science

Physics SL: At least a B grade at IGCSE Maths (Extended) and a at least a C in IGCSE Physics or CC in Co-Ordinated science

FC students must have a recommendation from their teacher

Students new to the school must have studied Physics at IGCSE/O-level or equivalent.

2. What will be the approach to learning?

The approach to learning will be fully in line with the principles described in ‘Teaching and Learning at SJII’. Students will engage in individual and group work and we expect them to acquire independent and proactive study habits. Naturally, the experimental sciences at SJII will involve a considerable amount of practical activity. This may not always require formal experiments; it may instead involve model -making or simply practising procedures (such as DNA extraction from commonly-found tissues). The courses offered will demand a high level of student participation including discussion, debate, giving opinions and evaluating different points of view. We would like the students to see their IB science education as a continuum not as a series of individual lessons and ideally we would like them to be aware of scientific issues ‘in the news’ as well as to read around lesson topics outside of the classroom.

What will be the subject content?

In addition, Biology students will participate in a 5 days expedition to Batam in order to carry out field work relating to the study of ecology. There is an additional cost for this trip of approx. $1100.

Table 3: The content covered in Chemistry

4. What will be the nature of assessment? Biology, Chemistry, Physics

During the period of the course , students will experience a wide range of tasks, including:

General tasks such as comprehension, report writing, answering questions and calculations.

End of topic tests (based on IB questions and marked according to IB standardised mark schemes)

End of year and mock examinations (based on IB questions and marked according to IB standardised mark schemes)

Scientific investigations

-Students will also carry out an extended individual Scientific investigation for internal assessment where they will be marked by teachers and moderated by IB. These will eventually contribute to 20% of a student’s final IB mark for the subject.

At the end of the course, students will be externally assessed with two examination papers

Paper 1 - Multiple choice and Data Based

Paper 2 – Short answer and extended response questions.