Science IGCSE – Double Award (Edexcel Syllabus 4SC0)

The Double Award IGCSE Science course comprises Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This course is designed to emphasise the relationship between the main areas of science while retaining the separate identities of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The examinations test knowledge and skills in all three subjects. Students will be eligible for a Double Award (i.e. they will be awarded two IGCSE grades).

The course aims to impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and facts, and an understanding of scientific concepts, principles, themes and patterns. Experimental skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques are developed, as well as students’ ability to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them. As well as theoretical work in all three areas, the course provides topics through which students can study issues that arise from the interaction of science, technology and society. Practical work is an integral part of the course. The course forms a good foundation for students proceeding to IB courses in any of the Sciences or to any other post (I)GCSE course of study.

TOPICS COVERED Biology

The nature and variety of living organisms

Structures and functions in living organisms

Reproduction and Inheritance

Ecology and the Environment

Use of Biological Resources

Chemistry

Principles of Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Physics

Forces and Motion

Electricity

Waves

Energy resources and energy transfer

Solids, liquids and gases

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Radioactivity and Particles

Astrophysics

Assessment

The course will be assessed by three, 2-hour written examination papers. A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended openresponse questions will be used. All students sit all three papers and their performance in all three will determine the overall grades. The grade awarded will be on a scale of 9–1 (Grade 9 represents a new level of attainment for the very top performers and is higher than an A* grade. This means there is greater differentiation of the most able at the top end of the grading scale.)