Education

Departments and Subjects

Biology

Biology will be taught to all pupils up to the end of Year 9. At IGCSE pupils will be able to carry on Biology as a separate science, as part of a dual award through Coordinated Science or as the individual award of Combined Science. This can be taken on at IB Diploma as an option in the Science block. All pupils will be taught by a Biology specialist.

The aims of the syllabus are the same for all students. These are set out below and describe the educational purposes of a course in Biology for the IGCSE examination. They are not listed in order of priority.

The aims are to:

1. Provide, through well designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience for all students, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level and, in particular, to enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to:

  • 1.1 Become confident citizens in a technological world, to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific import;
  • 1.2 Recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and to appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life;
  • 1.3 Be suitably prepared for studies beyond the IGCSE level in pure sciences, in applied sciences or in science-dependent vocational courses.

2. Develop abilities and skills that:

  • 2.1 Are relevant to the study and practice of Biology;
  • 2.2 Are useful in everyday life;
  • 2.3 Encourage efficient and safe practice;
  • 2.4 Encourage effective communication.

3. Develop attitudes relevant to Biology such as:

  • 3.1 Concern for accuracy and precision;
  • 3.2 Objectivity;
  • 3.3 Integrity;
  • 3.4 Enquiry;
  • 3.5 Initiative;
  • 3.6 Inventiveness.

4. Stimulate interest in, and care for, the environment.

5. Promote an awareness that:

  • 5.1 Scientific theories and methods have developed, and continue to do so, as a result of the co-operative activities of groups and individuals;
  • 5.2 The study and practice of science is subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations;
  • 5.3 The applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment;
  • 5.4 Science transcends national boundaries and that the language of science, correctly and rigorously applied, is universal.

IGCSE Biology places considerable emphasis on understanding and use of scientific ideas and principles in a variety of situations, including those which are well-known to the learner and those which are new to them. It is anticipated that programmes of study based on this syllabus will feature a variety of learning experiences designed to enhance the development of skill and comprehension. This approach will focus teachers and learners on development of transferable life-long skills relevant to the increasingly technological environment in which people find themselves. It will also prepare candidates for an assessment that will, within familiar and unfamiliar contexts, test expertise, understanding and insight.

As part of the assessment pupils will carry out a coursework practical, which will amount to 20% of the final mark.