KS4 curriculum

IGCSE Science

Course Aims

This Edexcel IGCSE course aims to enable learners to:

· learn about unifying patterns and themes in science and use them in new and changing situations

· acquire knowledge and understanding of scientific facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques

· apply the principles and concepts of science, including those related to the applications of science, to different contexts

· evaluate scientific information, making judgements on the basis of this information

· appreciate the practical nature of science, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques

· analyse, interpret and evaluate data and experimental methods, drawing conclusions that are consistent with evidence from experimental activities and suggesting possible improvements and further investigations

· recognise the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting scientific methods in science

· select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically using appropriate vocabulary, definitions and conventions

· develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context

· select and apply appropriate areas of mathematics relevant to science as set out under each topic

· prepare for more advanced courses in science and for other courses that require knowledge of science.

Course Structure

Modular courses retain the same content as the existing linear specifications, but the content is divided into two separate units.

Instead of sitting exams covering all of the course content at the end of the two-year course (as with linear specifications), learners will sit them at the end of each unit.

The modular assessment structure offers learners the flexibility to sit examinations when they are ready and provides opportunities to resit individual unit assessments before receiving an overall qualification grade.

Biology Unit 1 Unit code 4WSD1/1B

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Availability: June and November

60 marks

16.6% of the total

Content summary

Assesses content listed below:

1. The nature and variety of living organisms

a. Characteristics of living organisms

b. Variety of living organisms

2. Structure and functions in living organisms: Part 1

a. Level of organization

b. Cell structure

c. Biological molecules

d. Movement of substances into and out of cells

e. Nutrition

f. Respiration

g. Gas exchange

Biology Unit 2 Unit code 4WSD2/1B

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Availability: June and November

60 marks

16.6% of the total

Content summary

Assesses content listed below:

3. Structure and functions in living organisms: Part 2

h. Transport

i. Excretion

j. Co-ordination and response

4. Reproduction and inheritance

a. Reproduction

b. Inheritance

5. Ecology and the environment

a. The organism in the environment

b. Feeding relationships

c. Cycles within ecosystems

d. Human influences on the environment

6. Use of biological resources

a. Food production

b. Selective breeding

c. Genetic modification (genetic engineering)

Chemistry Unit 3 Unit code 4WSD3/1C

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Availability: June and November

60 marks

16.6% of the total

Content summary

Assesses content listed below:

1. Principles of chemistry: Part 1

a. states of matter

b. elements, mixtures & compound

c. atomic structure

d. periodic table

e. chemical formulae, equations & calculations

2. Inorganic chemistry: Part 1

a. reactivity series

b. acids, alkalis and titrations

c. acids, bases and salt preparations

3. Physical chemistry: Part 1

a. energetics

4. Organic chemistry: Part 1

a. introduction

b. crude oil

c. alkanes

d. alkenes

Chemistry Unit 4 Unit code 4WSD4/1C

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Availability: June and November

60 marks

16.6% of the total

Content summary

Assesses content listed below:

5. Principles of chemistry: Part 2

d. periodic table (note that this is the same content from 1. Principles of chemistry: Part 1)

e. chemical formulae, equations & calculations (note that this is the same content from

1. Principles of chemistry: Part 1)

f. ionic bonding

g. covalent bonding

6. Inorganic chemistry: Part 2

d. Group 1

e. Group 7

f. gases in the atmosphere

g. chemical tests

7. Physical chemistry: Part 2

b. rates of reaction

c. reversible reactions and equilibrium

8. Organic chemistry: Part 2

e. synthetic polymers

Physics Unit 5 Unit code 4WSD5/1P

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Availability: June and November

60 marks

16.6% of the total

Content summary

Assesses content listed below:

1. Forces and motion

a. Units

b. Movement and position

c. Forces, movement, shape and momentum

2. Electricity

a. Units

b. Mains electricity

c. Energy and voltage circuits

3. Energy resources and energy transfer

a. Units

b. Energy transfers

c. Work and power

4. Solids, liquids and gases: Part 1

a. Units

b. Density and pressure

Physics Unit 6 Unit code 4WSD6/1P*

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Availability: June and November

60 marks

16.6% of the total

Content summary

Assesses content listed below:

5. Waves

a. Units

b. Properties of waves

c. The electromagnetic spectrum

d. Light and sound

6. Solids, liquids and gases: Part 2

a. Units (note that this is the same content from 4. Solids, liquids and gases: Part 1)

c. Ideal gas molecules

7. Magnetism and electromagnetism

a. Units

b. Magnetism

c. Electromagnetism

d. Electromagnetism induction

8. Radioactivity and particles

a. Units

b. Radioactivity

c. Fission and fusion

9. Astrophysics

a. Units

b. Motion in the universe

c. Stellar evolution

Things to Know

Course Name: International GCSE Science (Double Award) (Modular)

Course Code: 4XSD1

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

Examination Type: In-person or online

Course Duration: 2 years

Course Delivery: Online Lessons (live) and access to course materials at all times

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