Edexcel: Double Award Science

The Edexcel International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in

Science (Double Award) is designed as a two-year course of study. It takes
approximately two-thirds of the subject content of each of the Edexcel IGCSE single
sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), and combines them into an IGCSE in
Science (Double Award) specification worth two IGCSEs. It is designed to be an
interesting and inspiring modern specification. The course offers opportunity for students
to experience science within the context of their general education. In terms of
progression, the design of the course provides a base to further study in IB, GCE
Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Key subject aims
The Edexcel IGCSE in Science (Double Award) enables students to:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge and facts, and an

understanding of scientific concepts, principles, themes and patterns
appreciate the practical nature of science, acquiring experimental skills based on
correct and safe laboratory techniques
appreciate the importance of accurate experimental work to scientific method and
reporting
form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the scientific world
appreciate the significance of science in wider personal, social, environmental,
economic and technological contexts, and consider ethical issues
select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate
scientific terms and conventions
prepare for more advanced courses in each of the three scientific disciplines
which comprise this specification.

Assessment
This Edexcel IGCSE in Science (Double Award) comprises of three externally assessed
papers:
Biology paper 1
(Paper code 4SC0/1B)
The paper is assessed through a
2-hour examination paper set
and marked by Edexcel.

Chemistry paper 1
(Paper code 4SC0/1C)
The paper is assessed through a
2-hour examination paper set
and marked by Edexcel.

Physics paper 1
(Paper code 4SC0/1P)
The paper is assessed through a
2-hour examination paper set
and marked by Edexcel.

The total number of marks is

120.

The total number of marks is

120.

The total number of marks is

120

This paper is worth 33.3% of the

IGCSE double award mark

This paper is worth 33.3% of the

IGCSE double award mark

This paper is worth 33.3% of the

IGCSE double award mark

Triple Award Science

The Edexcel International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in
Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Triple award) is designed as a two-year course of
study. It takes the subject content of each of the Edexcel IGCSE single sciences
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and is worth three IGCSEs. It is part of a suite of the
IGCSE suite of science qualifications offered by Edexcel. The course offers opportunity
for students to experience biology, chemistry and physics within the context of their
general education. In terms of progression, the design of the course provides a basis of
progression to further study in IB, GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level
Chemistry.
Key subject aims
The Edexcel IGCSE in Biology enables students to:
.
.
.
.
.
.

acquire knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles

develop an appreciation of the significance of biological facts, concepts and
principles and the skills needed for their use in new and changing situations
appreciate the importance of accurate experimental work to scientific method and
reporting
form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the study of living
organisms
evaluate, in terms of their biological knowledge and understanding, the benefits
and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments, including those
related to social, environmental and economic issues.

Key subject aims

The Edexcel IGCSE in Chemistry qualification enables students to:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

learn about the unifying patterns and themes of chemistry

appreciate the practical nature of chemistry, acquiring experimental and
investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
appreciate the importance to scientific methods of accurate experimental work
and reporting
form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context
understand the widespread importance of chemistry and the way materials are
used in the world
appreciate how the work of the chemist has social, industrial, technological,
environmental and economic consequences for the community
prepare for more advanced courses in chemistry and for courses which require
them to have a knowledge of chemistry.

Key subject aims

The Edexcel IGCSE in Physics enables students to:
.
.
.
.
.
.

acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge and the skills needed to apply
this in new and changing situations in many domestic, industrial and
environmental contexts
appreciate the practical nature of physics, acquiring experimental and
investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
appreciate the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting to
scientific method
form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
evaluate, in terms of their scientific knowledge and understanding, the benefits
and drawbacks (including social, environmental and economic) of scientific and
technological developments
select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate
scientific terms and conventions.

Assessment
The Edexcel IGCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics comprises of six externally
assessment papers.
Biology paper 1
(Paper code 4SC0/1B)
The paper is assessed
through a 2-hour examination
paper set and marked by
Edexcel.

Chemistry paper 1
(Paper code 4SC0/1C)
The paper is assessed
through a 2-hour examination
paper set and marked by
Edexcel.

Physics paper 1
(Paper code 4SC0/1P)
The paper is assessed
through a 2-hour examination
paper set and marked by
Edexcel.

The total number of marks

is 120.

The total number of marks

is 120.

The total number of marks

is 120

This paper is worth 66.6% of

the IGCSE mark
Biology paper 2
(Paper code 4BI0/2B)
The paper is assessed
through a 1-hour examination
paper set and marked by
Edexcel.

This paper is worth 66.6% of

the IGCSE mark
Chemistry paper 2
(Paper code 4CH0/2C)
The paper is assessed
through a 1-hour examination
paper set and marked by
Edexcel.

This paper is worth 66.6% of

the IGCSE mark
Physics paper 2
(Paper code 4PH0/2P)
The paper is assessed
through a 1-hour examination
paper set and marked by
Edexcel.

The total number of marks

is 60.

The total number of marks

is 60.

The total number of marks

is 60.

This paper is worth 33.3% of

the IGCSE mark

This paper is worth 33.3% of

the IGCSE mark

This paper is worth 33.3% of

the IGCSE mark

Link to edexcel web site

3

Key to terms used in the documents

IGCSE = International General Certificate of Secondary Education
IGCSE link
MaD= Making a difference
ARR= Assessment and Reporting
KU = knowledge and Understanding
D = Design
DCP= Data Collection and Processing
CE = Concluding and Evaluating

Y10 Term 1:
Students focus their learning on 2 areas of Science over an 8-week cycle before rotating
to experience and extend their learning in Science. *Proposed dates for the cycles are
provided below:
Cycle
1
2
3
4 (shorter rotations)

Start date
20-8-2012
29-10-2012
14-1-2013
8-4-2013

End date
19-10-2012
11-1-2013
23-3-2013
28-6-2013

*Please find below the proposed learning and assessment guide for Term 1
Term 1: 20-8-2012 to 21-12-2012
Topics to be
covered

Progress check
card 1 focus
(Oct)
Progress check
card 2 focus
(Nov)
Gateway ARR:
learning
conversations

Skills
opportunities

Homework
Science
literacy

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Cells and movement
Acids and bases
Solids liquids and
across membranes
gases
Digestion and
Ionic Chemistry
Energy resources and
Enzymes
transfer
Gas Exchange
Waves
Breathing
And respiration
40 min KU test: End of topic test based on past paper questions
40 min KU test: End of topic tests based on past paper questions
Targets from Y9 copy n pasted
Attitudes to learning: Working with others, organization and MaD (where
appropriate)
Study habits: What I do well? How I can improve?
Working like a Scientist:
DCP and CE from three units
Manipulative skills-ongoing
D/DCP/CE enzymes
DCP qualitative for
DCP/CE investigating
investigation
range of reactions
gas laws
DCP/CE factors
DCP/CE Cooling curves DCP/CE efficiency of a
affecting breathing rate steric acid
motor.
D/DCP/CE power
generated when
climbing stairs
DCP/CE solar cell
Minimum of 1 HW task per unit

*The information above is a guide to the learning and assessment for term 1 and
is subject to change in line with whole school developments.

Y10 Term 2
Students focus their learning on 2 areas of Science over an 8-week cycle before rotating
to experience and extend their learning in Science. *Proposed dates for the cycles are
provided below:
Cycle
1
2
3
4 (shorter rotations)

Start date
20-8-2012
29-10-2012
14-1-2013
8-4-2013

End date
19-10-2012
11-1-2013
23-3-2013
28-6-2013

*Please find below the proposed learning and assessment guide for Term 2
Term 2: 7-1-2013 to 22-3-2013
Topics to be
covered
Progress check
card 3 focus
(March)
Gateway ARR:
learning
conversations

Skills opportunities

Homework
Science literacy
assessment

Biology
Blood, circulation and
Immunity
Plant Science (start)

Chemistry
Gases

Physics
Waves

Metals (start)

Forces and their

effects (Start)
40 min KU test: End of topic tests based on past paper questions

Attitudes to learning: Working with others, organization and MaD (where

appropriate)
Study habits: What I do well? How I can improve?
Working like a Scientist:
D, DCP and CE from one unit
DCP/CE from two units
Manipulative skills-ongoing
DCP/CE heart rate
DCP/CE Qualitative
DCP/CE cooling curve
and exercise
Group 1 metal reactivity -ethanamide
D/DCP/CE factors
DCP/CE qualitative
DCP/CE determining
affecting
displacement reactions the speed of sound
photosynthesis
Drawing scientific
Drawing scientific
D/DCP/CE factors
diagrams
diagrams (waves and
affecting gas
(gases/electrolysis)
ray diagrams)
exchange
D/DCP/CE factors
affecting transpiration
Minimum of 1 HW task per unit

*The information above is a guide to the learning and assessment for term 1 and
is subject to change in line with whole school developments.

Y10 term 3
Students focus their learning on 2 areas of Science over an 8-week cycle before rotating
to experience and extend their learning in Science. *Proposed dates for the cycles are
provided below:
Cycle
1
2
3
4 (shorter rotations)

Start date
20-8-2012
29-10-2012
14-1-2013
8-4-2013

End date
19-10-2012
11-1-2013
23-3-2013
28-6-2013

*Please find below the proposed learning and assessment guide for Term 3
Term 3: 8-4-2013 to 28-6-2013
Topics to be
covered

Progress check
card 4 focus (May)
Gateway ARR:
learning
conversations

Skills opportunities

Homework
Science literacy
assessment

Biology
Plant Science (Finish)

Chemistry
Metals (finish)

Physics
Forces and their
effects (Finish)
Electricity

Ecosystems + Mans Rates of reactions

influence
Holiday work
40 min KU test: End of topic tests based on past paper questions
Attitudes to learning: Working with others, organization and MaD (where
appropriate)
Study habits: What I do well? How I can improve? Exam preparation and
Y10 mock
Working like a Scientist:
D, DCP and CE from one unit
DCP/CE from two units
Manipulative skills-ongoing
Target setting for Y11
D/DCP/CE factors
D/DCP/CE
D/DCP/CE
affecting
Factors affecting the
investigating speed,
photosynthesis
rate of a reaction
acceleration and
D/DCP/CE factors
D/DCP/CE comparing
collisions
affecting gas
fuels
D/DCP/CE Hooke Law
exchange
D/DCP/CE
D/DCP/CE factors
investigating
affecting transpiration
resistance in circuits
Minimum of 1 HW task per unit
Students have complete notes for all units covered

*The information above is a guide to the learning and assessment for term 1 and
is subject to change in line with whole school developments.