Science

“IGCSE Biology is a great subject that dives into a range of topics about all things science, it was one of my favourite subjects during GCSE and is very interactive with lots of interesting practicals.”

Biology gives you a strong foundation for careers in medicine, healthcare and ecology. You’ll explore the living world through hands-on investigations and critical analysis.

Topics include:

• Nature and variety of living organisms
• Structures and functions in living organisms
• Reproduction and inheritance
• Ecology and the environment
• Use of biological resources

“Studying chemistry has enlightened me to its importance and its presence in all areas of life: from fuelling aeroplanes to establishing the causes of climate change. From this, chemistry can be used to find solutions which is an exciting matter to be a part of.”

Chemistry helps you understand the structure of matter, chemical reactions, and how these apply to real life.

Topics include:

• Atomic structure, bonding, and energetics
• Periodic table, rates of reaction, and fuels
• Organic and inorganic chemistry

“This course helped me to develop my knowledge of physics. I particularly enjoyed learning about Astrophysics. I had the opportunity to take part in several practical activities to help me understand challenging concepts.”

If you want to learn how to apply mathematical reasoning to the physical world, then Physics is for you.

Topics include:

• Forces and motion, waves, and electricity
• Energy, resources and energy transfers
• Solid, liquids and gases
• Magnetism and electromagnetism
• Radioactivity and particles
• Astrophysics

“This course provided me with all the skills required to continue to study A2 science. The course is current and involves several practical elements. Questions help me to think critically, and I have learned how to apply information in different contexts.”

This option introduces you to the core concepts of biology, chemistry, and physics and helps you understand the patterns and frameworks that shape the world.

Topics include:

• Biology
  • 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
  • Physical chemistry
  • Organic chemistry
• Physics
  • Forces and motion, waves, and electricity
  • Energy, resources and energy transfers
  • Solid, liquids and gases
  • Magnetism and electromagnetism
  • Radioactivity and particles
  • Astrophysics

This streamlined course is perfect if you’re an English as an Additional Language learner on the English Language Programme.

Topics include:

• Biology
  • 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
  • Physical chemistry
  • Organic chemistry
• Physics
  • Forces and motion, waves, and electricity
  • Energy, resources and energy transfers
  • Magnetism and electromagnetism
  • Radioactivity and particles
  • Astrophysics

“I furthered my knowledge of biology by taking A Level, which was a great decision because the topics are all fascinating and jam-packed with content. My favourite topics are DNA and response to stimuli! I’m now applying to study medicine so I can put my skills to use.”

Biology offers a fascinating insight into how the world works at a biological level. The course explores genetics and DNA, energy transfer, and the role of organisms within ecosystems.

Year 1 Topics:

• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Organisms and substances in their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 2 Topics

• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Genetic, populations, and ecosystems
• The control and expression of genes

“Chemistry has opened many future options at university. STEM-based careers are more prevalent now due to an increasingly technological world.”

This course gives you a solid grounding in both organic and inorganic chemistry—perfect for pursuing Medicine or other science-based degrees.

Year 1 Topics:

• Physical Chemistry:
  • Atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc, oxidation, reduction and redox equations.
• Inorganic Chemistry:
  • Periodicity, the alkaline earth metals, and the halogens.
• Organic Chemistry:
  • Introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and organic analysis.

Year 2 Topics:

• Physical Chemistry:
  • Thermodynamics, rate equations, equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells, acids and bases.
• Inorganic Chemistry:
  • Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, and reactions of ions in aqueous solution.
• Organic Chemistry:
  • Optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography.

“I chose Physics because I enjoy how it applies mathematics to the real world. I also like putting theoretical concepts into practice through the required practicals. The skills I’ve developed through the A Level course will be hugely beneficial for my university studies.”

Physics is applied mathematics. The subject will help you understand and model the world around you – it is particularly important if you’re aiming for a career in engineering, design, or technology.

Year 1 Topics:

• Measurements and their errors
• Particles and radiation
• Waves
• Mechanics and materials
• Electricity

Year 2 Topics:

• Further mechanics and thermal physics
• Fields and their consequences
• Nuclear physics
• Astrophysics

“The combination of coursework and practical assessments gave me the confidence to tackle my university degree.”

Explore science in real-world contexts through a mix of biology, chemistry, and physics, alongside laboratory techniques and investigative work.

Topics Covered:

• Principles and Applications of Biology:
  • Cell and tissue structure, biological molecules, and enzyme function.
• Principles and Applications of Chemistry:
  • Periodic table structure, bonding methods, physical and chemical properties.
• Principles and Applications of Physics:
  • Wave applications, force principles in transport and construction, and circuit construction.
• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques:
  • Skills across chromatography, colourimetry, and electronics.
• Optional Units (choose two):
  • Scientific Investigation Skills (planning, data collection and evaluation)
  • Contemporary Issues in Science (validity and reliability of scientific sources)

“I feel like I’ve gained skills I can directly apply in the workplace, like using lab equipment, analysing data, and writing scientific reports.”

This qualification is equivalent to two A Levels and provides broad, cross-sector scientific training with a strong practical focus.

Topics include:

• Scientific Procedures and Techniques
• Physiology of Human Body Systems
• Laboratory Techniques and Applications
• Investigative Project