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Your guide to Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1)ScienceBiology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology,Science (Double Award) and Science (Single Award)First teachingSeptember 2017
WelcomeOur new suite of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) qualifications has beenrefreshed to meet the needs of you and your students, to keep the content up-to-dateand relevant. Designed to understand today’s global learner, respect local contextsand ensure a global standard, they the suite has developed to align with UKgovernment intentions to raise standards.This guide has been designed provide you with in-depth information about the key featuresof the new Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics,Human Biology, Science (Double Award) and Science (Single Award).Before we go into detail about the sciences, we wanted to give you an overview of what theoverall changes to the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) suite of qualifications are.2
Why choose Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1)?With over 3.4 million students, in 97 countries, studying Pearson qualifications worldwide, weoffer internationally recognised qualifications to schools, colleges and employers globally.We are also the UK’s largest academic and vocational Awarding Organisation.Our new suite of International GCSE (9–1) qualifications is designed to:Be more relevant forinternational studentsReward outstanding academicachievementContain embeddedtransferable skillsWith more internationalcontent, including the additionof further internationalcontent topics and the use oflocal contexts where possible.By introducing a new 9–1 gradingscale, with the new grade 9representing a new level ofattainment, you can differentiateyour top performing students.There’s also greater differentiationin the middle of the scale, withthree grades (6, 5, and 4) ratherthan two grades (B and C).Developing skills such asproblem-solving and verbalreasoning, skills that arevalued by universities andemployers, supportingstudents to seamlesslyprogress to higher-levelstudy.Provide detailed examanalysis with ResultsPlusOffer a wider range of teachingand learning materials,resourcesand trainingSupport progressionto further studyResultsPlus is a service uniqueto Pearson that provides freeonline in-depth mock andactual exam performanceanalysis, supporting teachersto plan improvements inteaching and learning, drivingattainment.This support includes schemesof work, Getting Started guides,exemplar materials, ExamWizard,comprehensive textbooks andinteractive resources, digitalservices and tailored teachertraining.Developed with the helpof teachers and highereducation representatives,they provide seamlessprogression to furtherstudy, including A levelsand beyond.3
Why choose Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1) Sciencequalifications?We listened to feedback from allparts of the international schoolcommunity, including a large numberof teachers. The changes we’vemade to all Science specificationswill engage students and give themskills that will support progressionto further study of Science and awide range of other subjects.Separate:Biology, Chemistry, Physics3 grades; 1 for each sciencesubject takenHuman Biology1 gradeDouble Award2 grades; 2/3rds ofeach separate scienceSingle Award(new)1 grade; half of thedouble award4
Clear and straightforwardquestion papers Broaden and deepenstudents’ skillsOur question papers are clear and provide sufficientchallenge and support for students of all abilityranges. Our mark schemes are straightforward so thatthe assessment requirements are clear.We have designed the Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSEs (9–1) Science specificationsto extend students’ knowledge by broadening anddeepening key skills, for example:l I mproving students’ analytical and logic skills by Reward outstanding academicachievementTo ensure that we fully align with UK governmentintentions to raise standards, and that internationalstudents have the same opportunity to be rewardedfor outstanding academic achievement, our newqualifications use a new 9–1 grading scale, instead ofthe A*–G grading scale that you are used to.The new grade 9 represents a new level ofattainment and has been introduced to differentiateyour top performing students.l applying understanding of scientific conceptsand principles to a range of situations. This willinclude some examination questions that aremore problem-solving in style.l A ddressing the need for mathematical skillsto complement students’ science skills bycovering a range of mathematical areas.l D eveloping students’ practical skills byincluding a number of practicals in thespecification content. These can besupplemented with other suggested practicals.The skills developed will be assessed throughquestions in written examinations.The bottom of the grade 7 broadly aligns with thebottom of the grade A.l There is also greater differentiation in the middle ofthe scale with three new grades (6, 5 and 4) ratherthan two grades (B and C).l The bottom of the grade 4 broadly aligns with thebottom of the grade C.l The bottom of the grade 1 broadly aligns with thebottom of the grade G.l Comparableto GCSEWe have designed our Pearson Edexcel InternationalGCSE (9–1) Science qualifications to be of a broadequivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated EdexcelGCSE qualifications. This ensures that Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSEs (9–1) are recognised globally andprovide learners with the same progression routes. Support progression toA LevelOur qualifications enable successful progression toInternational Advanced Level (IAL) or GCE A Leveland beyond. Through our world class qualificationdevelopment process, we have consulted with IALand GCE A Level teachers, as well as universityprofessors, to validate the appropriateness ofthis qualification including the content, skills andassessment structure.At Pearson Edexcel, we provide a variety ofInternational GCSE (9–1) Science qualifications,including: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, HumanBiology, Science (Double Award) and Science(Single Award). Each specification has beendesigned to meet different learner and schoolneeds.5
Why choose Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1) Biology?l Continuityfrom current specification to the new specification: Similar to thepopular current specification (4BI0).l 100%written examination: No practical coursework.At a glance: New Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) in BiologyPaper 1: BiologyPaper 2: Biology2-hour written examination1-hour and 15-minute written examinationThe total number of marks is 110,61.1% of the total International GCSE.The total number of marks is 70,38.9% of the total International GCSE.Content summaryContent summaryAssesses core content that is NOT in bold and does nothave a ‘B’ prefix. Questions may come from any topic areaacross the specification.Assesses all the content including content that is in boldand has a ‘B’ prefix.1. The nature and variety of living organisms2. Structures and functions in living organismsQuestions may come from any topic area across thespecification. Bold statements cover some sub-topics ingreater depth.3. Reproduction and inheritance4. Ecology and the environment5. Use of biological resourcesA mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answerquestions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be usedin the examinations.6
Why choose Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1) Chemistry?l Continuityfrom current specification to the new specification: Similar to thepopular current specification (4CH0).l 100%written examination: No practical coursework.At a glance: New Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) in ChemistryPaper 1: ChemistryPaper 2: Chemistry2-hour written examination1-hour and 15-minute written examinationThe total number of marks is 110,61.1% of the total International GCSE.The total number of marks is 70,38.9% of the total International GCSE.Content summaryContent summaryAssesses core content that is NOT in bold and does nothave a ‘C’ prefix. Questions may come from any topic areaacross the specification.Assesses all the content including content that is in boldand has a ‘C’ prefix.1. Principles of chemistry2. Inorganic chemistryQuestions may come from any topic area across thespecification. Bold statements cover some sub-topics ingreater depth.3. Physical chemistry4. Organic chemistryA mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answerquestions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be usedin the examinations.7
Why choose Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1) Physics?l Continuityfrom current specification to the new specification and an innovativenew Astrophysics topic: Similar to the popular current specification (4PH0); plusincludes a new Astrophysics section.l 100%written examination: No practical coursework.At a glance: New Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) in PhysicsPaper 1: PhysicsPaper 2: Physics2-hour written examination1-hour and 15-minute written examinationThe total number of marks is 110,61.1% of the total International GCSE.The total number of marks is 70,38.9% of the total International GCSE.Content summaryContent summaryAssesses core content that is NOT in bold and does nothave a ‘P’ prefix. Questions may come from any topic areaacross the specification.Assesses all the content including content that is in boldand has a ‘P’ prefix.1. Forces and motion2. ElectricityQuestions may come from any topic area across thespecification. Bold statements cover some sub-topics ingreater depth.3. Waves4. Energy resources and energy transfer5. Solids, liquids and gases6. Magnetism and electromagnetism7. Radioactivity and particles8. AstrophysicsA mixture of differentquestion styles, includingmultiple-choice questions,short-answer questions,calculations and extendedopen-response questions.A calculator may be usedin the examinations.The changes to Physics puts many things on asurer theoretical basis and prepares studentsbetter for material they will come across at Alevel. astronomy is a nice new addition and thenew section on astrophysics is very exciting andI am sure will go down well with pupils. It makesthe specification really up to date with an areaso often in the news. It should also increasepupils’ interest in Physics and I hope encouragemore to continue it to A level.Dan Quinton, Science Teacher, Caterham School.8
Why choose Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1) Human Biology?l Continuityfrom current specification to the new specification: Similar to the popularcurrent specification (4CH0).l 100%written examination: No practical coursework.At a glance: New Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) in Human BiologyPaper 1: Human BiologyPaper 2: Human Biology1-hour 45-minute written examination1-hour 45-minute written examinationThe total number of marks is 90,50% of the total International GCSE.The total number of marks is 90,50% of the total International GCSE.Content summaryContent summary1.Cells and tissues2.Biological molecules3.Movement of substances in and out of cells4.Bones, muscles and joints5.Coordination6.Nutrition and energy7.Respiration8.Gas exchange9.Internal transportAssessment may be on any area of content in theopposite box.10. Homeostatic mechanisms11. Reproduction and heredity12. Disease AssessmentA mixture of different question styles,including multiple-choice questions,short-answer questions, calculationsand extended open-response questions.A calculator may be used in theexaminations.9
Why choose Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1) Science(Double Award)?l Continuityfrom current specification to the new specification: Similar to thepopular current specification (4SC0).to Biology, Chemistry and Physics: Allows students a broad exposure toall three sciences to gain two 9–1 grades. There is a reduced amount of content, butthe qualification is assessed to the same standard as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Itis designed for students and centres with a more restrictive timetable or who are notrequired to study individual sciences.l Exposurefor co-teaching with Biology, Chemistry and Physics: Teachers can coteach with the Biology, Chemistry and Physics as they will cover identical materialexamined in Paper 1.l Suitablel100% written examination: No practical coursework.At a glance: New Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1)in Science (Double Award)Paper 1: BiologyPaper 2: ChemistryPaper 3: Physics2-hour written examination2-hour written examination2-hour written examinationThe total number of marks is 110,33.3% of the total International GCSE.The total number of marks is 110,33.3% of the total International GCSE.The total number of marks is 110,33.3% of the total International GCSE.Content summaryContent summaryContent summaryTopics covering core content areas:Topics covering core content areas:Topics covering core content areas:1. T he nature and variety of livingorganisms1. Principles of chemistry1. Forces and motion2. Inorganic chemistry2. Electricity2. Structures and functions in livingorganisms3. Physical chemistry3. Waves4. Organic chemistry4. Energy resources and energytransfers3. Reproduction and inheritance4. Ecology and the environment5. Solids, liquids and gases5. Use of biological resources6. Magnetism and electromagnetism7. Radioactivity and particles8. AstrophysicsA mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answerquestions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be used inthe examinations.10
Why choose Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE (9–1) Science(Single Award)?NEWto Biology, Chemistry and Physics: This new specification allows students abroad exposure to three sciences to gain one 9–1 grade.l Exposurel Reducedcontent volume but assessed to the same standard as Biology,Chemistry, Physics and Science (Double Award): The Single Award offers a reducedvolume of content compared to the Double Award, but is assessed to the samestandard as other Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Science qualifications.l Providesschools with a restrictive timetable with more flexibility: It is designed forstudents and centres with a very restrictive timetable or who are not required to studyindividual sciences. Students are unlikely to progress into further scientific study butgain a solid overview of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at International GCSE level.l100% written examination: No practical coursework.At a glance: New Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1)in Science (Single Award)Paper 1: BiologyPaper 2: ChemistryPaper 3: Physics1-hour and 10 minutes writtenexamination1-hour and 10 minutes writtenexamination1-hour and 10 minutes writtenexaminationThe total number of marks is 60,33.3% of the total International GCSE.The total number of marks is 60,33.3% of the total International GCSE.The total number of marks is 60,33.3% of the total International GCSE.Content summaryContent summaryContent summaryTopics covering core content areas:Topics covering core content areas:Topics covering core content areas:1. The nature and variety of livingorganisms1. Principles of chemistry1. Forces and motion2. Inorganic chemistry2. Electricity2. Structures and functions in livingorganisms3. Physical chemistry3. Waves4. Organic chemistry4. Energy resources and energytransfers3. Reproduction and inheritance4. Ecology and the environment5. Solids, liquids and gases5. Use of biological resources6. Magnetism and electromagnetism7. Radioactivity and particles8. AstrophysicsA mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answerquestions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be used inthe examinations.11
Your guide to assessment timelinesThe table below shows each assessment opportunity for Pearson Edexcel InternationalGCSE (9–1) Science specifications*.Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology, Science (Double Award)May/June2018Legacy nal May/Juneseries assessmentwindowFinal everassessmentopportunityNot availableNot availableNot availableNot availableMay/Juneseries available(Compulsoryassessmentwindow for allcentres)January seriesavailable from 2020onwards4PH04HB04SC0New specification:4BI14CH14PH14HB14SD0Science (Single Award)NEWMay/June 2019New specification:May/June series available (Compulsory assessment window for all centres)4SS0*Timelines may vary for UK centres.12
It is like a global passport - it offers me worldwiderecognition and I can go anywhere with my Edexcelqualifications.I would definitely recommend Edexcel.Nikita Jha, Edexcel International GCSE student at Sayfol International School, Malaysia.Illustration by by Davide Bonnazi13
Developing transferable skills valuedby universities and employersIn recent years, universities and employers have highlighted the need for students andgraduates to develop a range of transferable skills, often referred to as ‘soft skills’, to enablethem to better meet the demands of undergraduate study and the world of work.In fact, universities and employers consider transferable skills to be the largest skills gapoverall.1 in 654%1 in 387%employers havedifficulty findingcandidates withthe skills theyrequire1of companiessay that skillsshortages impacttheir abilityto serve theircustomers2skills in ajob posting is a“soft skill”1of universityprofessors do notthink studentshave the researchskills needed fordegree-levelstudy3Redeveloping our International GCSEs has ensured we meet the needs of today’s learnersto support their progression to universities and employment worldwide. We’ve embeddedtransferable skills in the qualifications and resources. This means teachers help studentsdevelop these skills while they teach, rather than having to add something additional totheir lessons, and students are aware of the skills they’re developing. These skills are highlyvalued by universities and employers.Employability - Personal & Social Capability Framework report from Pearson, 2016.Employability report from PSB for Pearson, 2016.3 Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Differing Research Expectations of First-Year Students and Professors, Meg Raven, Mount Saint Vincent University, 2016.12*Available for selected subjects.14
Supporting you at every stageWe provide an unparalleled level of support services, tools, resources and trainingalongside our qualifications, making teachers and students lives easier at every stage.At a glance: support for you at every stageFREE resources and supportPlanning, teaching& learningExam preparationand assessmentResultssupportGetting started guide3Training events (face-to-face and online)3Subject advisor support333Community forums333Schemes of work3Skills mapping3Sample assessment materials33Examiner reports33Exemplar marked responses*33Past papers3examWizard3Mark schemes3ResultsPlus mock exam analysis3ResultsPlus3Access to Scripts service (ATS)Additional online teacher materials33333Additional paid for resources available for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology andDouble ScienceCurriculum-matched Student Bookswith ActiveBooks33Online Teacher Resource Pack33*Available for selected subjectsYour free subject supportl Oursubject advisors provide fast, reliable, expert help and aim to answer all emailedquestions within 48 hours and resolve 90% of issues phoned in on the first call. EmailTeachingScience@pearson.com or call 44 (0)20 7010 2190l Connectwith other educators around the world, share ideas and resources and stayup to date with the latest subject developments by joining our international schoolscommunity at community.pearsoninternationalschools.com15
Offering more advanced supportservices and toolsOur technology capability also allows us to provide the following unique services and toolsto teachers and students:ResultsPlus provides detailed information onexam performance and a platform to view andcompare student results – as individuals or asgroups – across the world. It helps with planningimprovements in teaching and learning. ResultsPlusDirect is a free online service that gives studentsa detailed breakdown and comparison of theirperformance in Pearson Edexcel exams, globally,to help them identify areas of improvement.Access to Scripts Service (ATS) is an online servicewhich allows access to view electronically markedexam papers, free of charge, providing enhancedtransparency and support for teachers to evaluatea student’s performance on particular questions inrelation to what they have been taught.examWizard is our free exam preparationtool containing a bank of past PearsonEdexcel exam questions, mark schemesand examiners’ reports for a range ofsubjects. It saves you time by enabling youto create your own mock exams, topic tests,homework or revision activities in minutesand links directly to associated examinerreports and mark schemes!Awarding reliability. We use ePEN, our unique,image-based marking system ensuring real timemonitoring, quality control and reporting to ensurethe highest quality marking and provision of datafor tools such as ResultsPlus. Pearson Edexcel exammarking processes have been proven to producethe most reliable results. This demonstrates that ourqualifications maintain the highest standards andcan be relied upon to deliver to expectation.Stay InformedSign up for regular eNews updates for the latest news and information on your enquiry16
Feedback from teachers on ourqualifications supportOne of the good features ofResultsPlus is that it providesthe top ten questions thatstudents scored poorly in,so we as the lecturers canactually identify the topics thatstudents found difficult andcan incorporate a differentapproach when teaching ourcurrent students.Because ofResultsPlus,students can learnabout their mistakesand rectify.Kanagambigai, Chief Counsellor,Chemistry Lecturer, A levels Department,HELP Academy, Malaysia commenting onthe ResultsPlus mocks service.Dr Khong Yoke Kum, Chemistry Lecturer,A levels Department, HELP Academy, Malaysia.I used the website with its course outlines, past papers,summaries of key points, revision notes and mark schemes they provide great tips about possible exam questions andhow you could answer them.Alexia Kattavenos, student, The Nicosia Grammar School, Cyprus17
Published resourcesDeveloped for the new Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) science specifications,these completely new resources have progression, international relevance and supportat their core. They provide comprehensive coverage of the new specifications and aredesigned to support students with the best preparation possible for the examination.Specifically developedfor internationallearners, withappropriateinternational content.The new 9–1 gradingscale ensures a consistentinternational standard ofqualification, allowing learnersto progress further andachieve their full potential.Transferable skills, needed for progressioninto higher education and employment,are embedded throughout and explicitlysignposted, allowing students to understand,and engage with, the skills they’re gaining.Online Teacher Resource Packscontain lesson plans, worksheets,presentations and videos of practicals,to support your planning and teaching,saving you valuable time.Each Student Book will provide accessto an ActiveBook, a digital versionof the Student Book, which can beaccessed online, anytime, anywhere,ideal for learning beyond the classroom,revision and exam practice.English language focused content, checked by anEAL (English as an Additional Language) specialist,addresses the needs of EAL students with carefullygraded writing to B2/C1 level (CEFR) and a glossaryprovided of specialist vocabulary.Exam Practice tests andexam-style questions coverthe whole chapter and providequick, effective feedback onstudents’ progress and getsthem accustomed to whatthey’ll see in the exam.Chapter summariesstate the mostimportant points ineach chapter and aidrevision.You do not have to purchase our published resources, or endorsed resources from any other publisher, to deliver our qualifications.For details of all available published resources, please visit qualifications.pearson.com18
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE(9–1) Science resourcesTitleISBNBiologyBiology Student Book and ActiveBook978 0 435185 08 4Online Teacher Resource Pack Biology978 0 435185 05 3ChemistryChemistry Student Book and ActiveBook978 0 435185 16 9Online Teacher Resource Pack Chemistry978 0 435185 12 1PhysicsPhysics Student Book and ActiveBook978 0 435185 27 5Online Teacher Resource Pack Physics978 0 435185 24 4Human BiologyHuman Biology Student Book and ActiveBook978 0 435184 98 8Biology Student Book: print and ebook978 0 435185 08 4Science (Double Award)Science Double Award Student Book and ActiveBook978 0 435185 28 2Online Teacher Resource Pack Science Double Award978 0 435185 31 2Learn more at www.pearsonglobalschools.com19
I decided to take Edexcel International GCSEs as they areaccepted by institutions around the world for higher studies.The course is modern, well structured & examinations based.Thanks to my ever supporting parents, school, teachers andEdexcel for helping me to gain a world-class qualification.Ashfaq Faiz, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaAbout Pearson EdexcelAt the core of everything we do at Pearson is the desire to make a measurable impact onimproving people’s lives through learning. From primary school to secondary school, throughto professional certification; our qualifications help educate millions of people worldwide.Foundations for successPearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) is part of the iProgress family for ages 5 to 19, whichalso includes iPrimary, iLowerSecondary and International A Level (IAL). We offer more thanjust a qualification. With professional development training that keeps teachers up-to-date withthe latest educational practices, supporting materials that make planning and teaching lessonseasier, and student textbooks and online resources, you’ll have more time to focus on theindividual development of your students’ progress.Progress to further study and beyondDeveloped with the help of teachers and higher-education representatives, they provideseamless progression to further study, including A Levels and beyond.Find out moreTo find out more about our Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1)qualifications, visit our eOr complete our online form to request a local consultant to contact uiry
of the new Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology, Science (Double Award) and Science (Single Award). Before we go into detail about the sciences, we wanted to give you an overview of what the overall changes to the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) suite of qualifications are. 2
