SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Cambridge iGCSE Biology 0610
Years 9 to 11 (for examination June 2016-18)
Teachers:
Mr Ivan Phillips
iphillips@adcoteschool.co.uk
Mrs Julia Phillips
jphillips@adcoteschool.co.uk
Aim of the
course:
Cambridge IGCSE Biology is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential knowledge
and ability. As well as a subject focus, the biology syllabus enables learners to:
• better understand the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
• recognise the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and how to apply this to other
disciplines and in everyday life
• develop relevant attitudes, such as a concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity,
enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
• develop an interest in, and care for, the environment
• better understand the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, economy,
technology, ethics, the community and the environment
• develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for both further study and everyday life.
Summary of
subject
content:
1. Characteristics and classification of living
organisms
1.1 Characteristics of living organisms
1.2 Concept and use of a classification
system
1.3 Features of organisms
1.4 Dichotomous keys
2. Organisation of the organism
2.1 Cell structure and organisation
2.2 Levels of organisation
2.3 Size of specimens
3. Movement in and out of cells
3.1 Diffusion
3.2 Osmosis
3.3 Active transport
4. Biological molecules
5. Enzymes
6. Plant nutrition
6.1 Photosynthesis
6.2 Leaf structure
6.3 Mineral requirements
7. Human nutrition
7.1 Diet
7.2 Alimentary canal
7.3 Mechanical digestion
7.4 Chemical digestion
7.5 Absorption
8. Transport in plants
8.1 Transport in plants
8.2 Water uptake
8.3 Transpiration
8.4 Translocation (Extended candidates
only)
9. Transport in animals
9.1 Transport in animals
9.2 Heart
9.3 Blood and lymphatic vessels
5.1 9.4 Blood
The syllabus is split into CORE and SUPPLEMENT materials. With limited exceptions, all pupils will be
taught both sets of material.
Further
information:
A copy of the syllabus along with additional learning materials and past papers is available at:
http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-biology-0610/
Prep:
You will be given prep once each week. It is expected that you will return this for marking in the next
lesson.
Assessment:
This course is externally assessed at the end of year 11 by public examination. There is no
coursework component.
Core candidates take:
Extended candidates take:
Paper 1 45 minutes
Paper 2 45 minutes
A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of
the four-choice type. Questions will be based on the four-choice type. Questions will be based on
the Core syllabus content. This paper will be
the Extended syllabus content (Core and
weighted at 30% of the final total mark
Supplement). This paper will be weighted at 30%
of the final total mark.
and:
and:
Paper 3 1 hour 15 minutes
Paper 4 1 hour 15 minutes
A written paper consisting of short-answer and
A written paper consisting of short-answer and
structured questions. Questions will be based on structured questions. Questions will be based on
the Core syllabus content. 80 marks. This paper
the Extended syllabus content (Core and
will be weighted at 50% of the final total mark.
Supplement). 80 marks. This paper will be
weighted at 50% of the final total mark.
and:
Paper 6 1 hour – Alternative to Practical
Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 7.
The paper is structured to assess grade ranges A*–G.
40 marks
This paper will be weighted at 20% of the final total mark.
*We aim for all pupils to sit paper 3 and access the higher grades, however the decision to enter
candidates for papers 2 or 3 will be made based on performance in class, tests and the mock
examination. If you need clarification of your level, please talk to your teacher.
Extra learning:
In order to achieve your full potential in your final iGCSE examinations it is important that you do
further study using, at least, books and the internet.
Useful websites for this subject include:
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z9ddmp3
• http://biology-igcse.weebly.com/
We will also post useful information on the Public drive at school here:
 P:/Science help/iGCSE Biology
Revision:
It is important to revise thoroughly for all your tests and examinations. From February in year 11, the
science department also runs additional revision sessions at lunchtimes. Look out for
announcements about when these are running.
The department also places an order for the following revision guides:
 Cambridge Biology IGCSE Revision Guide
ISBN 9780199152650
 CGP IGCSE Biology Exam Practice Workbook
ISBN 9781847626905
 CGP IGCSE Biology for Edexcel revision guide
ISBN 9781847626899
You will be provided with a copy of the course text book to use. If you would like to have one for
yourself, here are the details:
 Biology for Cambridge IGCSE
ISBN 9781408500170
If you have a smartphone, iPhone, Android or other compatible device, CGP publishes a useful
revision app here:
 https://apps.cgpbooks.co.uk/home (GCSE level only)
Extra support:
The science department operates an open door policy. If you are unsure of anything we have learnt
or would like further guidance on learning, examinations, revision or science careers, please talk to
any of our teachers.
Enrichment
opportunities:
The science department runs a number of additional activities including Science/STEM club (Science,
technology, engineering and maths) aimed at further developing practical and applied science. We
also encourage the certification of your achievements through the British Science Association CREST
Award scheme at Discovery (year 6), Bronze (KS3), Silver (KS4) and Gold (6th form) levels.