YEAR PLAN 2008-2009 English E Combined Science Hector Robinson
The curriculum follows the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science and is designed as a 2-year course. The examination can be taken at both core and extended level.

AIMS:
To provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience for all students.
In particular, students studies should enable them to acquire understanding and knowledge of the concepts, principles and applications of biology, chemistry and physics and, where appropriate, other related sciences so that they may
• Become confident citizens in a technological world, able to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific import,
• Recognise the usefulness and limitations of scientific method and appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life,
• Be suitably prepared to embark upon further studies in science.

To develop studies and skills that
• are relevant to the studies and practice of science,
• are useful in everyday life,
• encourage safe practice,
• encourage effective communication

To stimulate
• curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science and its methods of enquiry
• interest in and care for the environment

To promote an awareness that
• the study and practice of science are co-operative and cumulative activities subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations,
• the applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment,
• the concepts of science are of a developing and sometimes transient nature
• science transcends national boundaries and that the language of science is universal.

To introduce students to the methods used by scientists and to the ways in which scientific discoveries are made.

BOOKS:
Stephen Pople and Michael Williams, 2002. Science to GCSE; a concise course. 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press. The book is supplemented by textbooks for the separate sciences.

ORGANISATION:
The whole class works on the same topic simultaneously. Class lectures are supported by presentations to introduce the topics. Practical experiments illustrate the topics covered in the book, carried out in as small groups as possible (usually of 4). A science notebook will be kept with vocabulary, records of experiments, diagrams, etc. A folder will be provided for supplementary worksheets.

TOPICS:


Chemistry
 Elements, mixtures and compounds
 Formulae and equations
 Oxides of metals and non-metals
 Non-metals
 Water
 Acids, bases and salts
 Rate of reaction
 Oxidation and reduction
 Thermal decomposition
 Electrolysis
 Tests for ions and gases
 Fuels and combustion
 Oils and polymers

Physics
 Speed, velocity and acceleration
 Energy and work
 Electricity
 States of matter
 Thermal expansion and heat transfer
 Conservation of heat
 Light

Biology
 Cells
 Photosynthesis
 Human diet and digestion
 Respiration
 Transport in humans
 Transport in plants
 Reproduction in plants



ASSESSMENT:
Students write a lab report about every experiment carried out. Further assessment will take place based on presentations and other assignments. 8th and 9th Graders will test their progress towards the final exam in May through tests in November and February. These exams are based on past IGCSE exam questions.