Oxford Open Learning launches brand new IGCSE Science (Double Award) course
Oxford Open Learning is delighted to announce the release of its brand new IGCSE Science (Double Award) distance learning course.
The Edexcel IGCSE Science qualification is a double award. This means that it is worth two IGCSEs. The Edexcel IGCSE Science specification (syllabus) includes the Paper 1 material from the Biology, Chemistry and Physics IGCSE specifications, but not material from Paper 2. (Paper 1material forms the ‘core content of the single science qualifications, whereas Paper 2 includes ‘extension’ material that is more challenging.) Students who are looking to gain a good general knowledge of science will benefit from studying IGCSE Science (Double Award). Whilst students who are aiming to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics at a higher level should consider studying these subjects individually, Oxford Open Learning will enrol students onto Biology A level with this qualification
Developed to the requirements of the Edexcel IGCSE Science specification 4SC0, the course was written by two experienced Science teachers, Marian Green and Philip West, and Michael Jones, a researcher in Chemistry at the University of Oxford. With clear lesson content and lots of lively and engaging activities, the course also includes reference to carefully selected online materials that will allow students to extend their knowledge and explore science in more depth. This is a substantial course that offers students carefully structured lesson material and plenty of practice and consolidation via test and activity materials. The course also includes sections on carrying out practical investigations in each of the 3 sciences.
Together with a more competitive employment market, the recent introduction of the English Baccalaureate (or Ebacc), which requires students to achieve 5 passes in the ‘core’ subjects of English, Maths, Science, History, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages, has led to increasing numbers of students opting to study science at GCSE and IGCSE. Our new IGCSE Science course offers distance learning students a well-structured, well-supported route to achieving both success in IGCSE Science and a means to achieve their Ebacc.
What’s in the course?
The course materials are held in three A4 ring-bound folders, one each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It is recommended that students adopt an integrated approach to Science and study Module 1 of each strand before progressing to Module 2. The entire course includes 78 lessons, 25 tutor-marked assignments (including 3 tutor-marked mock exams), as well as numerous self-assessment tests and lots of guided activities for students carry out practically and online.
The Biology section of the course is arranged in modules as follows:
- Module 1: Cells and Organisms
- Module 2: Plant and Animal Physiology A
- Module 3: Plant and Animal Physiology B
- Module 4: Inheritance
- Module 5: Ecology and Food Production
The Chemistry section of the course is arranged in modules as follows:
- Module 1: Principles of Chemistry
- Module 2: Chemistry of the Elements
- Module 3: Organic Chemistry
- Module 4: Physical Chemistry
- Module 5: Chemistry in Society
- Module 6: Investigative Skills
The Physics section of the course is arranged in modules as follows:
- Module 1: Forces and Motion
- Module 2: Electricity
- Module 3: Waves
- Module 4: Energy Resources and Energy Transfer
- Module 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases
- Module 6: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
- Module 7: Radioactivity and Particles
All Oxford Open Learning students also receive the support of a personal tutor throughout their course who will be in regular contact with them by email and phone. All our tutors are fully qualified experienced teachers in the subject they teach. Our students also receive support from student advisers and our dedicated exams officer who will help them to find an exam centre and enter for their exams.
What’s in the exam?
The Edexcel IGCSE Science exam consists of three written papers each lasting two hours. These exams are the same as those for Paper 1 of IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Unlike GCSE Science, there is no coursework.
Where can I sit my exams?
Edexcel have test centres throught the UK and world-wide. If you live in the UK you can find your nearest test centre by using the exams finder on our website. If you are thinking of studying with Oxford Open Learning and live outside the UK you can find your nearest test centre by going to the Edexcel International site and clicking on your location on the world map.
How can I find out more?
If you would like to study IGCSE Science by distance learning, then contact one of our student advisers who will be pleased to help you.
