Science Overview
Head Of Department: Mrs L Barden
Contact Details: leb@felsted.org
Twitter: @FelstedScience
IB
Why study a Science?
A fundamental understanding of how things work is a vital part of your education. IB science courses help you to understand how everything you experience in daily life fits together – from sub-atomic particles to the grandest designs in Nature. Science seeks explanations of all phenomena, and promotes rational and logical thought. And of course, it is responsible for all those inventions you depend on for your very existence.
How good must I be?
Past experience shows that pupils will be able to study a Group 4 science subject at standard level successfully with no background in, or previous knowledge of, science. Their approach to study, characterised by the specific IB learner profile attributes – inquirers, thinkers and communicators – will be significant here.
Course structure
Both levels undertake a common core syllabus, and an internal assessment scheme. Pupils are presented with a syllabus that encourages the development of certain skills, attributes and attitudes. While the skills and activities of Group 4 science subjects are common to pupils at both levels, pupils at HL are required to study some topics in greater depth, to study additional topics and to study extension material of a more demanding nature in the common options. The distinction between SL and HL is one of breadth and depth.
Pupils at Standard Level are required to spend 40 hours, and pupils at Higher Level 60 hours, on practical/ investigative work. This includes 10 hours for the project.
Standard and Higher Level
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Design Technology
- Physics
- Sports, Exercise and Health Science
SL Total teaching hours | 150 |
---|---|
Theory total | 110 |
Core | 110 |
Practical work total | 40 |
Investigations | 20 |
Group 4 project | 10 |
Individual Investigation | 10 |
HL Total teaching hours | 240 |
---|---|
Theory total | 180 |
Core | 120 |
Additional higher level | 60 |
Practical work total | 60 |
Investigations | 40 |
Group 4 project | 10 |
Individual Investigation | 10 |