We revise our qualifications regularly to make sure that they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world and reflect current thinking. The new syllabus is clearer and more consistent across the three sciences. This is helpful for teachers who are teaching more than one science syllabus, and students who will enjoy a more coherent experience across each science. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus document for full details on the changes.
What are the main changes to the syllabus?
To support teachers and learners, we have:
- updated the learning objectives to demonstrate the depth you should teach each topic. The wording looks different in many places, but the teaching content remains largely the same
- updated the topic structure to make sure topics and sub-topics are clearly linked
- removed and added topics; making sure that the teaching time is still within the guided learning hours
- reviewed the balance and progression between core and supplement.
What are the main changes to the assessment?
There are no assessment changes.
When do these changes take place?
The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2023 onwards. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus for full details.
Support
We are developing a comprehensive range of materials to help you teach the updated syllabus. These resources will be available from June 2021 onwards (before first teaching) through our School Support Hub and include:
- Scheme of work
- Learner guide
- Teacher guide
- Specimen Paper Answers
- Resource Plus update
- Example Candidate Responses (after first examination).
Training
Face-to-face and online training will be available. For up-to-date information, visit our Events and training calendar.
Endorsed resources
View the latest resources that are being developed by our Endorsement Partners for the Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Biology syllabus (0970).
Biology for Cambridge IGCSE (Fourth edition)
(Cambridge University Press)
Inspired by teachers for teachers, these new edition resources fully support the syllabus and meet the real needs of science teachers and learners, focusing on key skills to help develop the scientists of the future!
Read more on the Cambridge University Press website
Marshall Cavendish Education Cambridge IGCSE Biology
(Marshall Cavendish Education)
This comprehensive suite of print and digital resources provides extensive support for both learners and educators, including non-native English speakers. This series incorporates an inquiry-based approach and metacognition is embedded throughout to promote deep learning.
Read more on the Marshall Cavendish Education website
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (Third edition) (Collins)
This course provides complete coverage of the updated Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus and is packed full of questions, in-depth content, practical investigative skills features and more.
Read more on the Collins website
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (Fourth edition) (Hodder Education)
Written by renowned expert authors, our updated resources enable the learner to effectively navigate through the content of the updated Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus.
Read more on the Hodder Education website