Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Biology 0970

Syllabus overview

Available in a limited number of Administrative zones. See our 'Syllabus availability notice' below for details.

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Biology helps learners to understand the biological world in which they live and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. The syllabus includes the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on practical skills.

Learners also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level, further education or a career related to science.

This syllabus is graded from 9 to 1 but is otherwise the same as Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610). You will find additional past papers and other resources for Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610); these may be useful for teaching Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Biology (0970).

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

Syllabus updates

Summary of the changes
- 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.
Teaching and learning resources
- 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

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Important notices

Syllabus availability
- In June, this syllabus is available in Administrative zone 3 and for centres in Oman and UAE. In November, this syllabus is available in Administrative zone 3 only. Check the administrative zones for your school.
Grading scale
- Please note that if you make an entry for the 9-1 grading scale, it is not then possible to switch to the A*-G grading scale once the entries deadline has passed. If you find that you have accidentally made an entry for the 9-1 syllabus, you must withdraw and re-enter before the entries deadline.
Cambridge Upper Secondary Science competition
- Find out more about our competition for Cambridge IGCSE students aged 14-16.
Grade descriptions
- For some subjects, the syllabus states that grade descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
  
  Publication of grade descriptions was paused in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the grading standard that have been in place for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We are currently working on producing these grade descriptions. This work will make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the more stable grading standard that we expect to have in place for June 2023 onwards.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Biology 0970

Syllabus overview

Syllabuses

Syllabus updates

What are the main changes to the syllabus?

What are the main changes to the assessment?

When do these changes take place?

Support

Training

Endorsed resources

Important notices

School Support Hub

Stay up to date