Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge IGCSE Marine Science (0697)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE Marine Science stimulates learners' interest in science of the marine world and enhances their understanding of its relevance to society. The syllabus:

builds knowledge of scientific concepts and theories that are fundamental to the subject, and engages learners to apply them to a new context
helps learners understand the intricate nature of the marine environment and its ecosystem and encourages a sense of responsibility for the environment
develops a range of practical skills that are essential for the subject and can be developed in any future scientific study
develops an understanding of concepts and scientific skills essential for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level, further education or a career related to science.

Syllabuses

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

Syllabus updates

Summary of the changes
- For the first time, this course will be available to all our schools worldwide. We have updated this syllabus to make it appropriate for learners around the world, providing a coherent introduction to marine science. The new syllabus is clearer and more consistent with our wider Cambridge IGCSE science suite to support teachers who are teaching more than one science syllabus and help students to have a coherent experience in their science learning.
  
  What are the main changes to the syllabus?
  
  To support teachers and learners, we have:
  - updated subject content to reflect current practice in the field. The content has been restructured into six new topic areas and learning outcomes have been rewritten, reorganised or made clearer
  - included further guidance and examples in the subject content to demonstrate the depth you should teach each topic
  - added practical activities as learning outcomes in the subject content to emphasise the importance of practical work in understanding science theory. This makes clear to teachers and learners the minimal requirements for practical skills and encourages consolidation of theory and practical learning.
  What are the main changes to the assessment?
  - We have changed the assessment structure. The new assessment consists of two papers. Each paper is 80 marks and has a duration of 1 hour 45 minutes. The practical skills (AO3) will be assessed in Paper 2.
  - We have updated the assessment objectives to improve clarity and ensure consistency with other Cambridge IGCSE science subjects.
  When do these changes take place?
  
  The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2024 onwards. Examinations are available in June and November.
  
  Please see the 2024-2026 syllabus above for full details.
Teaching and learning resources
- Coming soon
  
  We are developing a comprehensive range of resources to help teachers deliver this updated syllabus.
  
  We aim to provide a scheme of work and other relevant classroom resources. Example Candidate Responses will be available following the first examination in 2024. Visit the School Support Hub from June 2022 onwards for details.
  
  Endorsed resources
  View the latest endorsed resources that are being developed by our endorsement partners for this syllabus.
  
  Cambridge IGCSE Marine Science syllabus (First edition) (Cambridge University Press)
  
  This resource offers full syllabus coverage. Activities and questions help to solidify knowledge, whilst practical exercises ensure that students have frequent opportunities to apply what they have learned. A digital coursebook is also available.
  
  Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

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Important notices

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.
Front covers
- From 2020, we have made some changes to the wording and layout of the front covers of our question papers to reflect the new Cambridge International branding and to make instructions clearer for candidates - learn more.

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 Marine Science (0697)

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?

Coming soon

Endorsed resources

Important notices

School Support Hub