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. We have updated this syllabus and all assessment materials so they are 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
- included a list of mathematical requirements to support teaching and learning.
What are the main changes to the assessment?
- We have removed Section B (optional questions) in Paper 2. There are no separate sections to the paper and all questions are compulsory.
- We have increased the duration of Paper 3.
- Paper 6 is now called Paper 4. This paper has a similar structure to Paper 3, making sure there is consistency between the two papers that assess practical skills.
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 September 2020 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 resource that is being developed by our Endorsement Partner for the Cambridge O Level Biology syllabus (5090).
Cambridge O Level Biology (Hodder Education)
Written by renowned expert authors, our updated resources enable the learner to effectively navigate through the content of the revised Cambridge O Level Biology syllabus (5090).
Read more on the Hodder Education website