We review all of our syllabuses regularly to make sure they continue to meet the needs of our schools. We are updating Cambridge O Level Biology (5090), Chemistry (5070) and Physics (5054) to improve how learners demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application in science. Practical skills are still at the centre of our science qualifications, and we continue to make sure that students have the opportunity to showcase their practical skills in either Paper 3 or Paper 4.
How will the syllabus change?
We have reviewed and updated the content:
How will the assessment change?
Paper titles, durations and the number of marks remain the same. We have made the following changes to the assessment model:
- Optional questions are being removed from Paper 2 (Theory) to make sure the assessment is fair and valid.
- Planning questions will be included in both practical and alternative to practical papers.
The assessment model will be as follows:
Paper 1 - Multiple Choice Questions
Paper 2 - Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks
Paper 3 - Practical Test
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40 marks
Paper 4 - Alternative to Practical
When do these changes take place?
We will publish the new syllabus and specimen assessment materials in September 2020 for first assessment in 2023.
Support
We are developing a range of materials to help you teach the updated syllabus including:
- Endorsed textbooks (available in March 2021)
- Example Candidate Responses (available in early 2024)
- Learner guide
- Scheme of work
- Specimen Paper Answers (available September 2020)
- Subject forum
- Teacher guide.
These materials will be available through our School Support Hub from July 2020 onwards (before first teaching), unless stated otherwise. Additionally, Resource Plus is already available to support the development of practical science skills in challenging topics covered in the syllabus.
Training
Training will be available from August 2020.
Register your interest to keep up to date with changes to Cambridge O Level Biology when we publish full details in September 2020.