Core Science O'level

The study area SEC Core Science is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

Core Science is important because it influences most aspects of everyday life, including food, energy, medicine, transportation, leisure activities and environmental issues. Science improves human life at every level from the individual level to global issues. Everyday applications of scientific knowledge are multiple and diverse.

Experimental work is central to the teaching programme of Core Science. An investigative approach to teaching the subject highlights the study of key concepts of science in real-world contexts. Course work carried out throughout the programme is essential for candidates taking the examination to acquire direct experience of the laboratory. 

This subject gives students the opportunity to learn about the applications of Science to everyday situations and to help them develop higher order thinking skills. An investigative approach to teaching is suggested and while factual knowledge and subject content are important, reasonable time should be devoted for the development of the learners’ reasoning in contrast to the recall of facts.

At the end of the programme, the student will be able to: 

• Explain the composition and behaviour of matter
• Explain the properties and behaviour of water and aqueous solutions
• Describe and explain the motion of objects
• Explain mechanisms involved for the body to achieve homeostasis
• Explain sexual reproduction and inheritance in humans
• Discuss sustainable processes after having considered the different forms of energies, sources of renewable and non-renewable energies, energy transfers and their efficiencies
• Describe the properties and uses of various electrical components around us
• Describe the different types of waves and how they travel
• Explain how the different components of a balanced diet are used by the human body
• Link the effects of lifestyle choices to the breathing and circulatory systems
• Link the effects of lifestyle choices to physical and mental wellbeing
• Use the appropriate scientific techniques to analyse evidence which has been collected from the scene-of-crime
• Use the appropriate procedure to separate chemicals and identify an unknown substance
• Show an understanding of Ecology, Conservation and Fieldwork
• Explain how green plants are at the basis of all food chains and make energy available to all consumers
• Demonstrate an understanding of how science works and is communicated.