In the pages that follow, the syllabus is set out in three sections. In each section, the main topics and sub-topics are described, and the associated learning outcomes are presented. The topics described in the syllabus are designed to be delivered in a way that will involve the student in consistent experimental and investigative work, which will be reflected in the structure and format of the assessment.
Certain activities are basic to all science: observing, measuring, recording, calculating, classifying, investigating and communicating. Through their study of this syllabus and the associated activities, students should become familiar with standard apparatus and its safe use in school science. They should develop an understanding of what constitutes a fair test or valid experiment and an awareness of the importance of accuracy.
The set of outcomes highlighted in bold in the following syllabus sections represents a minimum of practical work. As part of their coursework (which forms one element of their assessment) students will be required to keep a record of this practical work in their laboratory notebooks, which must be available for inspection. Other experiments and investigationswithin the syllabus can and will be examined.
Having completed the investigations and experiments contained within the syllabus, students will be expected to know the associated outcomes and results. They should also be able to manipulate recorded data and to interpret, present and communicate results in an appropriate manner.