The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A) is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson.   This qualification is not accredited or regulated by any UK regulatory body.   This specification includes the following key features.   Structure: the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A) is a linear qualification. It consists of two examinations available at Foundation and Higher Tier. Both examinations must be taken in the same series at the end of the course of study.   Content: relevant, engaging, up to date and of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE in Mathematics.   Assessment: consists of tiers of entry (Foundation and Higher) that allow students to be entered for the appropriate level, with questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities in that tier and papers that are balanced for topics and difficulty.   Approach: a solid basis for students wishing to progress to Edexcel AS and Advanced GCE Level, or equivalent qualifications.

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A) qualification enables students to:

• develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques
• acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas
• enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts, and become confident in using mathematics to solve problems
• appreciate the importance of mathematics in society, employment and study.

1. Numbers and the number system
2. Equations, formulae and identities
3. Sequences, functions and graphs
4. Geometry and trigonometry
5. Vectors and transformation geometry
6. Statistics and probability

• Each paper is assessed through a 2-hour examination set and marked by Pearson.
• The total number of marks for each paper is 100.
• Each paper will assess the full range of targeted grades at Foundation Tier (5–1).
• Each paper will have approximately equal marks available for each of the targeted grades.
• There will be approximately 40% of questions targeted at grades 5 and 4, across papers 1F and 1H to aid standardisation and comparability of award between tiers.
• A Foundation Tier formulae sheet (Appendix 4) will be included in the written examinations.
• A calculator may be used in the examinations (please see page 42 for further information).

Auditor, Financial analysist, Data or Research analyst

At Pearson, we offer separate science qualifications in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as Double Award and Single Award Science qualifications – these have been designed to meet different students’ needs. The content and assessment approach in all our science qualifications has been designed to meet students’ needs in the following ways.   Content that is interesting and engaging for students but is also designed to ensure good preparation, both for those continuing to further study and for those wishing to work in a physics-related field.   There are opportunities to ‘localise’ the content to make it more relevant for students in their own country.   Clear and straightforward question papers Our question papers are clear and accessible for students of all abilities. Our mark schemes are straightforward, so that the assessment requirements are clear.   Broad and deep development of students’ skills The design of the revised international GCSE aims to extend students’ knowledge and understanding by broadening and deepening skills, for example students develop the ability to:

• focus on practical skills through a number of practicals listed in the specification content. These can be supplemented with other suggested practicals. The skills developed will be assessed through questions in written examinations
• improve students’ analytical and logic skills by applying understanding of scientific concepts and principles to a range of situations. This will include some examination questions that are more problem-solving in style
• address the need for mathematical skills to complement students’ physics skills by covering a range of mathematical areas.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• learn about unifying patterns and themes in physics and use them in new and changing situations
• acquire knowledge and understanding of physical facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques
• apply the principles and concepts of physics, including those related to the applications of physics, to different contexts
• evaluate physical information, making judgements on the basis of this information
• appreciate the practical nature of physics, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
• analyse, interpret and evaluate data and experimental methods, drawing conclusions that are consistent with evidence from experimental activities and suggesting possible improvements and further investigations
• recognise the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting scientific methods in physics
• select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically using appropriate vocabulary, definitions and conventions
• develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context
• select and apply appropriate areas of mathematics relevant to physics as set out under each topic
• prepare for more advanced courses in physics and for other courses that require knowledge of physics.

Assesses all the content, including content that is in bold and has a ‘P’ reference. Questions may come from any topic area across the specification. Statements in bold cover some sub-topics in greater depth.

1. Forces and motion
2. Electricity
3. Waves
4. Energy resources and energy transfers
5. Solids, liquids and gases
6. Magnetism and electromagnetism
7. Radioactivity and particles
8. Astrophysics

Physics Paper 1   A combination of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, shortanswer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be used in the examinations.   Physics Paper 2   A combination of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, shortanswer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be used in the examinations.

Physicist, astrophysicist, engineer, medicine

At Pearson we offer separate science qualifications in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as Double Award and Single Award Science qualifications – these have been designed to meet different students’ needs. The content and assessment approach in all our science qualifications has been designed to meet students’ needs in the following ways.

• Content that is interesting and engaging for students but is also designed to ensure good preparation, both for those continuing to further study and for those who wish to work in a chemistry-related field.
• There are opportunities to ‘localise’ the content to make it more relevant for students in their own country.
• Question papers are clear and straightforward – our question papers are clear and accessible for all students of all ability ranges and learning styles. Our mark schemes are straightforward, so that the assessment requirements are clear.
• Students’ skills are broadly developed – we have designed the International GCSE to extend students’ knowledge by broadening and deepening skills, for example:
  • developing students’ practical skills by including a number of practical’s in the specification content. These can be supplemented with other suggested practical’s. The skills developed will be assessed through questions in written examinations
  • Improving students’ analytical and logic skills by applying understanding of scientific concepts and principles to a range of situations. This will include some examination questions that are more problem solving in style
  • Addressing the need for mathematical skills to complement students’ chemistry skills by covering a range of mathematical areas.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• learn about unifying patterns and themes in chemistry and use them in new and changing situations
• acquire knowledge and understanding of chemical facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques
• apply the principles and concepts of chemistry, including those related to the applications of chemistry, to different contexts
• evaluate chemical information, making judgements on the basis of this information
• appreciate the practical nature of chemistry, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
• analyse, interpret and evaluate data and experimental methods, drawing conclusions that are consistent with evidence from experimental activities and suggesting possible improvements and further investigations
• recognise the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting scientific methods in chemistry
• select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically using appropriate vocabulary, definitions and conventions
• develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context.
• select and apply appropriate areas of mathematics relevant to chemistry as set out under each topic
• prepare for more advanced courses in chemistry and for other courses that require knowledge of chemistry.

Assesses core content that is not in bold and does not have a ‘C’ reference. Questions may come from any topic area across the specification.

1. Principles of chemistry
2. Inorganic chemistry
3. Physical chemistry
4. Organic chemistry

Chemistry Paper 1 The paper is assessed through a 2-hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson.

• The total number of marks is 110.
• A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
• A calculator may be used in the examinations.

Chemistry Paper 2 The paper is assessed through a 1-hour and 15-minute written examination paper set and marked by Pearson.

• The total number of marks is 70.
• A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
• A calculator may be used in the examinations.

Physicist, pharmacist, biologist, medicine, physiotherapy, anesthetics

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson.   This qualification is not accredited or regulated by any UK regulatory body.   This specification includes the following key features.   Structure: the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology is a linear qualification. Two written examinations must be taken in the same series at the end of the course of study.   Content: relevant, engaging, up to date and of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE in Biology.   Assessment: untiered, written examinations with questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities.   Approach: a solid basis for students wishing to progress to the Pearson Edexcel AS and Advanced GCE level or equivalent qualifications, focusing on key biology theory.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• learn about unifying patterns and themes in biology and use them in new and changing situations
• acquire knowledge and understanding of biological facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques
• apply the principles and concepts of biology, including those related to the applications of biology, to different contexts
• evaluate biological information, making judgements on the basis of this information
• appreciate the practical nature of biology, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
• analyse, interpret and evaluate data and experimental methods, drawing conclusions that are consistent with evidence from experimental activities and suggesting possible improvements and further investigations
• recognise the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting scientific methods in biology
• select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically using appropriate vocabulary, definitions and conventions
• develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context
• select and apply appropriate areas of mathematics relevant to biology as set out under each topic
• prepare for more advanced courses in biology and for other courses that require knowledge of biology.

1. The nature and variety of living organisms
2. Structure and functions in living organisms
3. Reproduction and inheritance
4. Ecology and the environment
5. Use of biological resources

Biology Paper 1

• The paper is assessed through a 2-hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
• The total number of marks is 110.
• A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
• A calculator may be used in the examinations.

Biology Paper 2

• The paper is assessed through a 1-hour and 15-minute written examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
• The total number of marks is 70.
• A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
• A calculator may be used in the examinations.

Zoologist, botanist, marine biologist, environmental engineer

Students develop an understanding of the implications of technology in society and the ways Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can help at home, work and the wider world. Through practical and theoretical studies, students solve problems using a variety of common software such as word processors and interactive presentation software.   Learners will analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems, making sure that they are fit for purpose. There is an emphasis on developing lifelong skills, which are essential across the curriculum and their future career.   This syllabus is graded from 9 to 1 but is otherwise the same as Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417). You will find past papers and other resources for Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417); these may be useful for teaching Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Information and Communication Technology (0983).

The syllabus aims summarise the context in which you should view the syllabus content and describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. They are not listed in order of priority. The aims are to develop:

• knowledge of ICT including new and emerging technologies
• autonomous and discerning use of ICT
• skills to enhance work produced in a range of contexts
• skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems
• skills to consider the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues
• ICT-based solutions to solve problems
• the ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice.

1. Types and components of computer systems
2. Input and output devices
3. Storage devices and media
4. Networks and the effects of using them
5. The effects of using IT
6. ICT applications
7. The systems life cycle
8. Safety and security
9. Audience
10. Communication
11. File management
12. Images
13. Layout
14. Styles
15. Proofing
16. Graphs and charts
17. Document production
18. Data manipulation
19. Presentations
20. Data
21. Website authoring

Paper 1 (2 hours)

• Theory 40%
• 100 marks
• Questions will be based on sections 1–21 of the subject content
• All questions are compulsory
• Externally assessed

Paper 2 (2 hours 30 minutes)

• Document Production, Data Manipulation and Presentations 30%
• 80 marks
• This test assesses the practical skills needed to use the applications covered in sections 17, 18 and 19 of the subject content
• Candidates must demonstrate the practical skills relevant to sections 11–16
• All tasks are compulsory
• Externally assessed

Paper 3 (2 hours 30 minutes)

• Data and Website Authoring 30%
• 80 marks
• This test assesses the practical skills needed to use the applications covered in sections 20 and 21 of the subject content
• Candidates must demonstrate the practical skills relevant to sections 11–16
• All tasks are compulsory
• Externally assessed

Systems analysis, software engineer, systems administrator