Get A Quote

Class of 2025: A Guide to the New Science Syllabus

Students taking their biology, chemistry, or physics exams in 2025 will see a few new changes to the syllabus as well as the examination. Though being the first year being tested on a new syllabus can be daunting this blog will provide you with all the information regarding the changes made as well as some extra tips on succeeding in the program!
All three sciences are built around “Nature of Science” which provides a conceptual understanding on the formation of knowledge in the sciences. Not to be mistaken with Theory of Knowledge (TOK), nature of science focuses on observations, patterns, hypothesis, experiments, and scientific models pushing students to think beyond what is taught in the classroom. This concept is applied and tailored to all three sciences

Biology

The new biology syllabus is split into 4 broad topics studied with the guideline of 4 themes. The 4 themes act as a lens by which the syllabus can be studied to create a unified understanding of the content.

Theme A: Unity and Diversity

Exploring common ancestry and shared features between living organisms as well as the role evolution plays in biodiversity

Theme B: Form and Function

Exploring the role of evolution in adaptation and survival of various organisms as well as how these adaptations allow for functioning of these organisms

Theme C: Interaction and Interdependence

Exploring how connected systems are both within an organism and within ecosystems delving into different cellular mechanisms that play key roles in the function of living organisms

Theme D: Continuity and Change

Exploring mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis and the continuity of an organism or at a cellular level through DNA replication and continuity of species through reproduction
These 4 themes are explored through 4 topics as shown in the table below with subtopics for higher level students only in red
This content will be covered over the course of the two years following a general order of going theme by theme, however this may differ depending on the teacher’s choice of delivery.
The biology examination guidelines have also seen some changes with the most prominent the removal of paper 3. The new assessment guidelines are as follows:
Chemistry
The new chemistry syllabus has seen similar changes to that of biology with the introduction of two core themes; structure and reactivity. The topics studied will be explored through both themes, with the help of guiding questions, encouraging a conceptual understanding of the various topics. A key change to the chemistry syllabus is the removal of the option topics usually studied towards the end of the course, though some of the content has been blended into the new syllabus.
A breakdown of the syllabus can be seen in the table below
Unlike biology, chemistry higher level students do not study separate topics but instead extensions of the topics mentioned above. For example, Reactivity 1.4, Entropy and spontaneity has both standard and higher-level content.
The examination for chemistry has remained nearly the same except for the removal of paper 3 following the removal of the options from the syllabus.

The new examination guidelines are as follows:
Extra Tips!
1. Textbooks
Using textbooks can be a great way to bridge any gaps in your knowledge and create a well-rounded understanding of what was covered in class. Though a lot of these textbooks will follow the order of the old syllabus the content will be nearly the same. Below are some recommendations
2. Practice Questions
The best way to prepare for an exam is to do as many practice questions as possible. This will help put your knowledge to the test and allow you to identify any possible areas of weakness. Exam mate is a great resource for finding past paper questions, but a quick google search can help you find practice questions for any topic.
3. Learning with your peers
Studying in small groups can be a great way to combine knowledge and learn from each other. Different people have different strengths and ideas which can be useful when learning something new or doing practice questions. For more information on the Internal Assessment, you can check out our blog which delves into the writing process and marking criteria, as well as a checklist with all the elements needed to achieve a high score. We also offer many packages to help students with both content and coursework, which can be found by clicking the following link: https://ibways.com/prices-packages/

New articles

Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram
Copyright © 2022 All rights reserved