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Cambridge Science Competition - FAQs

The document provides frequently asked questions about the Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition. It is intended for Cambridge IGCSE and O Level science students. Teams of 3-6 students work together on a science investigation over 20-25 hours. Teachers support the teams and mark the projects. There are opportunities for national and international recognition of top projects. Support materials are available to help teachers implement the competition.

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175 views

Cambridge Science Competition - FAQs

The document provides frequently asked questions about the Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition. It is intended for Cambridge IGCSE and O Level science students. Teams of 3-6 students work together on a science investigation over 20-25 hours. Teachers support the teams and mark the projects. There are opportunities for national and international recognition of top projects. Support materials are available to help teachers implement the competition.

Uploaded by

muhamadabdullahwali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cambridge IGCSE

Cambridge O Level

Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the competition?
The Cambridge Science Competition is an exciting extra-curricular activity for students passionate
about science.

What age group is this competition for?


The Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition is for Cambridge IGCSE and O Level
students studying science syllabuses. Students studying the following syllabuses can take part in the
competition:

Cambridge IGCSE Cambridge O Level


Agriculture 0600 Agriculture 5038
Biology 0610/0970 Biology 5090
Chemistry 0620/0971 Chemistry 5070
Combined Science 0653 Combined Science 5129
Coordinated Sciences 0654/0973 Environmental Management 5014
Environmental Management 0680 Physics 5054
Marine Science 0697
Physical Science 0652
Physics 0625/0972

What does the competition involve?


Teams of three to six students work together to investigate a topic practically and communicate their
findings to others. The teams are given credit for good scientific investigation, innovation, creativity,
teamwork, presenting to others and reflecting on how the members of the team worked together.

What is the role of the teacher?


The teacher supports the team, helps them select a suitable topic and makes sure their investigation
and any laboratory work is managed safely. They also mark the projects using the mark scheme.
There is a detailed Teacher Guide available on the School Support Hub to support teachers as they
run the competition with their students.

How does this fit with the Cambridge Pathway?


The competition supports the teaching of practical skills in creative and innovative ways, helping
students develop their passion for the sciences. The competition also encourages ‘free thinking’, key
for the study of science. It also promotes the attributes of the Cambridge learner – confident,
responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged.

How much does it cost?


The competition is a free extra-curricular activity.

How long does it take to complete?


Students complete their investigation over 20 - 25 hours.

Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition FAQs 1


When does the competition run?
Each year, there are two entry periods. Schools may enter for whichever entry period suits them best
or both if they wish. Key dates for each entry period can be found in the timeline below.

How do I enter?
Please visit: www.cambridgeinternational.org/science-competition where you will find more
information about the competition. To enter, please visit the School Support Hub where you will find
important dates and deadlines, along with the Intention to Enter form.

How is the competition marked?


Projects are marked by the teacher, using the mark scheme provided. It is a ‘best fit’ mark scheme -
you decide which level best describes the characteristics of a particular team, and where in the level
the team fits. If a team meets all of the criteria of that level, the top mark can be awarded. If there is
only one teacher marking the projects, we recommend that some are shared with another colleague
to make sure the marking is standardised. If there are two or more markers, it is good practice to
mark a sample of the same projects and cross-check the marks awarded. Differences should be
resolved with discussion.

How is the competition awarded?


Teachers mark the projects, awarding Gold, Silver, Bronze or Participation. Teachers submit any
Gold investigations to Cambridge where our expert panel of judges will consider them for a Best in
Country* or Best in Region award. The winning teams will receive a certificate in recognition of their
achievement. Their projects may also be featured on our website and in promotional materials. *Best
in Country awards are given when 10 or more schools have entered for the competition in a country.
At the end of the year, the winners of the Best in Region awards are put forward to be judged for the
Best in World award. The winning team will receive a certificate, be interviewed by a member of the
Cambridge team and be featured on our website and in promotional materials. The school will also
receive a plaque to display.

What support is available?


We have a range of support material for the competition in the Support pack available on the School
Support Hub. Materials include a Teacher Guide, a Team Guide, example projects, a mark scheme,
certificate templates and a Factsheet and promotional presentation that can be used to help schools
promote the competition to students and parents.

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Cambridge Upper Secondary Science Competition FAQs 2

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