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International AS/A Levels

Science: Biology, Chemistry & Physics

First teaching September 2018

Choosing Pearson Inside this guide
Edexcel as your
school’s International Contents
AS/A Level (IAL®) 2 Welcome to Pearson

partner 3 Modern, progressive International A Level

qualifications

Equipping your students to reach the 4 Qualifications for globally minded learners
world’s best universities and compete 5 Recognised worldwide for academic excellence
for global employment opportunities 6 Pearson Edexcel International A Level Science
will happen throughout their school Qualifications
life, but is even more key when it
8 Biology, Chemistry & Physics: a closer look
comes to choosing their International
A Levels. We want to reassure you that 10 Modular Assessment
with Pearson as your qualifications 12 Building transferable skills
partner, you can be certain both
13 Supporting you at every stage
you and your students are setting
yourselves up for future success. 14 Pre and post exam support for your educators
16 A wide range of teaching and learning resouces
In this guide, you’ll learn more about
who we are, the recognition and
progression our Pearson Edexcel
International qualifications enjoy, and
we’ll take a closer look at International Key International Advanced Level Science highlights
A Level Science.

We wish you the best of success for “It’s been my dream to

your International Advanced Level attend a world-renowned
journey! university. Pearson Edexcel
IALs have given me a solid
academic foundation for
IAS = International Advanced Subsidiary.
IAL® = International Advanced Level.
further studies.”
IAL is a registered trademark of Pearson Education Ltd in the UK and other countries.
Fei Xue, University College London
Pearson Edexcel IAL® qualifications are available to students attending
International Schools (outside the UK) and any students attending Online
Modular approach
Schools. They are not available to schools in the UK, the Channel Islands, the
Isle of Man or in British Armed Forces schools overseas.
Learn about the popular modular approach to Pearson
Edexcel International A Levels, which gives students
the flexibility to sit examinations when they feel fully
prepared and ready.

See page 10

1
 Welcome to Pearson

We’re pleased to meet you! Our qualifications heritage

Pearson is the world’s leading learning stretches back over 150 years
company. We provide world class
Pearson’s qualifications heritage stretches
qualifications, assessments, digital content and
back over 150 years, our qualifications are
learning experiences to international schools
offered in over 100 countries worldwide and
all over the world to enable more effective
we mark over 10 million exam scripts per year
teaching and learning and to help learners
on behalf of the UK Department for Education.
increase their skills and global employability
prospects. Pearson Edexcel is regulated by Ofqual,
ensuring our curricula meet the highest
We partner with more than 6,500 schools,
standards and our exams follow carefully
universities, and employers worldwide: controlled procedures at every stage of their
at
l  school level, to offer Pearson Edexcel
International and UK qualifications to over
development, delivery, marking and reporting. Modern, progressive International
3.5 million students annually;
As the largest exam board in the UK, Pearson
Edexcel regularly achieves the highest marking
A Level qualifications
l atuniversity level, to ensure Pearson accuracy of all UK boards.
Edexcel qualifications are recognised and
accepted by universities all over the world;
For globally minded learners aged 16 - 19
and
l  with employers, by building 21st What this means for you
Renowned across the world for academic excellence, Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels
century skills into our qualifications at the
You can trust Pearson Edexcel International provide learners with the skills and knowledge they need to progress onto the most prestigious
outset, to ensure learners have transferable
Advanced Level qualifications. Thousands of universities across the world.
skills alongside the knowledge they need to
students around the world take these same
progress into the careers of their choice. Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels are part of iProgress, our complete series of academic
qualifications every year, progressing from our
qualifications for 3 to 19 year-old learners at international schools following a UK curriculum.
popular International GCSEs and on to the
world’s most respected universities. At every stage, our iProgress continuum delivers a consistent learning journey with world class support,
assessments and teaching and learning resources for students and teachers, everywhere in the world.

“Cambridge Colleges welcome

applications from those taking
International A Levels… and these are
recognised as equivalent to UK Board
iPROGRESS International International
iPrimary iLowerSecondary
AS and A Levels.” GCSE (9-1) Advanced Level

The University of Cambridge Ages 3-11

Ages 11-14 Ages 14-16 Ages 16-19
English, maths, science, English, maths, science,
computing, global computing and global Available in more than Available in
citizenship, and citizenship 40 subjects 21 subjects
early years

2 3
 Qualifications for globally minded learners Recognised worldwide for academic excellence

Introducing Pearson Edexcel World class assessment design Opening doors to the world’s Comparability with GCE
International AS/A Levels for international students best universities AS/A Level
Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Levels, also Pearson Edexcel qualifications go through a Pearson Edexcel sets the standard for International A Levels (IAL®) are comparable
known as Advanced Subsidiary Level/Advanced rigorous world class assessment design process, worldwide recognised qualifications aligned to to the UK A Level, as confirmed by UK ENIC,
Levels, have been developed in consultation with which ensures that the content is relevant for the British educational system. Accepted by the national agency responsible for providing
the international school community specifically international learners, and that there is a clear over 650 higher education institutions across information and expert opinion on
for international learners. and consistent relationship between command the world – including top universities such qualifications and skills worldwide. See the
words, marks and skills. With logical progression as Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia University table below for a comparison. The same
They take the popular and flexible modular
of difficulty throughout and consistency in and Yale University – and with 21st century rigorous standards are applied to all Pearson
approach* where exams are taken at the end of
template and design, our question papers are skills embedded in the curriculum, you can be Edexcel qualifications.
each unit of study, throughout the programme of
clear and provide suitable challenge and support confident students will have qualifications, skills
study when a student feels prepared and ready,
for students of all abilities. and knowledge that admissions teams and
or all together at the end of the course. This
employers are looking for.
flexibility, together with exam series in January,
June and October, for most subjects, means Read about some of our IAL learner journeys Learn more at
that students have more opportunities to get “I wanted to study subjects that with Pearson Edexcel here. qualifications.pearson.com/progress-to-uni
feedback to improve their performance and get were relevant to a future career.
the grade they need to progress. Pearson Edexcel iAL provides Pearson
Pearson Edexcel Pearson Edexcel Pearson Edexcel
Available in 21 popular subjects, they offer learners with a firm knowledge Edexcel GCE
GCE AS Level International International
progression from International GCSEs, and are base.“ A Level
(UK AS Level) AS Level (IAS) A Level (IAL®)
comparable to the linear UK A Level, equipping (UK A Level)
Nasim Mirzajani, now studying Chemical
students for progression to university and Engineering at Yale University, USA Structure Linear (all exams Modular and flexible Linear (all exams Modular and flexible
employment. taken at the end of a structure with all units taken at the structure with all units
one year programme) examined end of a 2 year examined
*for all subjects except Law
Standalone Contributes 50% to the programme) Typically studied over
qualification and no IAL grade or can be a a 2 year period
longer contributes to standalone qualification
GCE A Level grades

Assessment Mainly examination 100% examination based Mainly 100% examination

based* Examinations in January, examination based
May/June May/June and October based* Examinations in
examinations only May/June January, May/June and
examinations October
only

Grading A–E A* – E

Regulator Regulated by Ofqual Regulated by Pearson and Regulated by Regulated by Pearson

confirmed by UK ENIC to Ofqual and confirmed
be comparable to UK AS by UK ENIC to be
standard comparable to UK
A Level standard

*Other types of assessment used only

where needed to test essential skills.
4 Learn more at qualifications.pearson.com/IAL Learn more at qualifications.pearson.com/IAL 5
 Pearson Edexcel International A Level Aims of the qualifications
The aims and objectives of these
Science Qualifications qualifications are to enable students to
develop:
l essential knowledge and understanding
of different areas of the subject and how
Supporting confidence, Accessible examination papers
they relate to each other.
knowledge and skills in science At Pearson Edexcel, we develop our examination
l a deep appreciation of the skills,
papers over a two-year period. The papers go
through a rigorous world class assessment knowledge and understanding of
Student confidence to sit exams
design process, which ensures that the content scientific methods.
Practical skills are assessed through a dedicated
is relevant for international learners, and l competence and confidence in a variety
examination unit, both at AS (Unit 3) and at A
there is a clear and consistent relationship of practical, mathematical and problem-
Level (Unit 6), instead of in a scheduled practical
between command words, marks and skills. solving skills.
lab work exam, allowing more flexibility for when
With logical progression of difficulty throughout
to embed and deliver practical work. l their interest in and enthusiasm for the
and consistency in template and design, our
subject, including developing an interest
Breadth and depth question papers are clear and provide suitable
in further study and careers associated
challenge and support for students of all ability
There are a range of question types in all exams, with the subject.
ranges.
testing breadth of knowledge, as well as allowing
depth of understanding to be examined. Students will
IAS results contribute to IAL grade
International AS qualifications can be taken l develop and use a range of
Developing mathematical skills
separately as a stand alone qualification, or mathematical skills that support their
Students develop and use a range of
used as a stage on the way to completing an knowledge and understanding of their
mathematical skills that support their knowledge
International Advanced Level qualification. This subject.
and understanding. Teachers will know the
provides international schools and learners with l gainexperience in a variety of practical
minimum number of marks awarded to maths
greater choice and flexibility to meet their needs techniques and procedures, allowing
skills across the papers.
and aspirations. them to apply their theoretical
knowledge.
l widen their learning through a number
of key transferable skills, which may be
cognitive, intrapersonal or interpersonal.

6 Learn more at qualifications.pearson.com/IAL 7

 Exams
in January,
Biology, Chemistry & Physics: June and Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Chemistry
a closer look October
Unit Unit % of the % of the Examination Marks
code: qualification total IAL duration available
Unit 1: Structure, Bonding WCH11/01 40% of IAS 20% 1 hr 30 mins 80 marks
and Introduction to Organic
Each specification covers Problems will require the
Chemistry
application of mathematical 100%
the subject’s major topics, externally
Unit 2: Energetics, Group WCH12/01 40% of IAS 20% 1 hr 30 mins 80 marks
skills. Core practical activities
Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes
including practical skills are embedded throughout the assessed and Alcohols
Containing up to date and engaging course, allowing students to link
Unit 3: Practical Skills in WCH13/01 20% of IAS 10% 1 hr 20 mins 50 marks
content, the Pearson Edexcel theoretical knowledge and Chemistry I
International Advanced Level understanding to practical scenarios. There is no
Unit 4: Rates, Equilibria and WCH14/01 40% of IA2 20% 1 hr 45 mins 90 marks
qualifications in Biology, Chemistry practical lab examination — practical skills are Further Organic Chemistry
and Physics are designed to enhance assessed by exam. Centres are encouraged to include
WCH15/01 40% of IA2 20% 1 hr 45 mins 90 marks
students’ future educational and additional practical activities to develop students Unit 5: Transition Metals and
Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
employment prospects. practical skills further, if possible.

Learners will develop knowledge An International Advanced Subsidiary qualification can Unit 6: Practical Skills in WCH16/01 20% of IA2 10% 1 hr 20 mins 50 marks
be claimed as a discrete qualification on completion Chemistry II
and understanding of their subject
by applying the concepts in the of the three International Advanced Subsidiary units
For further information and to download the specification, visit
specifications to a range of different (Units 1, 2 and 3). The International Advanced Level
qualifications.pearson.com/ialchemistry2018
problems, set in a variety of contexts. qualification can be claimed on completion of all six
units in the specification.

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Physics

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Biology
Unit Unit % of the % of the Examination Marks
Unit Unit % of the % of the Examination Marks code: qualification total IAL duration available
code: qualification total IAL duration available
Unit 1: Mechanics and WPH11/01 40% of IAS 20% 1 hr 30 mins 80 marks
Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, WBI11/01 40% of IAS 20% 1 hr 30 mins 80 marks Materials
Transport and Health WPH12/01 40% of IAS 20% 1 hr 30 mins 80 marks
Unit 2: Waves and Electricity
Unit 2: Cells, Development, WBI12/01 40% of IAS 20% 1 hr 30 mins 80 marks
Unit 3: Practical Skills in WPH13/01 20% of IAS 10% 1 hr 20 mins 50 marks
Biodiversity and Conservation
Physics I
Unit 3: Practical Skills in WBI13/01 20% of IAS 10% 1 hr 20 mins 50 marks
Unit 4: Further Mechanics, WPH14/01 40% of IA2 20% 1 hr 45 mins 90 marks
Biology I
Fields and Particles
Unit 4: Energy, Environment, WBI14/01 40% of IA2 20% 1 hr 45 mins 90 marks
Unit 5: Thermodynamics, WPH15/01 40% of IA2 20% 1 hr 45 mins 90 marks
Microbiology and Immunity
Radiation, Oscillations and
Unit 5: Respiration, Internal WBI15/01 40% of IA2 20% 1 hr 45 mins 90 marks Cosmology
Environment, Coordination
Unit 6: Practical Skills in WPH16/01 20% of IA2 10% 1 hr 20 mins 50 marks
and Gene Technology
Physics II
Unit 6: Practical Skills in WBI16/01 20% of IA2 10% 1 hr 20 mins 50 marks
Biology II For further information and to download the specification, visit
qualifications.pearson.com/ialphysics2018
For further information and to download the specification, visit
qualifications.pearson.com/ialbiology2018

8 Learn more at qualifications.pearson.com/IAL 9

 Modular
assessment

Why is the modular

approach so popular?
The modular assessment structure
offers students the flexibility to sit
examinations when they feel fully
prepared and ready. Once they have
sat a unit exam and received a unit
grade, that result is banked until they
have completed all units. Students
The benefits of a modular route
then ‘cash-in’ the completed unit
exam results to receive an overall A modular approach allows students to take their exams
qualification grade. when they feel ready and prepared. They benefit from
more exam practice and familiarity. Unit exam results
The structure of Pearson Edexcel
provide formal feedback earlier on in their studies, so
IAL qualifications allows teachers to
construct a course of study that can be
students understand the standard required to reach What this means for you
the final level of achievement they are aiming for. This
taught and assessed as either distinct Pearson Edexcel were the first awarding
understanding motivates them to improve and builds a
modular units or a linear course organisation to introduce the modular
sense of ownership through bite-size, short-term goals.
assessed in its entirety at the end. International AS/A Levels, so can offer
The modular approach can help reduce the mental a wealth of experience and support
load and stress at exam time by allowing learners to for international schools. The modular
focus on one year of curriculum content at a time and approach is so popular with schools,
spread out their high stakes exams over two years and teachers, parents, and students, that
multiple exam series. Learners can also take advantage we now offer a modular approach
of multiple re-sit opportunities if needed. for International GCSE which is great
preparation for Pearson Edexcel
A modular route provides teachers with rich mid-cycle
How the modular approach works International AS/A Level.
data on learner performance. It offers international
schools greater flexibility for exam administration across
Bank robust and ongoing Multiple exam opportunities Students ‘cash in’ unit
the school year. And where parents pay exam fees, it
evidence of performance throughout the year results when ready
helps with budgeting by enabling families to spread
This ‘building blocks’ approach Students can take and re-sit Once a student has all their
their child’s exam fees over two years.
means that students can individual unit assessments in unit results for the qualification
‘bank’ their unit exam results any series, with examination they are taking, they exchange
throughout their period of opportunities in January, June those for a grade – this is
study. This provides robust and October in most subjects. called ‘cashing in’. To cash in, all “I like the modular nature of IAL, the fact that I can choose whichever
evidence of their studies and This means students have more units must have been entered. core units I want to do, whichever applied units I want to do. It’s very
performance, providing more opportunities to get feedback International AS qualifications
options to obtain the grade to improve their performance can be taken as a separate, comprehensive. It opens up many doors to many international universities.”
they need to progress. and get the grades they need to standalone qualification, as well
Wang, Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level student from Sri Lanka, studying Chemistry, Biology,
progress. as contributing to an Advanced
Physics, and Mathematics.
Level qualification.

10 Learn more at qualifications.pearson.com/IAL 11

 Building transferable skills Supporting you at every stage

The most in demand skills Supporting the development of We provide an unparalleled level of support services, tools,
are human skills transferable skills in your school resources and training alongside our qualifications, making
In recent years, higher education If you follow Pearson Edexcel IAL specifications, or
teachers and students lives easier at every stage.
institutions and employers have your students are using our IAL textbooks, you’ve
consistently flagged the need for students already started integrating transferable skills into your
to develop a range of transferable skills to teaching. At a glance: support for you at every stage
enable them to respond with confidence to
That’s because our qualifications and resources are
the demands of undergraduate study and Planning, teaching Exam preparation Results
mapped to the National Research Council’s framework FREE resources and support & learning and assessment support
the world of work.
for 21st century skills, which includes cognitive,
Getting started guide 3
In fact, universities and employers consider intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. They are
Training events (face-to-face, online &
transferable skills – otherwise known as embedded and signposted in the specifications and 3
downloadable content)
Core Competencies, or 21st century skills – schemes of work, with accompanying skills mapping
to be the largest skills gap overall. Subject advisor support 3 3 3
and transferable skills definitions for every subject.
Ask the expert 3 3 3
Transferable skills are also developed as part of
Community forums 3 3 3
activities in the Student Books. These are clearly
labelled, so you and your learners can easily identify Scheme of Work 3
the skills they are building. Sample assessment materials 3
We help you instil and embed these skills, supporting Examiner reports 3 3 3
children to grow into resilient, curious and globally Exemplar marked responses 3
connected young adults. Past papers 3
examWizard 3
Mark schemes 3
ResultsPlus mock exam analysis 3
ResultsPlus 3 3

9/10 FREE Access to Scripts service (ATS) 3

No.1
of the most in-demand
skills are human skills3
Additional paid for resources
Printed Student Books and digital
ActiveBooks
3 3

87%
Online Teacher Resource Packs 3 3
of companies
say they have skill gaps, or
expect to within a few years1 The highest priority for skills
training is analytical thinking,
followed by creative thinking2

1
McKinsey & Company (2020) Available from: www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/beyond-hiring-
how-companies-are-reskilling-to-address-talent-gaps
2
World Economic Forum (2023) Future of Jobs Report [online]. Available from: www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf

12 3 
Pearson (2022) Pearson Skills Outlook: Power Skills [online]. Available from: plc.pearson.com/en-GB/news-and-insights/pearson-skills-outlook- 13
7
powerskills
 A valued support partner

“One of the good features of

ResultsPlus is that it provides the
top ten questions that students
scored poorly in, so we as the
Pre and post exam support lecturers can actually identify
for your educators the topics that students found
difficult and can incorporate a
different approach when teaching
our current students.”
Supporting you every step of the way -
Dr Khong Yoke Kum, A Levels Department,
for free Additional paid for HELP Academy, Malaysia
As a Pearson Edexcel centre, you will have free access to a support options
full range of integrated support services, tools and resources Professional development
to support the delivery of your International Enhanced training combining the
A Levels. Unlike other awarding bodies, with Pearson Edexcel qualification framework, support “Because of ResultsPlus, students
there are no additional costs for the following support: and feedback mechanisms with can learn about their mistakes
l Easy, all year-round access to our specifications, sample teaching and learning strategies, is and rectify.”
assessment materials and teaching resources. available.
Kanagambigai, Chief Counsellor, A levels What this means for you
Teacher
l  training in-person and online including Mocks Service Department, HELP Academy, Malaysia
‘Welcome to Pearson’ sessions to help your educators commenting on the ResultsPlus mocks service. We will support you to deliver an outstanding
We provide exam papers for
make the most of our qualifications. teaching and learning experience for every
your students to sit in mock
student taking Pearson Edexcel International
l  xpert subject advisors on hand to help with any
E examinations. Marked by Pearson
A Levels.
subject-specific queries you may have and available to examiners, results are uploaded to
support your educators throughout the year. ResultsPlus for item level analysis. “I used the website with its With examWizard, they will be able to prepare
topic tests and revision activities based
course outlines, past papers,
l  xamWizard: a huge bank of past papers and mark
e on past exam questions to help prepare
summaries of key points, revision students for their final assessments, and using
schemes to create topic tests and revision activities in
minutes.
notes and mark schemes… they ResultsPlus, they will be able to analyse their
Your free subject provide great tips about possible mock results to pinpoint where they may
l  esultsPlus: our popular online results analysis tool,
R need further support and can then tailor their
which also includes an insightful group analysis service.
support exam questions and how you
teaching to support them.
Our subject advisors provide fast, could answer them.”
Access
l  to Scripts: our service that allows you to Post-exams, our Access to Scripts service will
reliable, expert help and aim to Alexia Kattavenos, student, The Nicosia
view your candidates’ marked exam papers for free allow your educators to review students’ exam
answer all emailed questions within Grammar School, Cyprus papers for free, providing greater visibility and
online or as downloaded PDFs, providing a rich source
48 hours and resolve 90% of issues a deeper understanding of individual students’
of information to inform future teaching plans and
phoned in on the first call. exam performance and helping them identify
approaches.
skills gaps to tailor teaching plans for future
l Plus,
Email
local, experienced Pearson Regional Development cohorts.
[email protected]
Managers who are there to support you every step of
or call +44 (0) 344 463 2535
the way.

14 Learn more at qualifications.pearson.com/IAL 15

 The specification reference is given at the start of each

A wide range of teaching and learning

section as well as references to any core practicals. The
course provides full coverage of specification requirements.
SPECIFICATION

1.A 1 VELOCITY AND ACCELERATION

REFERENCE

resources
1.3.1

Learning objectives at the beginning of each section/ LEARNING OBJECTIVES

chapter highlight what students need to know and ◼ Explain the distinction between scalar and vector quantities.
◼ Distinguish between speed and velocity and define acceleration.

understand, and refer to the specification requirements. ◼ Calculate values using equations for velocity and acceleration.

Movement is fundamental to the functioning of our universe. Whether you are running to catch a

Written specifically to support our qualifications

bus or want to calculate the speed required for a rocket to travel to Mars or the kinetic energy of an
electron in an X-ray machine, you need to be able to work out how fast things are moving.

RATE OF MOVEMENT
One of the simplest things we can measure is how fast an object is moving. You can calculate an

Developed for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, these published resources have a strong focus on
object’s speed if you know the amount of time taken to move a certain distance:
distance (m)
speed (m s−1) = _____________
time (s)

progression, recognition and transferable skills. Appropriate international content puts learning in a real-
d
v = __
t
However, the calculation for speed will only tell you how fast an object is moving. Often it is also
vitally important to know in what direction this movement is taking the object. When you include

world context, making it engaging and relevant for all learners. Learning tips help learners to focus their learning and avoid the direction in the information about the rate of movement of an object, this is then known as the
velocity. So, the velocity is the rate of change of displacement, where the distance in a particular

common errors. Exam hints draw learners’ attention to

direction is called the ‘displacement’.

.
fig A These runners are accelerating displacement (m)
to a high speed. velocity (m s−1) = ___________________
potential pitfalls in the exam and give practical hints about
time (s)
s

Student Books
v = __
t

Title ISBN preparing for the exams, answering questions in the correct LEARNING TIP
The upper case symbol for the
OR
Dss
v = ____
Dt

format, and checking work.

Provide comprehensive coverage of the
Greek letter delta, D, is used N
l Pearson Edexcel International IAS mathematically to mean a 300 m
978 1 292244 84 6 change in a quantity. For

Biology Student Book

example, Ds means the change

specification content. in the displacement of an

object, to be used here to 75 m

Pearson Edexcel International IAL

calculate its velocity.

978 1 292244 70 9
l  ach Student Book includes 3-year access to
E Biology Student Book Did you know? boxes in the science books feature DID YOU KNOW?
The froghopper, a 6 mm long
insect, can accelerate at fig B The displacement due north is only 75 m, whilst the actual distance this athlete has run is 300 m.

an online ActiveBook (a digital version of the Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Level
978 1 292244 69 3
interesting facts to help students remember the key 4 000 m s−1 So the velocity due north is much less than the actual speed.

SCALARS AND VECTORS

Biology Lab book concepts.
Student Book). A quantity for which the direction must be stated is known as a vector. If direction is not important,
the measurement is referred to as a scalar quantity. Therefore, velocity is a vector and speed is a
Pearson Edexcel International IAS scalar; distance is a scalar and displacement is a vector.
978 1 292244 88 4
Student Books feature Checkpoint questions,
Scalar and vector quantities are not limited to measurements related to movement. Every measured
l Biology Teacher Resource Pack (ALDS) quantity can be classified to include the direction (vector, e.g. force) or as sufficiently stated by its
magnitude only (scalar, e.g. mass).

Thinking Bigger pages and Practical Skills boxes Pearson Edexcel International IAL
978 1 292244 73 0
Biology Teacher Resource Pack (ALDS)
to support understanding and highlight key
Pearson Edexcel International IAS Sample page from Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Level Physics
978 1 292244 86 0
concepts. Chemistry Student Book Student Book 1

l  xam practice provided at the end of each

E Pearson Edexcel International IAL
978 1 292244 72 3
Chemistry Student Book
chapter, and sample exam answers in the back Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Level
978 1 292244 71 6
of the book. Chemistry Lab book
Pearson Edexcel International IAS
Student Books are all
l Glossaries for subject vocabulary and 978 1 292244 89 1
4 4B CLASSIFICATION PLANT STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

accompanied by a Lab
Chemistry Teacher Resource Pack (ALDS)
command words are collated at the back of the Pearson Edexcel International IAL
TOPIC 4 PLANT STRUCTURE AND Book, which include
books for easy reference. Chemistry Teacher Resource Pack (ALDS)
978 1 292244 74 7
FUNCTION, BIODIVERSITY instructions and writing
Pearson Edexcel International IAS
978 1 292244 87 7
AND CONSERVATION frames for the core
Online Teacher Resource Packs Physics Student Book
practicals, as well as
Pearson Edexcel International IAL
4B CLASSIFICATION

CHAPTER
l Comprehensive teaching plans for every 978 1 292244 77 8 practical skills practice
Physics Student Book
questions and answers.
section of the book. Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Level
In 2012, scientists working in Papua New Guinea found the smallest known vertebrate to date – a tiny frog
measuring 7.7 mm in length. Paedophryne amanuensis feeds on tiny mites in the leaf litter of its rain forest home
978 1 292244 75 4 – and it can jump up to 30 times its own body length. DNA analysis shows that tiny frogs have evolved 11 times

Physics Lab book in different areas of the world, all filling a similar niche. In 2014, a new species of dead-leaf toad (Rhinella yunga)

 ractice assessments and accompanying mark

P
was discovered in the Peruvian Andes. In shape, colour and patterning, it resembles a dead leaf and, with the
l poison it exudes from glands on the back of its head, the toad looks similar to other toads of the same genus. It
was only when scientists noticed that these toads lack ear drums that they realised they had discovered a new
Pearson Edexcel International IAS species. Finding new species is always exciting, but it becomes even more special when that new species is

schemes for every chapter follow exam format. 978 1 292244 91 4 already endangered, such as the new species of orang utan identified in November 2017.

Physics Teacher Resource Pack (ALDS) Scientists used two different methods of identifying these new species – traditional observation of physical
characteristics such as ear drums, and DNA analysis of the genome. In this chapter you will find out more about
how we classify the organisms in the world around us – and why it is important that we do so.

 nswers to the Checkpoint and Exam Practice

A Pearson Edexcel International IAL An introduction to the chapter to help students think
You will learn the main taxonomic groups of the living world including domains, kingdoms and species, and will
l 978 1 292244 80 8
begin to classify different organisms. You will consider the problems of defining a species in a way that is useful
for all types of organisms, and evaluate the different ones in use. The use of DNA technology is having a major
Physics Teacher Resource Pack (ALDS) impact on our ability to identify organisms and work out how they are related to other species. There has been a
about the concepts they will encounter.
questions in the Student Book.
long-running debate about the numbers of domains and kingdoms which should be used in classification –
decide who you think is right!

MATHS SKILLS FOR THIS TOPIC

l  racticals support includes student
P • Recognise and use expressions in decimal and standard form (e.g. when considering the number of base pairs in
DNA and the proportion of those base pairs that may differ between species)
• Use scales for measuring (e.g. size and parts of different organisms for comparisons when classifying)

worksheets, exam-style questions and teacher • Use ratios, fractions and percentages (e.g. regarding the proportion of base pairs shared in genes from different
species)

and technician notes for each core practical. Each Student Book comes with 3-year access to an
ActiveBook, a digital version of the Student Book, which
l ’Guide to Thinking Bigger’ provides teacher can be accessed online, anytime, anywhere, supporting
learning beyond the classroom.
support for these pages of the Student Books.

Sample page from Pearson Edexcel International IAS Biology

Student Book

16 Find out more about our resources at pearson.com/IALresources 17

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Published May 2024

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