TEACHERS

Biology

Grades 1, 2, 3: In grade one Biology is taught as part of a broad-based science foundation course. It is followed in the second and third grades with an introduction to Human Biology. Students in these grades undertake a project which is designed to promote team work and develop communication and presentation skills.

Grades 4 & 5 (elective): The course is covered in years 4 & 5 and deals with general aspect of Biology including cells, variety of organisms, plant and animal physiology, ecology and environment, microorganisms and genetics. Experiments are carried out by students on a regular basis so as to satisfy the requirements of the course. In addition, students work closely with past exam papers. The aim of the course is to enable students to develop the mathematical, graphical, analytical and critical thinking skills in Biology.

Grades 6 & 7 (elective): The A level Biology aims to give students deeper knowledge of many of the topics covered in the IGCSE. There is a range of interesting topics from both Plant and Human Biology. During the two year course, 6 and 7 year students, learn how to apply their knowledge to synoptic as well as structured and essay type questions. There is a lot of Laboratory work, where students are required to carry out a large number of investigations. They are taught to think scientifically in both planning, analysing and writing up experiments. Many human diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cystic fibrosis, cancer are analysed and the ethical aspects of modern medicine in research and treatment are examined.  Also students are made aware of important environmental issues such as pollution and global warming.   Biology is a very interesting and popular subject, that requires a lot of work. It is taught in a very safe and pleasant environment and we try to make it even more interesting through science trips.

Chemistry

Grades 1, 2, 3: In grade one Chemistry is taught as part of a broad-based science course. The Chemistry course in grades two and three covers the basic principles of the subject such as atomic structure, periodicity, ionic and covalent  bonding and its effect on the properties of the substance, writing of ionic formulae, balancing of chemical equations as well as calculations on simple quantitative material. The properties, preparation and uses of common gases, acids and alkalis are also dealt with.

Grades 4 & 5 (elective): Chemistry offered at IGCSE deals with basic principles such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, the concept of mole, balancing equations and periodicity. It also covers the study of properties of the elements, basic electrochemistry, energetics, reaction rates and equilibria, and includes an introductory course in Organic Chemistry. The role of chemistry in modern society is emphasized and environmental hazards such as acid rain and the greenhouse effect are discussed.

Grades 6 & 7 (elective):

Grades 6:
Chemistry is offered at AS Level.  It is divided in three units.  UNIT 1, covers basic chemical principles such as writing formulae, equations and calculating chemical quantities .  It introduces atomic structure, chemical bonding, energetics and organic chemistry, covering alkanes and alkenes.   UNIT 2 covers intermolecular forces, group 2 and group 7 chemistry.  It introduces redox reactions and how reactions are affected by rate and equilibria.  Organic chemistry in this unit covers alcohols and halogenoalkanes, introducing mechanisms.  Aspects of green Chemistry are also studied.  UNIT 3 contains practical assessments that cover UNITS 1 and 2.  It covers the area of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry.  It covers both qualitative and quantitative chemistry.

Grades 7:
Chemistry offered at A2 level is divided in three UNITS (4, 5 and 6).  UNIT 4 continues with the quantitative aspect of rates and equilibria and also the aspect of entropy is introduced.  Organic chemistry includes carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivates .  Knowledge of UNITS, 1 and 2 Chemistry is required in this unit.  UNIT 5 covers electrode potentials which is a continuation of unit 2 redox chapter.  It also covers transition metals chemistry.  In organic chemistry it focuses on arenas and nitrogen compounds such as amines, amides, amino acids and proteins.  Knowledge of organic chemistry covered in previous units is required.  It also covers organic synthesis and calculations.
UNIT 6 contains practical work covered in Units 4 and 5.  It covers the areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry covered in Units 4 and 5.