What is the difference between IGCSE Biology Core and Extended A*-G?

To take account of differing abilities, there is a choice between Core and Extended papers in this syllabus. This allows teachers to decide on the most appropriate level of papers for their students.

The Core curriculum is within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve a D grade or below.

The Extended curriculum, made up of the Core curriculum and the Supplement, has been designed for the more academically able and leads naturally into higher education or professional training. It is targeted at those expected to achieve C grade or above. The Supplement describes the extra topics or depth which must be added to the Core curriculum to produce the Extended curriculum.

Target Grades                           Grades Available

Core Curriculum                           C to G

Extended Curriculum                     A* to G

Students who fail to meet the minimum satisfactory standard for either the Core curriculum or the Extended curriculum (Grade G) will be ungraded.

It is important to remember that Core covers grades C to G and Extended covers grades A* to G. If a student is securely in the ‘middle’ of the range, only the Extended tier will offer the grades the student may be capable of achieving. Students are not able to achieve above a C for their syllabus grade if they are entered for the Core curriculum.