CE SCIENCE (AT 11+, 13+ AND CASE)

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OVERVIEW

We offer Common Entrance (CE) science examinations at 11+ and 13+, as well as a scholarship examination (CASE) at 13+. Our science specification has been developed by a team of setters made up of experienced and dedicated Heads of Department from both prep and senior schools, and approved by ISEB’s Academic Committee for Mathematics and Sciences. 

Our science syllabus aims to stimulate pupils’ interest and enjoyment of science, recognise connections between different areas of science, evaluate and communicate scientific evidence and develop an awareness of science as a social and cultural activity.

The content of this specification is a major revision of the syllabus released in 2015 for 13+, but the content for 11+ is unchanged.

Science for CE at 11+

Candidates who take CE science at 11+ will sit one combined paper, testing the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics with equal weighting. At 11+, it is expected that material in Key Stage 1 has already been fully covered.

Science for CE at 13+

We offer the CE science 13+ exam at Foundation and Core level. At Foundation level, candidates will sit one paper with approximately equal numbers of questions based on the 13+ biology, chemistry and physics specifications. We advise schools to consider entering candidates for the Foundation paper if they are expected to achieve less than an average of 40% on the three Core papers. At Core level, candidates will sit three separate papers in biology, chemistry and physics. 

Please note that at 13+, knowledge of the 11+ specification is assumed and may be examined in the context of questions based on the 13+ specification.

Science for CASE at 13+

The CASE assessment for science is based on the Level 3 13+ science specification, and is designed to challenge the most able candidates. The exam is divided into three sections covering biology, chemistry and physics. 

See the science specification below for further details.

DOCUMENTATION & RESOURCES

New Science CE/CASE specification (for first teaching from September 2021)

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Science CE at 13+ specimen papers

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CPD: Science CE at 13+ Twilight Session (2021)

PDF 15.41 MB
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Science at 13+ specification comparison (what's changed)

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Science teaching resource: Thinking and working like a scientist

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Science teaching resource: Teaching with photosynthesis experiments

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Science teaching resource: Teaching with models of the lung

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Science teaching resource: Energy

PDF 377.83 KB
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Science poster: Jocelyn Bell Burnell

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Science poster: Jane Goodall

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Science poster: Dorothy Crowford Hodgkin

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Science poster: Maggie Aderin-Pocock

PDF 2.16 MB
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Science poster: Sarah Gilbert

PDF 1.11 MB
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Science poster: Rosalind Franklin

PDF 1.58 MB
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CPD

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Our Continuing Professional Development programme is a valuable resource for schools and teachers, with experienced subject experts providing friendly, comprehensive guidance on all aspects of CE 11+, 13+ and CASE through regular, interactive webinars. Visit our Events page to find out more about upcoming events.

There are no upcoming webinars at present. Visit our Events page for updates.

CPD

TWILIGHT CPD SESSIONS: DISCOVER NEW CE SCIENCE

Science expert Neil Ingram delivered a CPD session on the new CE Science specification in 2021 - watch his presentation to find out more about the new specification.

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INFORMATION, SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

Visit our dedicated support hubs for information, guidance and advice on our examinations and assessments, tailored to schools and teachers.

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