Group 4 - Sciences

Group 4 - Computer Science

Students could download and install : -

  • BlueJay SDE
  • Apache Netbeans 11
  • Completed an introductory Java course from the lists below (current DCSG students will share progress information via MS TEAMS group on their progress)

POTENTIAL COURSES - contact teachers if you find other courses to try

Group 4 - Chemistry

As you consider the next two years of learning in the subject of chemistry, here are some details of tasks and reading that may help support your understanding of the subject and better prepare you for IB. These are suggested by your IB chemistry teachers based on areas where students have struggled in the past. These suggestions are not, by any means, a definitive list of all that you could do but a basic starting point. You can always go further down the rabbit hole.

Fundamentals:

  • Be able to write and balance symbol equations from words.
  • Be able to determine chemical formula from names, using the periodic table.
  • Know the formula of the most commonly used polyatomic ions
  • Be able to perform basic calculations involving masses, moles, concentrations and volumes.
  • Understand the layout of the Periodic Table and use it to determine the basic structure of different elements.
  • Know the formula of the most commonly used acids: Hydrochloric, Sulphuric and Nitric acids.

Some introductory activities to explore:

Interesting Reads, helpful links, Tweeters and Useful YouTubers:

Bad Science: Quacks, Hacks and Big Pharma Flacks by Ben Goldacre.      ISBN: 9781429967099

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.                                            ISBN-10: 076790818X

The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean                                                                         ISBN-10: 0316051632

Stuff Matters by Mark Miodownnik                                                                                 ISBN-10: 1494554445

Liquid Rules by Mark Miodownnik.                                                                                 ISBN-10: 0358108454

LINKS:

A-level syllabus guided but great for many of the same elements of chemistry - 

TWEETERS: While not all pure chemistry, for anyone interested in science these are a must!

@MaChemGuy     @newscientist      @ChemistryWorld     @RichardDawkins

@bengoldacre    @ProfBrianCox      @DrMichaelMosley    @SLSingh

@sapinker           @theAliceRoberts  @TheRSC                        @guardianscience

Useful YouTubers:

Richard Thornley.                  MaChemGuy.                   Freesciencelessons to brush up your GCSE

Group 4 - Physics

To do well in any IB subject it is most important to be interested in the subject. In the optional section are suggestions which may pique your interest. Additionally, the internet is full of interesting Physics.

SOFTWARE TO INSTALL

Please ensure that you have Logger Pro installed (and fully updated) onto your device. 

Links are found here.

INTRODUCTORY TASK

The language of Physics is maths, so you need to be comfortable with IGCSE Maths skills: Algebra, Trigonometry, Vectors. The "Isaac Physics" IGCSE to IB Physics Essential Board should be completed before the start of Y12. 

Many of you will have used Isaac Physics in your lessons already. If you have not then you will first need to visit the Isaac Physics website and create an account. (Make sure your name starts with a capital letter and use your school email address, the other fields are optional.) Next you need to connect with the IB 2022-23 group. Either click this link and follow the instructions:

Or if that doesn’t work, go to the Isaac Physics homepage, click “Menu”, then “My account”, then the “Teacher Connections” tab, and insert the code: C936X7.

You may complete the game boards that are assigned to the group called "GCSE to IB transition work"

Reading, Listening and Watching - Some things to explore...

Podcasts:

  • Infinite Monkey Cage, Star Talk, Science Weekly, The Naked Scientists, Science Talk, The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe, Oxford University Podcasts: Physics Engineering, Science Friday

Reading Lists:

Disclaimer: There are many other excellent universities in the world. Most universities will have reading lists full of excellent books on their website.

Video:

  • Brian Cox: Anything really, but especially - Horizon, Wonders of the Solar System, In Search of Giants. Wonders of the Universe, Forces of Nature.
  • How it’s made, Extreme Engineering, Modern Marvels
  • Impossible Engineering, How the Universe Works
  • What is one degree? – Ben Miller, Veritasium – loads of excellent clips, Minute Physics

Group 4 - Biology

If you wish, complete this baseline assessment and hand it to your IB biology teacher when you start in August.

Optional Resources to Explore

Reading:

  • The Blind WatchMaker - the seminal text for understanding evolution today.
  • The Red Queen - This book will really help your understanding of evolution and particularly the fascinating role of sex in evolution.
  • The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher - this humane vision explores the world & examines the complex interdependence of all things.  
  • Junk DNA - Our DNA is so much more complex than you probably realize, this book will really deepen your understanding of all the work you will do on Genetics
  • A Short History of Nearly Everything - A whistle-stop tour through many aspects of history from the Big Bang to now. 
  • Frankenstein’s cat -  Discover how glow in the dark fish are made and more great Biotechnology breakthroughs. 
  • The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution - Richard Dawkins takes on creationists, including followers of ‘Intelligent Design’ and all those who question the fact of evolution through natural selection.
  • Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind - In Sapiens, Dr Yuval Noah Harari spans the whole of human history, from the very first humans to walk the earth to the radical – and sometimes devastating – breakthroughs of the Cognitive, Agricultural and Scientific Revolutions.

TedTalks: 

Videos: 

There are some great TV series and box sets available too, you might want to check out: Our planet,  Blue Planet, Planet Earth, The Ascent of Man, Catastrophe, Frozen Planet, Life Story, The Hunt and Monsoon.

Websites: 

Group 3&4 - Environmental Systems & Societies 

If you wish, complete this activity and hand it to your IB ESS teacher when you start in August

Optional Resources to Explore

Reading:

  • Silent Spring - the outcry that followed its publication forced the banning of DDT and spurred revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water.
  • The Blind WatchMaker - the seminal text for understanding evolution today.
  • A Short History of Nearly Everything - A whistle-stop tour through many aspects of history from the Big Bang to now.
  • Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind - In Sapiens, Dr Yuval Noah Harari spans the whole of human history, from the very first humans to walk the earth to the radical – and sometimes devastating – breakthroughs of the Cognitive, Agricultural and Scientific Revolutions.
  • The Lorax -   A children's book by Dr Seuss which chronicles the plight of the environment. 

TedTalks:

Videos:

There are some great TV series and box sets available too, you might want to check out: Our planet, Blue Planet, Planet Earth, The Ascent of Man, Catastrophe, Frozen Planet, Life Story, The Hunt and Monsoon.

Websites:

Group 4 - Design Technology

  • Please make sure you have registered your Educational Licence for Fusion 360 and have it downloaded on your device. Help on doing this can be found on the Bridge to Post 16 link.

Optional Resources to Explore

  • Download and familiarise yourself with the following software packages:
    • Onshape
    • Vectornator
    • Sketchup
    • These pieces of software are licence free and are packages you will be using throughout the programme for your design work. The software is available to download from our Design & Creative Softwares page, in addition there are tutorials to be found on those pages to help you become competent user. Other design packages can be found here too if you wish to explore a wider range of digital design tools. 
  • There are some fantastic design tv shows/competitions that may inspire you, as well as give you some basic information about materials and processes used by designers and craft makers. Check out the following:
    • ABSTRACT the art of design (a look at famous designers and their work in a wide range of disciplines).
    • Blown away (glass blowing competition show)
    • Metal Shop masters (metal fabrication competition)
    • Making Fun (trying to build wild ideas children have invented)
    • Grand Designs (People building their own homes in a variety of settings and materials)
    • How it's made (a look at everyday products and how they are manufactured in industry)
  • There are also plenty of TED Talks about design available. Some good examples are below.
    • https://www.ted.com/speakers/bjarke_ingels
    • https://www.ted.com/speakers/don_norman
    • https://www.ted.com/playlists/127/design_giants
  • Familiarise yourself with some of the new terminology you will be learning

Group 4 - Sport, Exercise and Health Science

Please watch the video below which provides essential information about the IBDP Sport & Exercise Science Programme:

Below is the the new specification for 2024-2025. This document gives a breakdown of all topics as well as how the course is assessed.

It is not essential to have studied GCSE Physical Education in order to take IB SEHS. In fact, we have had multiple students access top marks having not done so. However, familiarising yourself with terminology in the book below prior to the course will certainly help your transition.