Canonical KS4 Science content as a synthetic frame defined by the union of overlays. See Tagging Schema v0.3 §2.6.
NEO’s primary science route is Human Biology — per the Curriculum Rationale v2.0, it is the most therapeutically resonant science qualification at IGCSE level, covering the nervous system, nutrition, mental health, and the body in ways directly relevant to learners managing SEMH difficulties. Combined Science (Double Award) is the broader pathway for learners with academic ambitions or where the EHCP specifies broader curriculum coverage.
The canonical strands below reflect the full territory across both pathways. Many strands carry overlays from Human Biology only; some are tested by all three of Edexcel HB, Edexcel CS, and AQA Trilogy; some by Combined Science only.
Biology strands (NEO’s primary territory)
- Cells, tissues, and the molecules of life — cell structure, DNA and inheritance at the molecular level, biological molecules, movement of substances
- Bones, muscles, and movement — skeleton, muscles, joints
- Nutrition, digestion, and energy — diet, digestive system, energy balance
- Respiration and gas exchange — cellular respiration, breathing, lungs
- Internal transport — circulation, blood, the heart, lymphatic system
- Coordination and the body’s regulation — nervous system, brain, hormones, senses, homeostasis
- Reproduction, heredity, and genetics — reproduction, genetics, inheritance, evolution
- Health, disease, immunity, and lifestyle — pathogens, immune response, public health, lifestyle factors
- Ecology and the environment (Combined Science only — not in Human Biology)
Chemistry strands (Combined Science only)
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and properties of matter
- Chemical reactions, rates, and energy changes
- Earth’s atmosphere and resources
Physics strands (Combined Science only)
Cross-cutting capability
- Working scientifically — experimental design, measurement, observation, data analysis, evaluation. AQA gives this explicit billing as a foundation; Edexcel weaves it through every content area.
The FS Science absence
There is no Functional Skills Science qualification at any level. Functional Skills exist for English, Maths and ICT only. A learner who cannot sit GCSE / IGCSE science has no Ofqual-regulated functional-level science qualification to fall back on. The closest alternative is project-based science evidencing through ASDAN’s Personal Development Programme, but it is not a science qualification — it is a portfolio of work that may include scientific content. This is a meaningful gap in the national qualifications landscape and worth naming for commissioners.
Cornerstone framing
KS4 Science (especially Human Biology) connects directly to Nutrition (digestion, energy, health), Movement (the body, exercise, physiology), Rest (sleep, regulation, the nervous system), and Reflection (the brain, mental health, body literacy). For the EBSNA cohort, Human Biology is the science qualification that most directly teaches young people about themselves — and that is its therapeutic resonance.