IGCSE Options Process

ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-2027

I/GCSE OPTIONS PROCESS

The I/GCSE Options Process for Year 9 www.dubaicollege.org/academics/curriculum

@dubaicollege

I/GCSE Options 2026-2027 Choosing I/GCSE Courses for September 2026: An Overview At Dubai College, students in Years 10 to 11 (ages 14 to 16) follow a rigorous and enriching programme of study leading to I/GCSE or GCSE qualifications. The vast majority of our students then continue into Years 12 and 13, where they pursue A Level studies.

There are over 300 students enrolled in the I/GCSE programme. This international diversity of our school cohort helps students broaden their horizons and develop a deep understanding of the world beyond Dubai College and the UAE. Learning alongside peers from different cultures and backgrounds fosters empathy, pluralism, and cultural awareness of an education in itself.

Throughout the I/GCSE years, our aim is to develop inquisitive, self-assured, and motivated young people equipped with strong academic skills and the ability to reflect on their own learning. We encourage students to strive for academic excellence while also engaging fully in our Character Development Programme, which plays a vital role in building confidence and enhancing performance in the classroom.

While public examinations are an important part of the curriculum, our primary goal is to deliver intellectually engaging lessons that inspire a love of learning. We place a strong emphasis on developing deep subject knowledge, encouraging students to think critically and engage with learning at the highest level, guided by researchdriven pedagogy. We believe deep learning is achieved through intellectual challenge, adaptive teaching, and rich feedback together with encouraging students to look beyond the curriculum. These skills will serve them well both in examinations and in life beyond school.

Our commitment to outstanding pastoral care underpins everything we do. We pride ourselves on truly knowing our students and ensuring they feel valued within the school community. Each student is part of a tutor group and a member of a House. This structure promotes meaningful interactions across age groups, allowing younger students to benefit from the guidance of older peers, while older students develop leadership and mentoring skills. Tutors build strong relationships with their tutees, supporting them throughout their journey at Dubai College.

Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of Character Development Activities, including sports teams, drama productions, music ensembles and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. www.dubaicollege.org/academics/curriculum

1

@dubaicollege

I/GCSE Options 2026-2027 These experiences help students develop valuable life skills and form lasting friendships.

A student’s time at Dubai College should be challenging, stimulating and rewarding; a period of hard work, personal growth and enjoyment.

Choosing I/GCSE Courses for September 2026: The Process Your son or daughter will begin their I/GCSE studies in September 2026. To support this transition, we will construct the Year 10 option blocks based, as far as possible, on the subject preferences submitted by students.

The process is as follows: Students will select their four preferred Options Blocks online by the deadline of Friday, 16th January (16:00).

Date

Event

What is happening?

Monday 20th October

Year 9 Assembly

Mr Piper and Ms Tomkins outlined the Year 9 Options process to the Year 9 Students.

Wednesday 29th October 16:30 – 19:30 – Jafar Centre.

Wednesday 12th November 17:15 – 19:15 – Auditorium and Jafar Centre.

Student-parent consultation evening.

Parents will have the opportunity to speak with their child’s individual subject teachers about current progress in their Year 9 studies. This is also an excellent chance to ask questions about future I/GCSE options and explore which subjects might best suit their child’s strengths, interests and aspirations.

I/GCSE Options Evening

This evening provides an opportunity for both parents and students to learn more about the I/GCSE options process. You will hear key information about how subject choices are made and have the chance to ask questions about individual courses, the overall process and I/GCSE life at Dubai College.

I/GCSE Form completed

By this stage, students should have selected their four option choices. However, there will still be opportunities to review and adjust these choices as they continue to explore future pathways.

(Options form is shared with students)

Friday 28th November 2025

www.dubaicollege.org/academics/curriculum

2

@dubaicollege

I/GCSE Options 2026-2027 Important Information Regarding I/GCSE Options As students begin to finalise their I/GCSE subject choices, we kindly ask parents and students to take note of the following: While every effort will be made to accommodate students’ preferred subject combinations, it may not be possible to offer every requested combination.

We also reserve the right not to run a course if there is insufficient demand.

Should either of these situations arise, students will be informed as soon as possible after the options deadline and offered appropriate guidance.

Students who miss the options submission deadline of Friday 28th November may not be guaranteed their preferred choices.

Students may request changes to their subject choices later however; changes will only be possible if the new selection fits within the existing option blocks and there is space available in the subject. If a subject is full, students will be placed on a waiting list.

The final deadline for any changes to subject choices is at the end of the second week of the first term of Year 10.

I/GCSE Choices: An Overview Options

Core Subjects (everyone studies)

Subjects Mathematics English Language English Literature Biology Chemistry Physics Arabic (or Arabic A for students who hold an Arabic passport)

UAE Social Studies (in Year 10 only) Games Islamic Studies (for Muslim Students only)

Creative Arts Choice

Art Design and Technology Drama Music PE

www.dubaicollege.org/academics/curriculum

3

@dubaicollege

I/GCSE Options 2026-2027 Options

Social Studies Choice

Choice of another creative art, social study or a language.

Subjects Computer Science Economics Geography History Art Computer Science Design and Technology Drama Economics French Geography History Latin Music Spanish

Directed Study/HPQ French Spanish Latin

Latin is only available to students who studied the subject in Year 9

The default option here is for students to take Directed Study; this is where students undertake further study into their other I/GCSE subjects.

If the Directed Study option is chosen, students may elect to take the Higher Project Qualification (starting in term 2) for 1 period/week instead of one of their DS lessons.

Languages / HPQ choice

Alternatively, students may opt to study for I/GCSE French, Spanish or Latin (for those who have studied in Year 9) in this column instead of Directed Study. This will be though on slightly less time than for a normal I/GCSE subject, however our final outcomes for previous students completing this have been excellent.

Therefore, if students opt for French, Spanish or Latin as option in this block, they will not be able to take the HPQ.

www.dubaicollege.org/academics/curriculum

4

@dubaicollege

I/GCSE Options 2026-2027 Important Information Regarding I/GCSE Options The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) If students choose this course, they will start their study in term 2 of Year 10. The course finishes at the end of term 1 in Year 11. The qualification is worth half a GCSE. If students wish to study for the HPQ, they must select Directed Study/HPQ in option 4. If students wish to study French or Spanish in option 4, they will not be able to take the HPQ. The course starts with an introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking and teaches students the research skills necessary to enable them to engage in research on their self-selected topic. They then participate in a thesis writing course culminating in the production of a 3ooo-4000 word independently produced project, submitted at the end of term 1 in Year 11. From the outset students keep an academic journal, known as a log, documenting and evaluating their experience as they go along. The log also carries marks, as do time management and organisation. Just before final submission students deliver a presentation to their peers, which includes a question-and-answer session, sharing their project experience and findings.

Strict criteria are enforced to ensure that the student genuinely wishes to pursue a project of this nature which is challenging and demanding. It is also to ensure that they are not taking on something which may negatively impact their studies elsewhere in the curriculum.

Once accepted on to the programme, students are in control of their project and its progression. Unlike other subjects, the student will need to be self-motivated throughout and is free to withdraw at any time. The programme is exciting in that students can explore a topic in depth which they are passionate about and which does not feature in their current studies, whilst experiencing a little of how a university course might be run.

A Modern Foreign Language during Directed Study periods: Students who would like to study French Spanish or Latin for I/GCSE and who cannot fit the language of their choice in Option 3 will have the opportunity to study French, Spanish or Latin as a 4th option. This will take place instead of two of their Directed Study periods and will mean that they will not be able to take the HPQ. Students will be required to put aside at least one hour of independent study per week using online platforms that encourage collaboration and sharing of resources alongside teacher support when needed. This model, whilst being demanding, will ensure that students have access to all four of the key language skills. This opportunity builds on the Year 9 course where students will already have studied for 25% of the required modules of the I/GCSE course. It enables them to choose French, Spanish or Latin in the Sixth Form if they wish to. www.dubaicollege.org/academics/curriculum

5

@dubaicollege

I/GCSE Options 2026-2027 Frequently Asked Questions Do I need to take a language at I/GCSE? All students will study Arabic to the end of Year 11. If students wish to take a 2nd language in addition to Arabic, then they can opt for French, Spanish or Latin for 3 periods/week in option 3, or they may opt for French or Spanish for 2 periods/week in option 4. Students can also study Latin if they have studied Latin in Year 9.

Do I have to take I/GCSE Arabic?

Under KHDA regulations, students must study Arabic to the end of Year 10. Our view is that it is important to have a language as part of a ‘broad and balanced’ curriculum. Therefore, all current Year 9 students and below will study the complete I/GCSE Arabic syllabus to the end of Year 11.

All students will be encouraged to sit the I/GCSE Arabic examination at the end of Year 11. A final decision will be made, in conjunction with their Arabic teacher, after the mock examinations in term 2 of Year 11. There will be no other option for these students if they choose to opt out of the I/GCSE Arabic final examination, and they will continue to learn Arabic whether they choose to sit the I/GCSE or not.

How useful is I/GCSE Arabic likely to be?

Arabic is likely to be a key differentiator of Dubai-based students from other students globally and, increasingly, Arabic speakers will be prioritised for certain job roles within the MENA region. Arabic is also the second most important language for the UK’s future, according to the Languages for the Future report produced by the British Council.

Will I need a foreign language qualification as an entry requirement for university?

This is only important in a small number of cases. Our understanding is that no UK universities currently require students to have a language at I/GCSE level.

However, the situation in other countries may differ. Canadian universities generally require French, and many Irish universities require a foreign language.

Of course, entry requirements frequently change, and you do need to do your own research for universities both inside and outside of the UK.

www.dubaicollege.org/academics/curriculum

6

@dubaicollege

Deep learning, good character, flourishing lives

www.dubaicollege.org

@dubaicollege