Key Stage 4 Information Booklet (23-24)

Key Stage 4 Information Booklet

Curriculum Statements

course guide

A Message from the Head of Secondary

IIf you are reading this at the Year 9 Students and Parents Options Evening, then congratulations to you all as this means that Key Stage Three is almost over and so you can all breath a huge sigh of relief as you move towards year 10

It is now time to officially welcome you to Key Stage 4 as you prepare to move on to the next stage of your education at the International British School of Bucharest.

Key Stage 4 is an important stage in your education as you are now making choices that could have implications for your future education and career. It is therefore important that you think carefully with a positive and optimistic mindset and take advice from your teachers and your tutors when making your final selection.

The good news is that the core curriculum at IGCSE ensures that all career doors remain open. The core of English, Mathematics and the Sciences provides the necessary qualifications for all careers.

IBSB also offers a wide range of optional subjects at IGCSE and it is hoped that all students will find sufficient choice in the optional curriculum on offer. The curriculum at IBSB provides students with the choice of four optional subjects at IGCSE.

It is important to decide carefully as IGCSE subjects naturally flow on to A Level Subjects in Years 13 & 12 and thereafter on to university courses. Interest and aptitude should therefore be the key factors in the decisions that one takes. The level of application required at IGCSE is higher than at Key Stage 3 and this is why interest is important. Throughout the two year course you will need to remain organised, focused, and hard-working if you are to realise your potential.

Please spend time reading this booklet. Not only does it give information about the courses that are taught at the school to IGCSE level, but it also provides guidance about the learning opportunities outside of the classroom at IBSB during Key Stage 4 Head of Secondary Matthew Tansley

Independent Work and Exam Preparation

Introduction to Key Stage 4

Student Ethos

AAs you move into Key Stage 4 you will be expected to take on increasing responsibility for yourself and the role you play within the learning community as role models for the Key 3 Students who now look up to you.

As Key Stage 4 students you will be expected to become more active in the process of identifying and working towards targets to raise your level of progress and attainment: you should be able to identify particular strengths and weaknesses in your work, and to be able to refer to the aspects of the subject/syllabus that you need to focus particular attention on.

It is important however to remember that target setting is an individual process: you are aiming to fulfil your own personal potential... and so you are likely to have targets that are different from those of other students.

A New Key Stage, a New Start

KKey Stage 4 is acknowledged as the fundamental starting point connected to your future life, university applications and the career that awaits you thereafter. It is important at this point to acknowledge that the school has a record of all grades achieved up to and including Year 9.

Universities, however, only request and have access to grades achieved from IGCSE and A Level exams. Year 10 therefore offers all students a fresh start, and is a time to work hard to ensure you achieve the grades you are capable of achieving.

YYou will be expected to work hard and consistently throughout the year, revising lessons in the evening and completing homework set by the agree completion date. You will need to set aside a minimum of 2 hours revision and homework time each evening, plus some additional time on the weekend as required. By the time you progress on to Year 11, you should be setting aside 3 hours each evening for revision and homework.

When preparing for your IGCSE exams, all content from Years 10 and 11 should be covered. Past experience has shown us that students who start their revision in January usually score the best grades- so don’t leave you revision until the last minute.

Write revision notes from your course book and work covered in class. Use past papers to practice for your exams, but do not rely on past papers alone to prepare for exams. You must prepare for your exams by revising all content covered in your course textbooks and in lessons and use past papers for practice only to familiarise yourself with the exam format and to ensure you get your timing right on the day. Teachers will mark and return your past papers within a few days offering detailed feedback to help you work toward achieving your aspirational grade.

Important notice:

Begin exam revision from the autumn mock exams onwards.

Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT prepare for exams by simply completing as many past papers as possible.

You MUST revise all work covered in your textbook and in lessons.

Key Stage 4

Tracking Student Progress

EEach student’s progress is carefully tracked and monitored during Years 10 and 11 as they make headway toward their IGCSE exams at the end of Year 11.

Year 10 students will receive 5 end of term reports with Parent’s evening scheduled twice a year to allow parents and students the opportunity to discuss your student progress with Individual Teachers. End-of-year examinations are also scheduled to monitor progress and to aid the setting of targets for the following year.

Alongside continual assessments in class feedback is provided on the progress of students by class teachers through e-mail on a regular basis.

In Year 11, in addition to the regular assessment schedule, students will also sit autumn mock examinations in November, and end of year mock examinations before the Easter Break to enable our staff to accurately predict exam outcomes and to offer students and parents detailed feedback before the Study Leave period begins. There is a thorough review of levels of achievement and effort with both students and parents prior to examination entries being made.

It is important to note that at all times students should be aware of their current level, and have clear attainable targets that they are working toward to move to the next level.

Attendance

TThe Attendance Policy for sitting formal examinations in IBSB is in place in order to highlight the importance of attendance to all lessons and the link between this and success in exams.

A successful pass achieved in any Cambridge or Edexcel exam is closely related to maintaining a very good attendance record in the lessons. Success in exams also requires hard work in class and at home, but attendance to all lessons is the first step in the right direction. In the Secondary School all subject teachers are required to complete daily lesson registration on SchoolBase.

If a student has attendance BELOW 85% without good cause (health or serious family problems) then that student will not be automatically eligible to sit the exam. The entry for any CIE or Edexcel exam at IGCSE is conditional on the student maintaining a minimum 85% attendance record in the respective subject. Parents will be informed whenever a student drops below this level.

Any teacher with concerns about low attendance will inform the SLT prior to the exam entries. The SLT will analyse the overall academic performance and progress of the respective student before the final decision regarding the exam entry is made.

Study Leave

SStudy Leave is a common part of the Year 11-13 programme in the UK. Study Leave is intended to allow students the flexibility to manage their time in the weeks when end of year exams are taking place. Students will be taking different exams at different times and will typically arrange their study programme to prepare for the exams scheduled in chronological order, so each student will have a unique exam preparation timetable. For some students, they will opt to stay home to complete final preparations for their various exams.

For other students, they will continue to come into school to prepare in class and to ask teachers for additional support which is available upon request. Teachers are available to mark past papers and will run additional support lessons as needed. Parents will be required to complete a ‘Study Leave Permission Form’ so that staff are aware if students will continue to attend support lessons in school or will complete their final preparations from home.

Curriculum Outline

Extracurricular Enrichment

TThe Key Stage 4 programme offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and the traditional range of subjects on offer.

Students in Key Stage 4 are encouraged to become involved in a number of areas of school life, including becoming an active member of the Student Council, joining a school sports team, writing for the school magazine, The International Voice, or joining one of the many schools clubs on offer, such as the Model UN Club or the School Debating Club. It is important to note that many Universities are now looking for wellrounded individuals who are not purely an academic, but have been involved in a variety of school activities and events, including school theatrical productions, musical performances to name just two.

Clubs Hour

AAt IBSB we are committed to the social, emotional, physical, creative, and intellectual growth of our students. As a part of our approach to the development of the whole individual we offer a club hour to provide students with the opportunity socialise across the year groups outside the classroom to experience a wide range of new activities in the hope that students might find an activity that will become a lifelong passion.

All students will be required to register for a club. Clubs choices will include for example, Debating, Model United Nations, The International Duke of Edinburgh Award, Community Action Service, various sports, yoga, arts & crafts, and general hobby and interest areas, etc.

Secondary Clubs

• Running Club

• The Art/Photoshop Club

• Football

• French Club

• German Club

• Tennis Club

• Life Skills Club

• The Living Planet

• Chess Club

• Spanish and Latin American Cinema Club TIV

• Math Fighter

• Model UN

• Hockey Club

• IBSB Public Debating Club

• Virtual Lab Simulation

• Year Book

• Swimming Club

• IDOE Award

• Mandarin

A club letter will be sent out at the start of or end of each term inviting students to join clubs. Please be aware that the list of clubs available for each term will vary from term to term depending on the weather and the interests of students and teachers. The majority of clubs will be offered at no charge. Where outside facilities or an outside instructors are used, a charge may apply. We also encourage our parents to get involved with clubs and so if you have a special skill and would like to help with a club, please contact the school office.

Key Stage 4

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

TThe Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is available to all students aged 14-24 years and is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It equips young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills, or interests.

The Award concept is one of individual challenge. It offers young people the opportunity to set a personal goal and to achieve it. It presents to young people with a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary activities which encourages personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves, trust and service to their community.

All Key Stage 4 students are invited to join the programme and are informed that students who have completed the Bronze Award will be well positioned to apply for one of the coveted Senior Prefect positions when join the A Level Programme in Year 12.

The Award Framework

TThe Award is comprised of three levels and four sections: service, skills, physical recreation, and adventurous journey. Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award. At Gold level. participants also complete a Residential Project.

Key Stage 4 A I Pastoral Care System

All students will be a member of a form class with two Form Tutors assigned to each class. The role of the Form Tutors is to register the students in the morning, to check uniform, but most importantly to monitor the academic progress and social development of the students in the form class.

The Key Stage 4 Coordinator also plays an important role in the monitoring of all students in Year 10 and 11 with regular half-termly meetings arranged to review individual student progress in order to identify students who are underachieving, in need of additional support, and those students achieving above expectations to recognise and celebrate their individual achievements.

Individual Academic and Behaviour Support

If it is felt that a student is under-performing in the classroom, then a student may be placed on an Academic Support Card. The focus of the Academic Support Card System is on effort. The card is given to the student by either the Form Tutor, the Key Stage Coordinator, or the Head of Secondary, depending on how poor the effort grades are, or the number of detentions received so far

In a meeting with the student, targets are discussed and agreed upon for the week ahead. Each support card lasts for one week. If the student performs well on the card and meets the mutually agreed targets. Then they will be taken off report. If the card is completed to an unsatisfactory level, the process will be repeated during the following weeks until satisfactory behavior or performance is achieved.

At all times parents will be informed about why a student has been placed onto a support card and what the outcome of the report was at the end of each week. Parents will be required to sign the support card at the end of each day. In a situation where a student fails to compete a report card to a satisfactory level, a parent meeting will be requested.

House System

EEvery student and teacher in our school is allocated a House: Dobrogea, Muntenia, orTransilvania. The House System is intended to develop a sense of comradery and team spirit. Students are allocated House Points for their academic work, good behaviour, and effort across the school. There are regular House Games and special events scheduled throughout the school year, including the annual IBSB Sports Day, where the students have the opportunity to dress in their house colour and participate in various events for their house. At the end of the school year a house is declared the winner of the House Competition, with a cup ceremony taking place at the end of year Summer Fete.

course guide

Curriculum Outline

course guide

IGCSE Academic Programme Overview

IGCSE Courses offered at IBSB

IIBSB is a registered CAIE and Edexcel Exam Centre and as such we are able to offer a flexible curriculum to meet the needs of all our students, balancing a strong core of compulsory examinable subjects with the opportunity to study a wide range of optional courses. The expectation is that students at IBSB will complete 8-10 IGCSE courses within their 2 year programme.

In Key Stage 4 students are encouraged to be responsible, to manage their time effectively, and to take an active role in carving out their path toward their chosen career. It is at this point that we start to discuss with students their career options and to gently guide them toward universities that are best suited to their future aspirations. It is important therefore that students and parents are aware of the university application process from Year 10 to better understand how IGCSE exam subject choice and exam results will impact on both A Level subject choice and university applications.

What is the difference between GCSE & IGCSE exams?

WWe are often asked about the difference between IGCSEs and GCSEs. IGCSE and GCSE exams are in many ways very similar. The T in IGCSE simply stands for ‘International’ General Certificate in Secondary Education; IGCSEs were conceived to be more relevant to students learning in an international or non-UK context.

As a result, the IGCSE and GCSE subject selection in general is the same, but with a few minor differences; for example, Psychology is offered in the UK as a GCSE subject, but is not available as an IGCSE subject, which is why we offer both IGCSE and GCSE subjects at IBSB. What is important is that both qualifications are internationally recognised and are considered to be of an equal level: they are both designed to assess the level of achievement upon the completion of the UK National Key Stage 4 Curriculum.

course guide

• Economics (0455)

• AS Classical Studies (9274)

• French (0520)

• Geography (0486)

• German (0525)

• History (0470)

Examined Compulsory Subjects:

1 The IGCSE Curriculum

• English Language (Second (0517) and First Language (0500)/ English Literature (0475)

• Mathematics (0580)

• Coordinated Science (0654) (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) or Combined Science (0653)

• Music (1MU0)

• Psychology (Edexcel: 1PS0)

• Sociology (0495)

• Spanish (0530)

• ICT (0417)

Choosing the right IGCSE Subject options

2 I

Additional ‘non-examined’ Compulsory Subjects:

• PE (Physical Education)

• PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)

3

Examined

Optional Subjects (students select 4 additional IGCSEs from the following):

• Art (1FA0)

• Business Studies (0450)

• Drama (0411)

• Computer Science (0478)

In addition to the Core subjects (English, Maths and Science), students will also be required to select two additional subjects from the selection of subjects on offer.

To ensure students choose the correct IGCSE subjects they should:

• Find out about subjects that are new and not be misled by an attractive title or their own ideas of what a subject is like.

• Choose subjects they enjoy and in which they have achieved good results in years 8 ,7 and 9

• Discuss their choices with teachers so they can explain their subjects and assess their ability

• Discuss their choices with parents, who know them well and can help

• Not choose subjects based on what their friends are doing. In most subjects, students will not be taught in form classes and are likely to be assigned to different subject classes.

• Not choose subjects based on the personality of a teacher who has taught that subject previously. There is no guarantee that the particular teacher will be available to teach them for the whole or even part of the course.

We encourage our students to reflect seriously on their skills and abilities, their genuine preferences and interests, their future aspirations, and the recommendations and views of their teachers. We understand that making choices is not always easy, especially when they are important ones like which IGCSE subjects to choose. However it is important that students speak with Form Tutors, Subject Teachers, Heads of Departments, Key Stage Coordinators, and parents before making a final decision.

Changing your options

IIn the unlikely event that you feel within the first two weeks of Term 1 a in Year 10 that you may have made the wrong choice of subject, you should discuss this initially with your subject teacher and tutors. In most cases, you will be able to change course, although, of course, you will need to catch up on any work missed in those initial weeks of the new course. Your new course should also be one that is timetabled at the same time as the one you want to change.

How are IGCSE exams graded?

IWhen do students take their IGCSE exams?

MMost students sit their IGCSE exams at the end of Year 11, in the year a student turns 16. There is however no strict age requirement or restriction, and as such students can take an IGCSE exam at any age, although we will only allow students to take an exam early if they will take an A*.

Practical exams (MFL and English Orals, ICT, and Science) take place between late February and the Easter break in April. Paper exams take place from the start of May to Mid-June. Study Leave typically commences on the first Monday in June.

Parents are provided with CIE login details in July to enable parents and students to login to the CIE website to access exam results. Students resitting summer exams to improve their grades can be entered for the October/ November’Autumn’ exam session.

IGCSE grades are awarded on an eight point scale, A* to G. Grade A* is the top grade; at IBSB we consider grades A*- C to constitute a passing grade. Edexcel GCSE grades are awarded on a 9 point scale, 9 - 1, with 9 being the highest attainable grade; grades 9-5 are considered a Good Pass.

Most universities looking at your results will expect at least 5 A to C’s with emphasis being placed on English, Maths and Sciences. Most students will leave secondary school with 8 or more IGCSEs.

course guide

Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE)

CCandidates hoping to gain the Cambridge ICE group award must enter and sit for at least seven subjects selected from the five IGCSE curriculum areas.

The subjects selected must include two (different) languages from Group I (i.e. only one of First Language English and English as a Second Language may count towards Cambridge ICE) and one subject from each of Groups II, Ill, IV and V.

The seventh subject can be taken from any of the five subject groups.

Group l: Languages

First Language: Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Sesotho, Spanish, Thai, Turkish

Second Language: Afrikaans, English, Hindi, lsiZulu

Foreign Language: Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Indonesian, Japanese, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish

Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences

Conditions for the award of ICE

TTo qualify for ICE, candidates must obtain a passing grade of Gin each of the seven subjects.The category of the candidate’s award will be decided on their seven best results, irrespective of groups. Successful ICE candidates will be awarded one of the following:

Distinction - Grade A in five Subjects and Grade C or above in two subjects

Merit - Grade C or above in five subjects and Grade F or above in two subjects

Pass - Grade G or above in seven subjects from the prescribed subjects groups

Candidates who achieve the ICE will receive a separate ICE certificate along with their individual IGCSE certificates.

Remarks and the return of student papers

AAny student who is close to an exam boundary (within 1-2%) may choose to request a remark in the hope of moving up a grade.

Students can also request a paper to be returned by CIE in order to assess where a student went wrong, to help prepare to re-sit an exam. In both situations, the appropriate form should be completed and returned to the school office as soon as possible to enable the student to receive feedback as early as possible in order to best prepare to retake the exam in the autumn session.

A remark/return of paper form is sent to all parents after results are received. The cost of a remark or a return of paper is include on the form sent out.

course guide

Progressing on to study at A Level

IGCSE’s and University Applications

TThe grades you achieve at IGCSE and the subject choices you make at this point can impact on whether or not a future application made to University is successful. The following points should be considered:

• Most university courses now stipulate a minimum entry requirement of 5 IGCSE subjects at grade C or above, including English Language and Mathematics.

The grades you achieve at IGCSE and the subject choices you make at this point can impact on whether or not a future application made to University is successful. The following points should be considered:

• Most university courses now stipulate a minimum entry requirement of 5 IGCSE subjects at grade C or above, including English Language and Mathematics.

• Universities often look for applicants to have an IGCSE grade of C or above in a modern foreign language.

• A grade C in IGCSE mathematics, and sometimes a Science subject, maybe a requirement for certain degrees, such as Psychology or Engineering.

Further information regarding IGCSE entry requirements to university courses can be found in the›Course Search› section of the UCAS Website. Students will also be provided with full career advice support from a career advice councillor and be guided toward selecting a University course using the online UNIFROG6 application, available only to students registered at IBSB.

A P

Automatic Entry to the A Level Programme

The minimum requirement for admission to the A Level programme at IBSB is 5 C-A* IGCSE grades. In addition to this, students must achieve a B passing grade at IGCSE Level for automatic entry into the A Level programme to study the same subject.

Probationary Entry to the A Level Programme

Students with a C passing grade will be placed on a 1 Term probationary period in the A Level Programme. During this probationary period a student must prove that they are both motivated to work and capable of passing the A Level exam.

A letter will be sent home to parents to confirm a student has passed the probationary period by November 30. Where a student shows inadequate motivation to learn or insufficient ability to pass the A Level programme, a parent meeting will be scheduled prior to November 30 to inform parents.

Students will be offered the chance to repeat Year 11, or to withdraw their registration from IBSB.

Repeating Year 11

RStudents who fail to pass 5 IGCSE subjects with C-A* grades will not be offered a place in the A Level Programme. These students will be offered the opportunity to repeat Year 11. A student may only repeat Year 11 once.

2022-2023 Exam Results

IGCSE Results Summary

A2 Results Summary

IGCSE Academic Subjects Statements

A (1FAO)

GCSE Art and Design (9-1)

An Art and Design course should encourage personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation, an analytical ability and practical attitudes.lt should lead to greater understanding of the role of the visual arts in the history of civilisations and widen cultural horizons and enrich the individual. In addition, it should combine a breadth and depth of study so that it may accommodate a wide range of abilities and individual resources.

What are the aims of the course?

AArt and Design equips students with the skills to enjoy, produce and engage with the visual arts throughout their lives, and it has immense value as a GCSE subject.

GCSE Art and Design provides the opportunity for students to develop:

• explore both contemporary and historical sources of art, craft and design first hand through, for example:

• visiting museums, galleries, art shows and fairs

• experiencing audio-visual productions, including still and moving imagery or their surroundings and environments.

• take an individual approach to their art, craft and design making

• develop the skill of selecting their best and most appropriate work for presentation.

What content will be covered?

C• Students will work within one of the following titles: Art, Craft and Design; Fine Art; Graphic Communication; Textile Design; Three-dimensional Design; Photography.

• Students undertaking Art, Craft and Design will create work associated with areas of study chosen from at least two of the endorsed titles. Students undertaking one of the endorsed titles will create work associated with at least one area of study for that title.

• Students create a personal portfolio of work that demonstrates the knowledge, understanding and skills.

TThis component allows students opportunities to:

• develop and explore ideas

• research primary and contextual sources

• experiment with media, materials, techniques and processes o present personal response(s) to theme(s) set by the centre.

How is the subject assessed?

• Students’ work must comprise supporting studies and personal response(s).

• Students’ work must show evidence of all four Assessment Objectives.

• All work is internally set and is internally marked using the assessment grid and internally standardised.

• A sample of work is externally moderated by a visiting moderator.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment 40%

• The Externally Set Assignment (ESA) represents the culmination of the GCSE course as it draws together all the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in Component 1.

• Students must continue to work in the same title as they did for the Personal Portfolio.

• Art, Craft and Design students are required to create work associated with at least one area of study for this component.

• Students must present personal response(s) to an externally set broad-based thematic starting point, set by Pearson in the ESA paper.

• This component allows students opportunities to:

• Develop and explore ideas

• Research primary and contextual sources

• Experiment with media, materials, techniques and processes

• Present personal response(s) to the externally-set theme

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

AArt and Design complements literary, mathematical, scientific and factual subjects. It is especially concerned with the development of visual perception and aesthetics and is a form of communication and a means of expressing ideas and feelings.

Careers that follow on from an arts degree include architecture (with additional studies required), marketing, business development, communications, concept design, product design, fashion design, graphic design, the creative arts, theatre, television, etc.

It is important to note that creativity is now one of the most highly sought after attributes or skills of employees in the 21 st Century.

course guide

(0450) Business Studies

What are the aims of the course?

T• To enable students to make effective use of relevant terminology, concepts and methods, and recognise the strengths and limitations of the ideas used in business. Encourage students to apply their knowledge and critical understanding to current issues and problems in a wide range of business contexts

• To develop within students the knowledge and understanding of the major groups and organisations within and outside business, and consider ways in which they are able to influence objectives, decisions and activities.

• , To develop a student›s knowledge and understanding of how the main types of businesses are organised, financed and operated, and how their relations with other organisations, consumers, employees, owners and society are regulated.

• To develop a student›s skills of numeracy, literacy, enquiry, selection and use of relevant sources of information, presentation and interpretation.

This course will appeal to students who:

W• Want to develop an understanding of the role business plays in our lives.

• Want to set up their own business in the future.

• Have an interest in current affairs.

What content will be covered?

• The role of business in the everyday lives of people.

• The different forms of business organisations, the environments in which businesses operate and business functions such as marketing, operations and finance.

• The role of people and other factors in business success. There are six sections that the students will study over the two years of the IGCSE course:

• The first section looks at understanding business activity such as the different types of business organisation and its aims and objectives.

• The second section deals with people within a business such as organisation of a business and how companies recruit and retain people.

• The third section is about marketing and includes topics such as marketing strategy and research.

• The fourth section looks at operations management and involves studying the production of good and services and the correct scale of production plus the reasons companies locate in a certain place.

• The fifth section deals with financial aspects of a business such as cash flow, reasons for and access to capital and the analysis of accounts.

• The final section is about external effects on a business, like the effects of government policy on a business and environmental/ethical issues that could affect a business.

How is the subject assessed?

There are two papers that students sit at the end of their second year of studying the subject.

T1 HOUR 30 MIN Paper 1

2

BWhat careers will studying Business Studies be useful for?

Business Studies or Business related degrees are the most studied degrees in the world. The types of careers that people may go in to are: Accountancy, Corporate Management, Banking and Finance, Human Resource Management, Project Management, in fact the list is endless. It can also enhance people›s understanding if they want to set up their own business to become an Entrepreneur.

(0411)

Drama

CCambridge IGCSE Drama is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of both the theory and practical application of drama.

Through practical and theoretical study, the Cambridge IGCSE Drama syllabus encourages students to understand and enjoy drama by :

• developing their performance skills, both individually and in groups

• understanding the role of actor, director and designer in creating a piece of theatre

• considering ways in which ideas and feelings can be communicated to an audience

• discovering the performance possibilities of plays and other dramatic stimuli

• devising dramatic material of their own

THow is the subject assessed?

There are two papers that students sit at the end of their second year of studying the subject.

Paper 1: 1 hour and 30 minutes, 80 available marks.

50% of the total available marks.

Paper 2: 1 hour and 30 minutes, 80 available marks.

50% of the total available marks.

What content will be covered?

D A

• Acting (e.g. interaction, pacing, physicality, proxemics, role, vocal expression)

• Devising (e.g. characterisation, contrast, structure, tension)

• Directing (e.g. advice to actors, directorial concept, mood, staging)

• Design (costume and make-up, lighting, props, scenography, set, sound).

How is the subject assessed?

CCandidates will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the possibilities of repertoire, and how to interpret and realise it in a live performance.

Devising Candidates will be assessed on their ability to devise dramatic material and reflect on its effectiveness.

Acting skills Candidates will be assessed on their acting skills and their ability to communicate effectively to an audience.

Component 1: Written examination 40%

Component 2: Coursework 60%

Students will have end of term projects based on the IGCSE coursework components format:

• Individual /group prescribed pieces

• Group devised pieces

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

Drama IGCSE is required if the students wish to pursue a career in Performing Arts, Law or Public relations. Drama is fundamentally about communication, so any student who wishes to work in a field in which working with the public is involved should take IGCSE Drama.

course guide

(0478) Computer Science

What are the aims of the course?

T• To develop computational thinking, that is thinking about what can be computed and how, and includes consideration of the data required.

• To develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems by using computers.

• Understanding that every computer system is made up of sub-systems, which in turn consist of further sub-systems.

• To develop an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communications and people.

During your course you will learn:

T 1

• The appreciation of current and emerging computing technologies and the benefits of their use.

• How to recognise the ethical issues and potential risks when using computers.

• The principles of Computer Science that provides learners with the underpinning knowledge required for many other subjects in science and engineering, and the skills learnt can also be used in everyday life.

• To develop the skills needed for their next steps in education or employment.

What content will be covered?

Section 1 - Theory of computer science

1.1 Data representation

1.1.1 Binary systems

1.1.2 Hexadecimal

1.1.3 Data storage

1.2 Communication and Internet technologies

This course will appeal to international students who:

W• Wish to study the principles and practices of computing and gain confidence in computational thinking and programming.

• Want to learn programming by writing computer code and developing their understanding of the main principles of problem solving using computers.

• Develop a range of technical skills, as well as the ability to test effectively and to evaluate computing solutions.

1.2.1 Data transmission

1.2.2 Security aspects

1.2.3 Internet principles of operation

1.3 Hardware and software

1.3.1 Logic gates

1.3.2 Computer architecture and the fetchexecute cycle

1.3.3 Input devices

1.3.4 Output devices

1.3.5 Memory, storage devices and media

1.3.6 Operating systems

1.3.7 High- and low- level languages and their translators

1.4 Security

1.5 Ethics

Section 2 - Practical problemsolving and programming

2.1 Algorithm design and problem-solving

2.1.1 Problem-solving and design

2.1.2 Pseudocode and flowcharts

2.2 Programming

2.2.1 Programming concepts

2.2.2 Data structures; arrays

2.3 Databases

How will I be examined?

AAll candidates take two papers.

Paper 2: Problem-solving and programming

50 marks Short answer and structured questions

Questions will be based on section 2 of the Subject content

All questions are compulsor

20 marks are from questions set on the pre-release material

No calculators are permitted Externally assessed Paper 1:

What careers will studying Computer Science be useful for?

75 marks Short answer and structured questions

Questions will be based on section 1 of the Subject content

All questions are compulsory

No calculators are permitted Externally assessed

OOur international qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Top 10 computer science careers will be:

• Software applications developer.

• Computer systems analyst.

• Computer systems engineer.

• Network systems administrator.

• Database administrator.

• Business intelligence analyst.

• Web developer.

• Computer programme

course guide

(0455)

• An understanding of, and an ability to use, basic economic numeracy and literacy

• The ability to take a greater part in decisionmaking processes in everyday life

• An understanding of the economies of developed and developing nations

What are the aims of the course?

What are the aims of the course?

T T

D Economics

The curriculum gives students the opportunity to explore moral, practical and social aspects of the world around us, while exploring how each of these can be brought together in the study of Economics. The aim of the Economics Department is to enable students to develop a facility for self-expression in writing, using aids such as diagrams and statistics to support arguments. Students will be encouraged to get into the habit of using works of reference, while reading critically to gain insight into the changing economy we live in.

This course will appeal to students who:

• Want to understand how the world works and why there are shortages in a world of plenty

• Want to understand why there are countries at different stages of development

• Want to understand the importance of economics in everyday activities

What are the aims of the course?

During your course you will learn:

• To effectively analyse, correlate, discuss and present economic data

• An appreciation of the methods used by economists

• An understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles

• The ability to apply th e tools of economic analysis

• The ability to distinguish between facts and value judgements in economic issues

There are 8 basic areas of study within the subject.

• The first looks at the basic economic question of choice and the allocation of resources.

• The second looks at the workings of the market and reasons for its failure.

• The third looks at issues to do with individual as a producer, consumer and borrower. Issues looked at include money, the stock market and reasons for saving, spending and borrowing.

• The fourth looks at issues to do with private firms such as types of firms and reasons for tendency towards monopoly.

• The fifth looks at the role of the government in an economy.

• The sixth looks at economic indicators such as inflation, (un)employment plus GDP and other measures of living standards.

• The seventh looks at issues to do with developing and developed countries such as poverty, population growth and differences in living standards.

• The eighth unit looks at international aspects of economics such as specialisation, exchange rates and protectionism plus free trade.

What are the aims of the course?

TThe assessment has two papers:

Paper 1: 45 minutes. 30 multiple choice questions. 30% of the total mark.

Paper 2: 2 hours and 15 minutes. 1 compulsory question and 3 optional questions from a choice of six questions. 70% of total mark.

What careers will studying Economics be useful for?

EEconomics is a useful IGCSE subject to study as it develops a knowledge of the real world and involves looking at everyday problems through an Economics perspective. Data response questions and the study of trends in financial markets aid in the development of statistical analysis and critical thinking.

Jobs that can be specifically related to the study of Economics include: banking sector jobs - financial analyst, investment analyst, accountant; stock market jobs, such as securities trader, stock broker; marketing related such as

market research analyst; government jobs such as policy adviser, policy analyst and others include real estate analyst and statistician. CEOs are also likely to have studied economics at university.

course guide C T

(9274)

C Classical Studies

What is Classical Studies?

Classical Studies is the study of the civilisation of Greece and Rome in the Classical period. The topics students to survey the culture, literature, history and politics of the Classical Period as well as studying significant individuals. This is an Alevel course being offered to students with strong English capabilities as an IGCSE option. Exams are taken only in November so students on this course will gain an AS level qualification at the start of their year 12. They can then decide to carry on and do the A2 course in year 12, which they will complete at the start of year 13.

Why study Classics?

Cambridge International AS & A Level Classical Studies develops a set of transferable skills. The multidisciplinary nature of Classical Studies combines different areas of study such as literature, history of art and history and leads to a greater understanding of the relationship between different intellectual disciplines, encouraging learners to make connections between them.

Learners are encouraged to be:

confident, exploring, interpreting and evaluating a wide range of Classical source material.

responsible, acquiring knowledge and skills through independent reading and study.

reflective, considering how the Classical world has influenced their own society and reflecting on what they can learn from Classical societies.

innovative, considering new viewpoints and interpretations of texts, historical sources, artefacts and buildings.

engaged, developing their understanding of the Classical world and pursuing different perspectives and ideas.

What are the aims of the course?

The aims are to.

• provide students with an understanding of Greek and Roman civilisation, and to encourage an appreciation of the Classical world.

• enable students to understand the core foundations of Western traditions of architecture, art, history, literature, and political thought- traditions which have had major influences on the shape of the modern world

• develop students’ awareness of diversity in civilisatios by understanding cultures, values and assumption, which are different from contemporary views

• encourage strudents to develop a personal response to a range of material from the Greek and Roman world

What content will be covered?

Students will study a Greek topic and a Roman topic over the course of two years (each worth 50% of an AS qualification). These topivs span literature, art and history options. Topics might include the Aeneid, by Virgil and Greek Vase Painting in 5th century Athens. These will be assessed in two 1.5 hour exams.

Who will this course appeal to?

SStudents who choose this course must do with the approval of their English teacher and HOD of English. Students will be required to work at a much higher level than that expected from IGCSE. The depth of analysis, understanding a wide range of texts and the ability to research independently outside of class are all skills students will need to demonstrate on this course. Critical thinking skills, analytical skills and essay writing skills taught in IGCSE English litearature work concurrently to support

course guide

(0455)

English

What are the aims of the course?

Cambridge IGCSE English is designed for learners whose mother tongue is English or who are working toward achieving English Proficiency and as such requires an Advanced Level of English. The course allows learners to:

Students, who have learnt English as a Second Language will take the IGCSE 2nd Language exam at the end of Year 10 as a ‘stepping stone’ to completing their 1 st Language qualification at the end of Year 11.

How is English assessed?

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First Language

C P

• develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing

• learn how to use a wide range of vocabulary, and the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation

• develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

What content will be covered?

LLearners will be encouraged to read widely during the programme, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. As a part of the course, students will have the opportunity to develop general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

There will be opportunities to carry out researched and planned activities, such as formal debate, and discussions arising from the material being studied in class. Students will cover a range of reading material, including prose, poetry, drama and non-fiction and will be required to write in a wide range of forms and genres.

Paper 2: Directed Writing, Language analysis, Summary 50%

Paper 3: Persuasive Directed Writing & composition 50% Paper 5: Speaking and Listening (must be completed but does not contribute to the final grade.This will take the form of one formal presentation.)

In situations where students are unlikely to past the ‘Extended’ papers above, students may be advised to take the CORE papers (Paper 1/Paper 3).

(0511)

Second Language

AAt the end of Year 10 Students who have learnt English as a 2nd Language (which is most students at IBSB) will take the 0511 English Language Exam.

Paper 2: Reading and Writing 70%

Paper 4: Listening 15%

Paper 5: Speaking Assessment 15%

In situations where students are unlikely to past the ‘Extended’ papers above, students may be advised to take the CORE papers (Paper 1/Paper 3).

(0475)

What are the aims of the Course?

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) offers learners the opportunity to read, interpret, evaluate and respond to a range of literature in English. The range includes drama, prose and poetry from the works of Shakespeare to contemporary literature.

C

This course enables learners to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the ways in which writers use English to express meaning and achieve effects. Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) will stimulate learners to read for pleasure, to explore wider and universal issues, promoting a better understanding of themselves and the world.

This course will appeal to students who:

• Students who enjoy reading and are strong independent readers outside of school

T S English Literature

• Students who are capable of reading and writing at a high level

• Students will be taking literature alongside IGCSE language, so they should be students who enjoy a challenge and are likely to thrive with a demanding workload

What content will be covered?

IIGCSE English Literature requires the study of three set texts including a wide selection of poetry. Students will respond critically, sensitively and in detail; they will explore how language, structure and form contribute to the meanings of texts; they will explore relationships and comparisons between texts.

Students will read a collection of poems, a Shakespearean drama and a prose text (either a novel or a collection of short stories). Students will learn to respond critically to these texts, exploring layers of meaning, writers’ intentions and the effect and impact of language on the reader.

Students will also be expected to read and prepare material for discussion in class and will plan and draft responses to texts in detail; and be prepared to evaluate their own written work.

How is IGCSE English Literature assessed?

There are three separate exams for Literature: Poetry and Prose (1.5 hours), Drama (45 mins) and Unseen Text (45 mins). The Unseen Text exam takes the place of coursework and provides a lead into AS Literature where students also study Unseen Texts as part of their course. Students will use the skills they have learnt in poetry, prose and drama and apply them to a piece of writing that they have not seen before.

There is one examination which covers the three set texts; poetry, prose and drama. The paper is 2V4 hours long and represents 60% of the final mark. The remaining 40% of the final mark is made up of 2 pieces of coursework done over the course of the year.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

The skills you gain from your English Language and Literature majors are more practically valuable than you may think. Written and oral communication, editing, problem solving, critical thinking, and analysis are highly prized by employers in nearly every profession.

In today’s changeable and evolving career landscape, the widely applicable skills you’ve developed while engaged in studying, analysing, and writing about English Language and literature are in more demand in the workplace than ever before.

Employers in all career pathways consistently cite writing, communication skills, the ability to work independently, and adaptability at the top of their lists of desired skills.

As English language and Literature majors and student in the liberal arts, you will develop these skills in abundance.

course guide

(0460)

Geography

SSuccessful Cambridge IGCSE Geography candidates develop lifelong skills, including:

• an understanding of the processes which affect physical and human environments

• an understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale

• the ability to use and understand geographical data and information

• an understanding of how communities around the world are affected and constrained by different environments.

What are the aims of the course?

T• To develop an understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale

• To develop an awareness of the characteristics, distribution and processes affecting contrasting physical and human environments

• To develop an understanding of the ways in which people interact with each other and with their environment

• To develop an awareness of the contrasting opportunities and constraints presented by different environments

• To develop an appreciation of and concern for the environment

• To develop an appreciation of the earth including its people, places, landscapes, natural processes and phenomena.

What content will be covered?

TThe syllabus is divided into three themes which have been designed to develop an understanding of both the natural and the human environment:

1 Population and settlement

2 The natural environment

3 Economic development.

How is the subject assessed?

AAll candidates take three components. All candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2, and either Component 3 or Paper 4.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

SStudents who study IGCSE Geography will have the option to continue on to A Level Geography. Geography as a subject scan lead to a number of career choices including working in areas relating to environmental science, geology, mining and mineral exploration, building and town planning, urban landscapes design, architecture, tourism and travel related sector, meteorology, and practically any field related to the environment, which is almost endless.

1 HOUR 45 MIN Paper 1: Geographical Themes

75 marks, weighted to 100 marks

Canditates answer three questions, each worth 25 marks

Candidates must answer one question from each section

1 HOUR 30 MIN Paper 2: Geographical Skills

60 marks

Canditates answer all the questions

1 HOUR 30 MIN Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework

60 marks

Candidates answer two compulsory questions, completing a series of written tasks.

course guide

(0470)

History

What are the aims of the course?

TThe IGCSE History course helps to promote and establish lifelong skills, such as; the ability to argue a case, to articulate and communicate what you know and understand, to sift through a wide range of evidence and come to a conclusion. As the course deals with events in the 20th and 21 st centuries, it will help students to understand the background to current affairs and have a better understanding of the world we live in.

This course will appeal to students who:

W A

• want to study a dynamic subject, that changes with the world around them.

• want to understand the world they live in; so many of today’s conflicts have their roots in the past.

How can you negotiate with, trade successfully with, or report on a country if you know nothing of its history?

During your course you will learn:

• About the significance of events, individuals, issues and societies in History;

• How and why societies have changed over time - how people interact, their motives, factionalism, how people may unite under a common cause

• To develop an understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented;

• To express your own historical ideas confidently and effectively;

• How to evaluate sources effectively;

• Make judgements about the past based on sources studied and course content.

What content will be covered?

TThe Cambridge IGCSE History syllabus (0470) is divided in to two parts; a Course Content Study and a Depth Study.

The school currently follows Course Content B, International Relations 1919-2003 and Depth Study B, Germany 1918-1945.

Course Content B looks at the following key questions on International Relations since 1919:

• Were the peace treaties of 1919-23 fair?

• To what extent was the League of Nations a success?

• Why had international peace collapsed by 1939?

• Who was to blame for the Cold War?

• How effectively did the USA contain the spread of Communism?

• How secure was the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe, 1948-c.l 989?

• Why did events in the Gulf matter, c.l 970-2000?

Depth Study B looks at the following key questions:

• Was the Weimar Republic doomed from the start?

• Why was Hitler able to dominate Germany by 1934?

• How effectively did the Nazis control Germany 1933-45

• What was it like to live in Nazi Germany

How is the subject assessed?

TThe students will sit three written papers at the end of the second year of studying the course. The three papers are:

Paper 1: This paper lasts for two hours and students are expected to answer three questions from a possible six questions that they have studied.

Two questions will need to be answered from the section looking at the Course Content and one question from the Depth Study. This paper is worth 40% of the total marks available.

Paper 2: This paper will last for two hours and looks at the students ability to analyse, evaluate and make historical judgements based on a range of sources from a particular key question from the Course Content.

The particular area of study is given to the students before they sit the paper. There are six questions in the paper and students have to answer all six questions. This paper is worth 33% of the total marks available.

Paper 4: This paper is called the Alternative to Coursework paper. It lasts for one hour and students will be asked to answer one question from two questions.

The content will be based on the Depth Study that the students study. This paper is worth 27% of the total marks available.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

HHistory is a very useful subject for students to study at IGCSE. It is well regarded by the Russell Group of universities in the United Kingdom as a key subject for students to study as it encourages many transferable skills and independence of thought and study in students.

Many employers today look for transferable skills and analytical skills that studying History develops in a student.

Students who study History may be looking for a job as

• advertising executive

• analyst

• archivist

• broadcaster

• editor

• foreign service officer

• intelligence agent

• journalist

• lawyer

• legal assistant

• personnel manager

• researcher

• teacher.

What is ICT?

I Information Communication Technology

(0417) course guide

Information communications technology (ICT) refers to the study of any technology that uses telecommunication to store, transmit or access digital information. It focuses on the way that modern technology affects our society and how we communicate.

What are the aims of the course?

TThe aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. The aims are to enable students to develop:

• An understanding of the basic components, use and application of different ICT systems and networks.

• The skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems

• The skills to understand the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world

• The ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice.

How Can ICT Help My Career?

FFrom smartphones and wifi, to hashtags and instant messaging: over the last 20 years, technology has dramatically changed the way in which we live and communicate. Does your interest in technology extend beyond the hardware? Are you curious about how, when and why people use them? If so, ICT could be the course for you.:

What careers is ICT good for?

A university or college course in ICT will give you good ICT knowledge, ace analytical skills, excellent knowledge of software utilised in businesses and excellent problem-solving skills. This means that when it comes to potential careers, the world is pretty much your oyster.

Hang on, computer science and ICT are the same thing, aren’t they?

No! The most important thing to remember here is that ICT isn’t all about computers. Whilst computer science focuses on theory and programming, ICT takes a broader approach and focuses on the way in which digital information is communicated. Sure, computers still play a big part, but ICT also looks at how devices like telephones or audio/visual networks can be used alongside computers.

Confusion happens because both subjects overlap and share similarities (think chemistry and physics), but it’s best to remember that ICT is actually more about how we use technology - including computers and programs - whilst computer science is often about theory, programming and how computers and programs work.

ICT career options include:

Web designer

Systems analyst

Employment in the media (broadcast engineer, multimedia broadcaster, sound techinician)

Military (armed technical officer, intelligence officer, satellite technician)

Finance (credit analyst, commodity broker, financial risk analyst)

Theoretical Content

TChristopher Guttentag Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA.

How is this course assessed?

All candidates take three papers. Candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G

All candidates take:

Paper 1: Theory

80 marks

Questions will be based on all sections of the subject content

All questions are compulsory Externally assessed

Externally assessed Paper 2: Practical

70 marks

Document Production

Databases and Presentations

All tasks are compulsory

“We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.”

course guide

Modern Foreign Languages: French,German, Spanish

TThe IBSB places special emphasis on Modern Foreign Languages in the belief that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for all pupils.

The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE foreign language syllabuses gives learners a solid foundation for further study.

• The international world (0520),(0525),(0530)

Candidates who achieve grades A* to B are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level in the same language. Cambridge International AS and A Levels in languages other than English are accepted by universities and employers as proof of linguistic ability and understanding in the given language.

What are the aims of the course?

• To enable students to communicate accurately, appropriately, and effectively in speech and writing

• To discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing (poems, short novels, and short plays) in the languages studied

• To promote students’ personal development and an understanding of themselves and others

• To develop skills of a more general application (e.g. critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis)

The IGCSE syllabus content is organised around five broad Topic Areas which provide contexts for the acquisition of vocabulary and the study of grammar and structures. Through the study of the following Topic Areas, candidates gain insight into target language countries and communities.

• Everyday activities

• Personal and social life

• The world around us

• The world of work

What content will be covered?

Linguistic competence

T L• To encourage students to enjoy and appreciate a variety of languages and cultures

• Listen to a variety of forms of spoken language made up of familiar material from several topics to obtain information and respond appropriately.

• Initiate and develop conversations, coping with unfamiliar language and unexpected responses, making use of important social conventions such as formal and informal modes of address.

• Express and develop ideas clearly and with increasing accuracy, both orally and in writing.

• Refer to recent experiences or future plans, as well as everyday activities and discuss matters of personal or topical interest.

• Read and show comprehension of original and adapted materials from a range of different sources, understanding the purpose, important ideas and details, and provide an accurate English translation of short, suitable materials.

• Read literary texts in the language [such as stories, songs, poems and letters] to stimulate ideas, develop creative expression and expand understanding of the language and culture.

• Write prose using an increasingly wide range of grammar and vocabulary, write creatively to express their own ideas and opinions, and translate short written text accurately into the foreign language

• Develop transferable skills (e.g. analysis, memorising, drawing of inferences) to complement other areas of the curriculum

• Form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for progression to work or further study, either in the target language or another subject area

Grammar and vocabulary

I• Identify and use tenses or other structures which convey the present, past, and future as appropriate to the language being studied

• Use and manipulate a variety of key grammatical structures and patterns, including voices and moods, as appropriate

• Develop and use a wide-ranging and deepening vocabulary that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests, allowing them to give and justify opinions and take part in discussion about wider issues.

• Use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation

• Write in paragraphs, using descriptive or argumentative language, and refer to past, present and future actions and events

• Express thoughts, feelings and opinions in order to interest, inform or convince

How will the subjects be assessed?

All candidates take four papers. The system of assessment for French, German, and Spanish is as follows:

Paper 1: Listening

Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer questions testing comprehension.

This component is externally assessed.

All listening material will be heard twice by candidates and appropriate pauses for candidates to write their answers will be included on the recording. All candidates must attempt all three sections.

The aim of this paper is to test candidates’ listening comprehension skills and therefore candidates are not penalised for incorrect or inaccurate language unless it makes their answers ambiguous.

course guide

Paper 2: Reading

Candidates will encounter a variety of question types on the Reading Paper.

The paper is designed to test comprehension skills and includes objective questions and questions which require candidates to write answers in the target language.

Candidates are encouraged to paraphrase and manipulate the language in order to answer questions appropriately.

Students will read short and two longer articles and are expected to answer multiple-choice questions and identify some specific details to identify attitudes, emotions and ideas, the main points or themes, and to draw conclusions.

Paper 3: Speaking

At the end of the Speaking Test, based on the candidate’s overall performance, the teacher/ Examiner will award a mark for pronunciation, intonation and fluency.

Paper 4: Writing

ACandidates are expected to communicate accurately and should make use of a wide variety of idioms, vocabulary, structures and appropriate tenses.

A system of positive marking is used. Irrelevant material is not rewarded.

All candidates must attempt both sections. Answers written in any language other than that being tested are ignored.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

A Cambridge IGCSE language provides a suitable foundation for the study of languages or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in languages, or as part of a course of general education.

It should also be noted that many multinational companies prefer to employ people who are bilingual or polylingual. Being fluent in a foreign language also enables you to work in countries where that language is the lingua franca, the main language used.

How is the subject assessed?

(0580)

N Mathematics

What are the aims of the course?

T• To develop their mathematical knowledge and oral, written and practical skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment;

• To develop a feel for number, carry out calculations and understand the significance of the results obtained;

• To apply mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the part which mathematics plays in the world around them;

• To solve problems, present the solutions clearly, check and interpret the results;

• To recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and interpret relevant factors and, where necessary, select an appropriate mathematical method to solve the problem; To use mathematics as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression;

• To develop an ability to apply mathematics in other subjects, particularly science and technology;

• To develop their mathematical abilities by considering problems and conducting individual and co-operative enquiry and experiment, including extended pieces of work of a practical and investigative kind;

What content will be covered?

Numbers, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rate of change, Geometry and measures, Probabilities, Statistics

C

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics is assessed via two components. All candidates take two written papers.

Candidates who have studied the Core syllabus content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below, should be entered for Paper 1 and Paper 3. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.

Candidates who have studied the Extended syllabus content and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above should be entered for Paper 2 and Paper 4. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to E.

Please be aware that very abled students will be given the option to take IGCSE Additional Mathematics in Year 11.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

IIs Mathematics an ART? Mathematicians think that that famous works of art are often based on the ‘Golden ratio’. This is the ratio of one part of the art to another. We think that human brains find the ‘Golden ratio’ very attractive.

Is Mathematics a SPORT? There are national and international competitions each year that use mathematics. Lots of sporting activities requires maths too, such as throwing a javelin (angles).

Is Mathematics a LANGUAGE? Mathematics is a language, the only one which people from all over the world understand. They understand the numbers even if they do not speak the language of the country. Algebra is an important part of the language of mathematics. It comes from the Arabic Al-jabr used in a book written in 820 by a Persian mathematician called al-Khwarizmi.

“Mathematics is, in its own way, the poetry of logical ideas.”

Engineers, architects, surveyors, builders and computer designers all need to work with great precision, all working with drawing drawn to scale, which allows them to represent length they cannot easily measure with standard requirements.

course guide

(1MU0)

Music

If you intend to study Music at A Level, taking IGCSE Music will provide a good stepping stone ensuring you have established the musical knowledge and skills necessary to succeed at A Level.

For those students who have been studying a musical instrument outside school for many years, this course provides you with the opportunity to receive recognition for your many years of study and practice.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

T• To enable candidates to acquire and consolidate a range of basic musical skills, knowledge and understanding, through the activities of listening, performing and composing

• To help candidates develop a perceptive and critical response to the main historical periods and styles of Western music

• To help candidates to recognise and understand the music of selected non-Western traditions, and thus to form an appreciation of cultural similarities and differences

• To provide a foundation for the development of an informed appreciation of music

• To provide a foundation for further study in music at a higher level.

What content will be covered?

WWhen studying the Cambridge IGCSE Music syllabus, learners listen to, perform and compose music, encouraging aesthetic and emotional development, self-discipline and, importantly, creativity. As a result, learners enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of music, an achievement that forms an ideal foundation for future study and enhances lifelong musical enjoyment.

Learners study music of all styles; each style is placed in its historical and cultural context, and learners are encouraged to be perceptive, sensitive and critical when listening. Although the majority of the syllabus examines Western European music, the music of other cultures is always represented.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

IIt is important to note that music ability is very highly regarded by many universities and in fact a very large percentage of students getting in Ivy League universities in the USA especially are musically proficient in one or more instruments. Music can also augment your career, providing a second income for those of you performing live and of course can grow into a lifelong interest and passion. For those students with a true passion and right motivation to succeed in the music industry, there are a variety of careers that involve either playing music or music composition.

How is the subject assessed?

CCandidates need to complete three compulsory components:

Component 1: Listening 40%

Written paper

c.l hour 15 minutes

70 marks

This component is based on CD recordings supplied by Cambridge.

Component 2: Performing 30% Component 3: Composing

Internally marked/externally assessed coursework

50 marks

Component 2 consists of prepared performances of the candidate›s own choice, all of which must be recorded

Internally marked/externally assessed coursework

50 marks

Candidates submit two compositions, written for different instruments and/or voices, which must be recorded.

course guide

Science(0653)

Combined (single award) & Coordinated (double award)

S(0654)

Students at KS4 can prepare for certification in either IGCSE Combined Science (single award) or Coordinated Science (double award) both offering a core component and an extended component. Both are two year courses in which students study the three sciences of biology, chemistry and physics.

All students in Year 10 study the coordinated science curriculum (extended). According to their performance in year 10, students in Year 11 will continue with either the Combined Science course or with Coordinated Science course.

The Coordinated science course includes the background which enables students to continue with their study of science in all three disciplines at A Level (at least BB grades have to be obtained to be able to continue with A levels). The Combined Science course only offers basic knowledge and skills which are not sufficient to continue to study science at a higher level.

What are the aims of the course?

T• To acquire understanding and knowledge of the concepts, principles and applications of biology, chemistry and physics and, where appropriate, other related sciences.

• To develop safe, practical skills and interdisciplinary enquiry.

• To encourage and stimulating their curiosity and interest in science and its methods of enquiry.

• To improve effective analytical and communication skills to enable the learner to appreciate the transnational, social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural nature and influences, limitations and changing aspects of science.

What content will be covered?

Biology

CCharacteristics of living organisms, Cells, Enzymes, Nutrition, Transportation, Respiration, Co-ordination and response; Y11 Reproduction, Inheritance, Energy flow in ecosystems, Human influences on the ecosystem.

Chemistry

TThe particulate nature of matter, Atoms, elements and compounds, The Periodic Table, Metals, Stoichiometry, Electricity and chemistry, Chemical reactions, Acids, bases and salts; Yll Energy changes in chemical reactions, Air and water, Sulfur, Carbonates, Organic chemistry, Experimental techniques.

Physics

MMotion, Matter and forces, Energy, work and power, Simple kinetic molecular model of matter, Matter and thermal properties, Transfer of thermal energy, Waves, Light ; Y11 Electromagnetic spectrum, Sound, Magnetism, Electricity, Electric circuits, Electromagnetic effects, Radioactivity

How is the subject assessed?

AAll Students In Key Stage 4 will be expected to complete a formal assessment at the end of each topic. Throughout the year within class time, students should be prepared for quizzes and investigation work. At the end of the course students may be entered for examination at one of two levels, the Core examination (grades CC - GG) or the Extension (grades A*A* - EE) according to students’ individual performance.

The structure of the exam is as follows

Type of questions: 40x Multiple choice

Length of paper (mins): 45

Total marks on exam: 40 % of final examination: 30

Type of questions: Short answer and structured

Length of paper (mins): 120 % of final examination: 50

Type of questions: Short answer and structured

Length of paper (mins): 60

Total marks on exam: 60 % of final examination: 20

Papers 1 and 3 will test information in the Core curriculum and will be of a difficulty appropriate to grades C to G.

Papers 2 and 4 only will test information from both the Core and Extension syllabus. Only one quarter of marks is available from knowledge of the core topics. The higher grades of A*A* to EE are available through sitting this papers.

Paper 6 is a written paper designed to test familiarity with laboratory based practical procedures. Questions include labelling diagrams, reading scales, interpreting data, plotting graphs, recall of chemical tests or data interpretation.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

TThe study of sciences will allow students to access careers in areas of Engineering, Biotechnology, Genetics, Ecology, Environments, Forensics, Toxicology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Architecture etc.

course guide

Sociology

IIf you intend to study Sociology at A Level, taking this course is a very good opportunity to understand if Sociology is the right subject for you, as well as giving you the necessary background information that will be covered more thoroughly, and expanded on at A Level.

What are the aims of the course?

T• To stimulate an awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues

• To provide pupils with an opportunity to explore the processes that are shaping current trends

• To develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies

• To focus attention on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way

What are the aims of the course?

How is the subject assessed?

TThe IGCSE exam consists in two papers:

Paper 1: Theory 60%

2 HOURS (Including 15min reading time)

Candidates answer one compulsory data response question and one optional structured question from a choice of two.

Paper 2: Theory 40%

2 HOURS 45 MINS (Including 15min reading time)

Candidates answer two optional structured questions from a choice of four.

What are the career opportunities if I study this course?

A T• Sociological methodology

• Culture, identity, and socialisation

• Social inequality

• Crime and deviance

• Media

• Family

• Education

As you will see, Sociology links with other subject areas such as Philosophy, History, Global Perspectives, Human Geography, Psychology, Economics, and Politics. Sociology is a versatile subject due to its object of investigation: human society and culture. This means that the knowledge gained from a Sociology course may be useful in any field where an overview of human society is important: from journalism, policy making, social work, international affairs to education your background knowledge gained in a Sociology course will prove useful.

GCSE Psychology

T(1PS0) course guide

What are the aims of the course?

The IGCSE Psychology Edexcel aims to:

T• familiarise students with basic psychological concepts and contexts

• familiarise students with the basics of psychological research methodology

What content will be covered?

TThe course contains three sections:

Section A: Compulsory topics - will be examined in Paper 1.

Topic 1: Development - How did you develop?

Topic 2: Memory - How does your memory work?

Topic 3: Psychological problems - How would psychological problems affect you?

Topic 4: The brain and neuropsychology - How does your brain affect you?

Topic 5: Social influence - How do others affect you?

Section B: Optional topics - will be examined in Paper 2.

Topics 6 to 10 are optional; students must study two of them.

Topic 6: Criminal psychology - Why do people become criminals?

Topic 7: The self - What makes you who you are?

Topic 8: Perception - How do you interpret the world around you?

Topic 9: Sleep and dreaming - Why do you need to sleep and dream?

Topic 10: Language, thought and communication - How do you communicate with others?

Section C: Research methods

This topic is compulsory. The knowledge and understanding of research methods is assessed in both papers.

Topic 11: Research methods - How do you carry out psychological research?

How is the subject assessed?

The subject is examined externally throughout the two-year course. The external examination of the course comprises two papers:

Paper 1 1 HOURS 45 MINS

55% of the qualification, 98 marks

This is a written exam in which all questions must be answered.

The paper examines topics 1 to 5 and includes multiple-choice, short-open and open-response questions.

The paper also contains two extended open-response questions, focusing on debates within psychology and the interrelationships between the core areas of psychology.

Paper 2 1 HOURS 20 MINS

45% of the qualification, 79 marks

The students must answer all the questions from Research Methods

All the questions from two optional sections.

IWhat are the career opportunities if I study this course?

If you intend to study Psychology at A Level, taking this course is a very good opportunity to understand if Psychology is the right subject for you, as well as giving you the necessary background information that will be covered more thoroughly, and expanded on at A Level. As you will see, the course has many things in common with natural sciences (Biology), and other social sciences (Sociology). If you complete the course successfully we expect you to: have basic knowledge about the multiple factors that influence human behavior and experience;

• understand how psychological research is conducted;

• be able to assess research projects in terms of validity, reliability, generalisations, and usefulness.

Psychology is a versatile subject due to its object of investigation. This means that the knowledge gained from a Psychology course may be useful in any field of activity that involves people. From clinical psychology, forensic psychology, counseling, cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence to public relations, personnel recruitment, massmedia, coaching, environmental studies, and even teaching, your psychology background will serve you well.