IELTS

About the course

Preparation classes for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are provided for Sixth Form students at KTJ who do not have an English language qualification for the universities to which they are applying. IELTS preparation classes develop all four English macro-skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and explore a wide range of exam techniques so that students can complete all parts of the test with confidence and success. In so doing, students acquire control of many of the academic genres they will encounter at university. At KTJ, particular attention is placed on writing as test results indicate that this is where IELTS students experience the most difficulty. Preparation for writing also focuses on developing students’ abilities to analyse questions, build coherent arguments and draw logical conclusions. Throughout the course, students receive detailed teacher feedback, and learn to assess their own work, either independently or with peers, by establishing accurate links between their mock IELTS tests (including mock IELTS interviews) and IELTS assessment criteria.

Assessment

Characteristics of successful students

As the course assesses English ability, proficiency and fluency in all areas of English across a wide range of contexts is recommended. Particular attention needs to be paid to the marking criteria and exam technique.

Minimum entry requirements/prior learning

All students who aim to study at universities who require this examination as part of their entrance requirements will be admitted to the course. A good pass in English at IGCSE, O Level or SPM is recommended.

Mathematics

About the course

The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Mathematics will engage learners and give them skills that will support their progression to further study of mathematics and to a wide range of other subjects. These skills include cognitive, intrapersonal skills and interpersonal skills. Identifying and highlighting these skills ensures that it is not only the academic and cognitive skills that are developed, but those broader elements that universities highlight as being essential for success. Skills such as self-directed study, independent research, self-awareness of own strengths and weaknesses and time-management are skills that students cannot learn from a textbook but have to be developed through the teaching and learning experience that can be provided through an international curriculum. Learners will be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and mathematical development. They will use their knowledge and skills to apply mathematics to real-life situations, solve unstructured problems and use mathematics as an effective means of communication.

Assessment

Characteristics of successful students

Students must have a good grasp of mathematical principles. A successful student is one who can see and be fascinated by patterns in numbers and their inter-relationships. It requires the ability to think logically and concisely. A background in Additional Mathematics is a great advantage.

Minimum entry requirements/prior learning

August intake: grade A or 9-7 at IGCSE or SPM Mathematics or an equivalent qualification. January intake: grade A or 9 -7 at IGCSE or SPM Mathematics and Additional Mathematics or an equivalent qualification is an advantage.

Further studies and careers

Any STEM related, medical and economics course will require A Level Maths.

Reading list

For a list of texts that relate to the course and its material you can select any of the books listed on the Pearson website here. Students will be loaned a course text as part of the fee structure.

Cambridge University provides a fantastic reading list that supports all study from A levels to undergraduate (this can be accessed here). A few we would recommend are given below:

- How to study for a maths degree Lara Alcock (OUP, 2013)

History of Mathematics

- Makers of Mathematics S. Hollingdale (Penguin, 1989)

- A Russian Childhood S. Kovalevskaya (trans. B. Stillman) (Springer, 1978, now out of print)

- Alan Turing, the Enigma A. Hodges (Vintage, 1992)

- The Man Who Knew Infinity R. Kanigel (Abacus, 1992)

- Surely You’re Joking, Mr Feynman R.P. Feynman (Arrow Books, 1992) (Also very good for Physics)

- Simon Singh Fermat’s Last Theorem (Fourth Estate)

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Recreational reading

- The Colossal Book of Mathematics M. Gardner (Norton 2004)

- How to Think like a Mathematician Kevin Houston (CUP, 2009)

- Solving Mathematical Problems Terence Tao (OUP, 2006)

Develop knowledge of Mathematical theory

- Choas, Making a New Science - James Gleick

- Alex’s Adventures in Numberland: Dispatches from the Wonderful World of Numbers - Alex Belllos

- It Must be Beautiful: Great Equations of Modern Science – edited by Graham Farmelo

- The Problems of Mathematics, Nature’s Numbers, From Here to Infinity,

- Game, Set and Math and The Magical Maze – Ian Stewart

- What is Mathematics? – Courant and Robbins

- Mathematics: The Golden Age – Devlin

- A Mathematician’s Apology – Hardy

Journals

- What is Mathematics by Carmen M Latterell

- An Exploration of the Mathematics Self-Efficacy/Mathematics

Performance Correspondence by Gail Hackett, Nancy E. Betz

- Exploring Differential Effects of Mathematics Courses on Mathematics

Achievement by Xin Ma, Laureen J. McIntyre

- Mathematics Coursework Regulates Growth in Mathematics

Achievement by Xin Ma, Jesse L. M. Wilkins