IGCSE Options Booklet 2017-2019
IGCSE Options for Examinations in May 2019 The (International) General Certificate of Secondary Education, otherwise known as (I)GCSE is a two year course undertaken in Years 10 and 11. The subjects are studied concurrently and final assessment is made towards the end of Year 11. For the 2019 examination session St Andrews School will be offering examinations through two examination boards: the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and EDEXCEL, both based in the UK. We have taken a great deal of care to select the best courses available that are the most appropriate to you. (I)GCSE options are an opportunity for you to specialise in certain subjects that particularly interest you, while maintaining the core curriculum. At times, two or more subjects will be taught at the same time so it is important to begin planning the timetable for next year. The best starting point is to tell you of the subjects that are available and then ask what you would ideally like to study. This enables us to do our best to plan classes in a way that minimises clashes. It is impossible to guarantee that every student will get their first choice of options, but we will do everything in our power to give you the opportunity to study what you want. To help you decide if you would be interested in a particular subject, this booklet describes each course that we may be able to offer. Please read it carefully and discuss your ideas with your parents and teachers. You will then be required to complete an 'initial options' form that will be used to plan next year. It is important that you recognise there may be occasions when we may not be able to offer your first choice, either because there are not enough students who wish to study the course or because there would be a timetable clash. This is why you are asked for alternative choices, just in case. You will see that some subjects are compulsory. This is to create a balanced curriculum that will not disadvantage any student regardless of the subjects they choose. The compulsory subjects are Maths, English, Science Careers and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). Should you or your parents have any questions about IGCSEs please make an appointment to meet with Mr McGee.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
2/22
IGCSE Options for Examinations in May 2019 1. English
1 or 2 IGCSEs (6 periods)
1st Language Speakers 2nd Language Speakers 2. Maths
IGCSE Language and IGCSE Literature IGCSE Second Language
1 IGCSE (5 periods)
IGCSE Maths 3. Science
2 IGCSEs (8 Periods)
IGCSE Coordinated Science 4. Language Option 0 or 1 IGCSE (4 Periods) IGCSE French (for suitable candidates) IGCSE Dutch (for suitable candidates) IGCSE Thai (for suitable candidates) IGCSE Mandarin (for suitable candidates) Thai Studies (non IGCSE course) 5. Humanities Options 1 IGCSE (4 periods) IGCSE History IGCSE Geography IGCSE Business Studies IGCSE Economics 6. Additional Subjects Options 1 IGCSE (4 periods) IGCSE Visual Art and Design IGCSE Drama GCSE Music GCSE Physical Education IGCSE ICT Students will generally study either 8 or 9 (I)GCSEs.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
3/22
English First Language IGCSE (Edexcel syllabus 4EA1) Key subject aims KEY SUBJECT AIMS:
read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
ASSESSMENT
Paper 1: Reading and Writing examination (60%)
There are two sections:-
Section A: Reading - a mixture of short- and long-answer questions related to a nonfiction text from the IGCSE English Anthology and one previously unseen extract. Total of 45 marks.
Section B: Transactional Writing - one 45-mark writing task, from a choice of two involving a given audience, form or purpose.
Paper 3: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing (40%)
Two coursework assignments internally assessed:Section A: Poetry and prose texts - one 30-mark essay question based on any two poetry or prose texts from the IGCSE English Anthology, including a 6-mark commentary on why these texts were selected.
Section B: Imaginative writing - one 30-mark imaginative writing task.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
4/22
English Literature IGCSE (Edexcel syllabus 4ET1) The English Literature course is studied in conjunction with the IGCSE First Language English course. The two subjects are, however, assessed separately and lead to two different and distinct qualifications. Candidates who are entered for both exams will have acquired a competent level in the Second Language exam, taken at the end of Year Nine and will have achieved a higher grade on the end of Year Nine report card.
KEY SUBJECT AIMS: The Edexcel IGCSE in English Literature enables students to: • engage with and develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world • develop an appreciation of the ways in which authors achieve their literary effects and to develop the skills needed for literary study • explore, through literature, the cultures of their own and other societies • find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies. ASSESSMENT Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose (60%) – closed book exam There are three sections:Section A – Unseen Poetry: one 20-mark essay question exploring the meaning and effects created in an unseen poem. The poem will be reproduced in the question paper. Section B – Anthology Poetry: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two, comparing two poems from Part 3 of the IGCSE English Anthology. Section C – Modern Prose: one 40-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts. Paper 3: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (40%) Two coursework assignments internally assessed:Assignment A – Modern Drama: one essay response to a teacher-devised assignment on the studied text. Assignment B – Literary Heritage Texts: one essay response to a teacher-devised assignment on the studied text
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
5/22
English Second Language IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0511) The syllabus assesses students’ ability to use English as a medium of practical communication, and is aimed at students for whom English is not a first language/mother tongue, but for whom it is their language of study. Eligible Students will be encouraged to sit this examination at the end of Year Nine and if they achieve a grade C or above will then have the opportunity to sit the First Language English and Literature courses in Years Ten and Eleven.
ASSESSMENT There are three exams: a reading & writing paper (paper 2), a listening paper (paper 4) and an oral exam (component 5) . The weightings for the exams are 70% for reading and writing, 15% for the listening exam and 15% for the oral exam. Students at SAIS will usually sit the extended exam which will enable the students to achieve the highest grade possible.
Students are assessed on the following skills: READING & LISTENING ability to skim and scan to find relevant information select and organise material relevant to specific purposes recognise, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions infer meaning
WRITING summarise and take notes accurately use paragraphs, punctuation, grammar , spelling correctly communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately use a range of vocabulary well employ correct register
SPEAKING employ suitable pronunciation and stress patterns engage in and influence the direction of conversation use a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
6/22
Mathematics IGCSE (Edexcel International Syllabus 4MA1) The Maths IGCSE course will cover Number, Algebra, Shape, Space, Measures, Statistics and Probability. The weighting of the course is as follows: Number and Algebra
60%
Shape, Space and Measures 25% Statistics and Probability
15%
The course will cover the following broad topics: integers, decimals, percentages, sets, standard form, estimation, limits of accuracy, ratios, proportion, rate, calculators, measures, time, money, graphs in practical situations, graphs of functions, algebraic representation and formulae, algebraic manipulation, functions, indices, solutions of equations and inequalities, linear programming, geometrical relationships, geometrical constructions, symmetry, angle properties, locus, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics, probability, vectors in two dimensions, transformations and calculus.
AIMS By the end of the course, students should have developed their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment. They should be able to apply mathematics in everyday situations, develop an understanding of the part which mathematics plays in the world around them, solve problems, present the solutions clearly, check and interpret the results and develop an understanding of mathematical principles. They should also be able to apply mathematics in other subjects, particularly science and technology, and appreciate patterns and relationships in mathematics. They should also develop the abilities to reason logically, to generalise and to prove.
ASSESSMENT There are two levels available for study: Foundation and Higher. For the Foundation Curriculum the grades available are from 1 to 5. For the Higher Curriculum the grades available are from 4 to 9. Students will sit two written examination papers at the end of Year 11. Some students will be encouraged to enter at the end of Year 10 if they are capable of gaining a 9 or 8 grade. Each paper lasts two hours and each is worth 50% of the final mark. Calculators are allowed for both papers. The course is best suited to students with logical minds, a strong sense of shape and space, and the ability to apply reasoning and problem solving to various situations. All students will require scientific calculators and geometrical equipment to include a set of compasses and a protractor.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
7/22
Science IGCSE – Double Award (Edexcel Syllabus 4SC0) The Double Award IGCSE Science course comprises Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This course is designed to emphasise the relationship between the main areas of science while retaining the separate identities of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The examinations test knowledge and skills in all three subjects. Students will be eligible for a Double Award (i.e. they will be awarded two IGCSE grades). The course aims to impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and facts, and an understanding of scientific concepts, principles, themes and patterns. Experimental skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques are developed, as well as students’ ability to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them. As well as theoretical work in all three areas, the course provides topics through which students can study issues that arise from the interaction of science, technology and society. Practical work is an integral part of the course. The course forms a good foundation for students proceeding to IB courses in any of the Sciences or to any other post (I)GCSE course of study.
TOPICS COVERED Biology
Chemistry
Physics
The nature and variety of living organisms
Principles of Chemistry
Forces and Motion
Structures and functions in living organisms
Inorganic Chemistry
Electricity
Reproduction and Inheritance
Organic Chemistry
Waves
Ecology and the Environment
Physical Chemistry
Energy resources and energy transfer
Use of Biological Resources
Solids, liquids and gases Magnetism and Electromagnetism Radioactivity and Particles Astrophysics
ASSESSMENT The course will be assessed by three, 2-hour written examination papers. A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions will be used. All students sit all three papers and their performance in all three will determine the overall grades. The grade awarded will be on a scale of 9–1 (Grade 9 represents a new level of attainment for the very top performers and is higher than an A* grade. This means there is greater differentiation of the most able at the top end of the grading scale.) Students will receive an award of two IGCSE grades, (e.g. 99, 98, 88, 87, 77 etc)
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
8/22
French International GCSE (Edexcel Syllabus 4FR1) The French IGCSE course is designed for students learning French as a foreign language and equips them with a knowledge and understanding of the language required for everyday social interaction (on holiday, at school, at the shops…).
COURSE CONTENT
The course covers the following topic areas:
A. Home and abroad
B. Education and employment C. Personal life and relationships D. The world around us Social activities, fitness and health
This course also offers valuable insights into the culture where French is spoken and enables students to develop positive attitudes towards modern foreign language learning. By the end of the course students will be expected to communicate as accurately as possible using a variety of idiom, vocabulary structure and appropriate grammar. They should also be able to understand and respond to written and spoken French.
ASSESSMENT The IGCSE French exam is designed to test ability in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. There are 2 written papers and one oral assessment.
Paper 1: Listening (25 %) Paper 2: Reading and Writing (50 %) Paper 3: Speaking (25 %)
The course is best designed for students who have some previous knowledge of the French language (usually 2 to 3 years). By the end of Year 9, students should have formed a sound base in the areas of grammar and vocabulary in order to take an exam qualification in French.
The course is suited to students who enjoy language learning and have an interest in learning about other cultures. After completion of this course you can progress onto IB French B (advanced level course) or other equivalent qualifications.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
9/22
Dutch– IGCSE, First Language (CIE Syllabus 0503) Dutch– IGCSE, Foreign Language (CIE Syllabus 0515) The course: DUTCH IGSCE FIRST LANGUAGE is divided into 2 areas of study: Area of Study 1: reading The exam will take two hours. Students receive an exam paper showing two passages of approximately 600-700 words each. Linked by a common theme. These passages are printed on the question paper. On paper, two questions are set, related to the passages. Students have to answer these questions and write a summary based on the passages. Area of Study 2: writing This paper is divided into two parts: section 1: discussion and argument; Four argumentative/discursive titles are set, from which candidates choice one. section 2: description and narration; Four titles are set (two descriptive and two narrative) from which the candidates choose from.
The course: DUTCH IGSCE FOREIGN LANGUAGE is divided into 4 areas of study: Area of study 1: listening Candidates hear short recordings, sometimes involving two speakers, which are tested mainly by visual material (pictures, line drawings, etc.) The recordings contain largely factual information about travel, weather, opening hours, facilities available, etc. and candidates identify main points and extract some details. Area of study 2: reading and directive writing There are a variety of question types on the reading and directed writing paper. These include objective questions, e.g. multiple-choice, box-ticking, matching exercises, grid filling. Other question types require candidates to write short answers in the target language. Area of study 3: speaking The speaking examination consists of a single interview with three compulsory parts: Test 1: role plays Test 2: topic presentation/conversation Test 3: general conversation Area of study 4: continuous writing Candidates produce two pieces of continuous writing in order to demonstrate their mastery of the target language. Each piece must be 130-140 words long
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
10/22
Thai First Language IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0518) Cambridge IGCSE First Language Thai is designed for learners whose mother tongue is Thai. The course is specifically aimed at Thai students who are studying Thai at the highest level in Year 8 and allows learners to: • develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when writing • learn how to use a wide range of vocabulary, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar • develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed. Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which Thai can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language Thai also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively. Cambridge IGCSE First Language Thai is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of Thai language.
ASSESSMENT Assessment is made by two external examinations at the end of Y11. These will test the students’ abilities: Paper 1 Reading and Directed Writing 2 hours (50 marks) Candidates answer all questions. Section 1 Comprehension and Use of Language (25 marks) Candidates answer a series of questions on Passage 1, a fiction text. Section 2 Directed writing (25 marks) Candidates answer one question on Passages 2 and 3 which are non-fiction and have a linked theme. The passages will be taken from newspapers, magazines, online materials or other publications. Candidates write a response of about 250–300 words. Paper 2 Composition 2 hours (50 marks) Candidates answer two questions, one in Section 1 and one in Section 2. Section 1 Argumentative/Discursive Writing (25 marks) Candidates answer one question from a choice of four and write a response of about 350–450 words. Section 2 Descriptive/Narrative Writing (25 marks) Candidates answer one question from a choice of four and write a response of about 350–450 words.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
11/22
Mandarin Chinese- IGCSE (Syllabus code) 0547 ) KEY SUBJECT AIMS to develop the ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication within the country of residence, where appropriate, and in all countries where the language is spoken to form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where the language is spoken to develop a fuller awareness of the nature of language and language learning to encourage positive attitudes toward language learning and towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations to provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation to complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general application.
Course content
Everyday activities
Personal and social life
The world around us
The world of work
The international world
ASSESSMENT Paper 1 Listening (approximately 35 minutes) 25% Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer questions testing comprehension.
Paper 2 Reading (1 hour 15 minutes) 25% Candidates read a number of texts and answer questions testing comprehension.
Paper 3 Speaking (approximately 15 minutes) 25% Candidates complete two role plays, a topic presentation/conversation and a general conversation.
Paper 4 Writing (1 hour 15 minutes) 25% Candidates respond in the target language to three tasks.
The course is best suited to students who have previous knowledge and experience of the Mandarin language by end of year 9. Also, they should enjoy language learning and have an interest in learning about Chinese cultures.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
12/22
History IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0470) The History IGCSE will cover ‘International Relations in the 20th Century’. The course begins at the end of the First World War and explores how Europe coped with peace. It explores how the victors treated the losers and how the terms of the Treaty of Versailles affected the world. The course develops by looking at the work of the League of Nations in solving international issues throughout the 1920s and 30s. We then move on to look at the effects of the Depression and how it led to isolationist policies and the rise of Nazism. From here the course moves on to the breakdown of international relations and the run up to the Second World War. During this part of the course, students undertake an in-depth study of Germany between the wars. Following the Second World War, the course looks at the relationships between the victors and how growing mistrust led to the Cold War. American policies of Containment and the Truman Doctrine lead to case studies of major Cold War incidents from the Hungarian uprising, through the Korean War to Vietnam and beyond. Eventually the course leads to the events that led to the fall of the Eastern Block including Solidarity in Poland and the policies of Gorbachev. We end the course by looking at and analysing the Gulf Wars and the fall of Saddam Hussein. Students will be given the opportunity to go to Vietnam during the two year course as part of their studies.
AIMS By the end of the course students should have an understanding of international relations that have led to the modern world in which we live. They should be able to understand the nature of cause and consequence, continuity and change, similarity and difference. They will be able to recognise bias and understand how it can be used to manipulate people's opinions.
ASSESSMENT Assessment is made by two examinations at the end of Y11 and one piece of coursework written during Y11. These will test the student's ability to 1.
Recall, select, organise and deploy knowledge of the syllabus content.
2.
Demonstrate an understanding of: (a) change and continuity, cause and consequence, similarity and difference; (b) the motives, emotions, intentions and beliefs of people in the past.
3. Comprehend, interpret, evaluate and use a range of sources as evidence in their historical context. The course is best suited to students with an enquiring mind, who have an interest in why the world is like it is. The ability to use English effectively is a great asset as students will be required to explain their ideas and reasoning in clearly structured essays and open ended data response task
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
13/22
Geography IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0460) The Geography IGCSE course will cover Human, Physical, Environmental aspects about world issues. The course identifies problems that exist in the world such as: What are the problems of global warming? Why is the weather changing so much? Why are oil prices rising so highly? Will China be the most important economy? Why is business thriving in India? Why does Japan use Nuclear Power? Why has flooding been so destructive in Thailand? It also tries to look for solutions to all these problems. The geography course will teach students how to think critically and analyse issues with a balanced view. It will equip you for what is going on in the world and about how you can help the planet for the future. There will be a residential fieldtrip in Year 10 as part of the course Successful 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.
Theme 1 Population and Settlement The world’s current population is nearly 7.5 billion people. Is this cause for alarm? Geography students study the following issues to help them see the bigger picture.
Causes and consequences of over-population and under-population
Impacts of social, economic and other factors (including government policies, HIV/AIDS) on birth and death rates
Internal movements such as rural-urban migration, as well as international migrations, both voluntary and involuntary and their positive and negative impacts.
The effects of urbanization on the people and natural environment. The characteristics of squatter settlements
Theme 2: The Natural Environment The world is an amazing place. Students look at the following issues to help them understand it. Volcanoes and Earthquakes; Rivers and flooding; Coasts and tropical storms; Weather and Climate; Tropical rainforests and deforestation.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
14/22
Theme 3: Economic Development
Why are some countries richer than other countries? What can be done about it? Can we develop without harming the environment? Here are some of the issues Geography students look at:
Using different indicators to find out the worst and best places to live in the world.
Globalization – has our globalized world helped people out of poverty?
Food Production: There is enough food and water on our planet why are there some people that go without?
Industry and Tourism
Energy and Water
Environmental risks of economic development
ASSESSMENT Assessment will be made by three examinations. Paper 1 – Geographical Themes; Paper 2 – Geographical Skills; Paper 4 – Alternative to coursework.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
15/22
Business Studies IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0450) The Business Studies IGCSE will cover the major aspects of business activity in the modern world.
The course looks at business activity and its role within the economy of a country. Students will study business growth and the problems associated with it. Ideas such as internal organization and structure are related to the changing business environment across regional, national and international economies.
Students will look at how businesses plan and develop their growth to include market research and marketing strategies. The course then develops by looking into financial information and decisionmaking within a business under the constraints, rules and regulations commonly in place within the international community.
AIMS By the end of the course students should have an understanding of how businesses operate in the world. They should be able to appreciate the perspectives of a range of stakeholders in relation to the environment, individuals, society, governments and enterprise. They will be able to distinguish between facts and opinions, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data in order to help build arguments and make informed judgements.
ASSESSMENT Assessment is by two examination papers which are both equally weighted. Paper one is made up of shorter structured questions and paper two features a case study based on a fictional business.
The course is best suited to students who have an interest in business and how it operates in an international environment. The subject is ideal for those who enjoy problem solving. No previous knowledge of Business Studies is required although a good knowledge of current affairs helps a great deal
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
16/22
Economics IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0455) WHAT WILL I LEARN ON THIS IGCSE COURSE? Economics is a subject which provides students with understanding and knowledge of the economic problems faced by businesses and countries and allows critical understanding and application of solutions to real world scenarios. The course is designed to address all aspects of economic decision making and specifically answers the following questions:
What is the most effective way to allocate resources in an economy? How are the prices of goods and services determined? What role do consumers and producers play in a market? What is the role of the government in an economy? How do countries trade with one another? This course considers a wide variety of economic issues in a real world context. Students will gain a valuable insight into economic decision making by applying economic theories to a wide range of case studies obtained from a variety of sources.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE? Economics is a subject which will be new to all students who join the course and therefore no prior knowledge is required. However, students who hold an interest in current affairs, who are able to think logically about problems and alternative solutions, and who can communicate these effectively with others, are likely to benefit most from the course. Economics IGCSE is a challenging course and students should be reasonably numerate and should be expecting to receive good grades in English and Mathematics.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? The course will be assessed by means of two written papers, one of which is a multiple choice paper and the other is a structured response paper which relates to unseen economic data. These are designed to assess the ability of students to apply their knowledge and understanding to real world scenarios.
WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? This course will appeal to you if you:
Enjoy a subject which is practical, relevant and realistic. Hold a genuine interest in what is happening in the world around you. Wish to understand the importance of consumers, producers and the government. Want to improve your numeracy, data handling and communication skills.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
17/22
Art and Design IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0400) COURSE CONTENT & AIMS The IGCSE Art and Design course has been designed to offer a broad choice of media and approaches so the candidates can produce a personal response. The broad areas of study are: painting and related media, printmaking, three dimensional studies, photography and digital media, graphic communication and textile design. Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design encourages personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking and powers of observation, practical attitudes and analytical thinking. Learners have the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the role of visual arts in the history of civilizations, and so widen their cultural horizons. The course has been designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities. Learners explore both practical and critical/contextual work.
ASSESSMENT The course has five assessment objectives:
Gathering, recording and investigation
Exploration and development of ideas
Organization and relationships of visual forms
Selection and control of materials, media and processes
Personal vision and presentation
Students choose to develop their coursework either in fine art or design. All students produce a coursework portfolio which comprises: A portfolio of up to 4 sheets (8 sides) of A2 sheets showing supporting studies. A final art/design piece in their chosen medium. In year 2 students receive a list of titles and they have at least 8 weeks to prepare for an 8 hour controlled test. This is called a broad based assignment and includes design and fine art related titles. The test sessions are scheduled over a number of days. In addition to producing a final piece of work, all students submit a portfolio of 2 sheets (4 sides) of A2 showing their supporting studies. Students who do not undertake coursework may choose to take the broad based assignment alongside a design based assignment. Alternatively students may choose to take the broad based assignment alongside a critical and historical assignment. The assessment breakdown is 50% Coursework (or other option) and 50% Controlled Test.
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
18/22
Drama IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0411) COURSE CONTENT & AIMS The IGCSE Drama course at St Andrews offers a challenging and stimulating environment in which to study, where students are positively challenged to broaden their performance, directing and group work skills. Over the two years, pupils build and develop a range of acting and directing skills which they will put to use in both scripted and devised performances. Students also have the opportunity to visit the theatre regularly, attend Drama festivals, participate in workshops and organize and conduct their own workshops for Primary students. They are actively encouraged to draw on these experiences to inform their own practical work. Students also keep a journal of their experiences whilst studying Drama, recording the progress they make with practical coursework projects, which will subsequently inform their written examination work. The course covers a great mixture of theory and practice with the emphasis always on the practical and encourages students to work as an ensemble and experiment with the ideas and techniques covered in class.
ASSESSMENT At St. Andrews, students can study Drama at IGCSE level under the Cambridge Board. The course is a dynamic one and students complete a coursework portfolio which comprises:
A performance of a short published play or plays, filmed in front of a live audience
A monologue of 3 - 5 minutes
A devised group piece All these pieces are filmed, assessed by the drama teacher and sent to Cambridge for validation. There is also a 2.5 hour final exam which focuses on a play extract we have studied and a piece of drama the students have devised. The assessment breakdown is 60% Coursework and 40% Final Exam. We have achieved 100% A – C grades since starting the course. Further information, examples of students’ performances and assessments and even a FAQ section can be found on the Firefly website http://vle.standrews-schools.com/drama/igcsedrama or please contact me if you have any further questions at dheron@standrewsschools.com
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
19/22
Music GCSE (Edexcel Syllabus 5MU0) Music is a unique subject which brings together a wide range of skills, showing physical control, mental and analytical ability, as well as creative and expressive understanding. A good mark in GCSE Music offers a chance to show you have well-rounded education, interesting range of talents, and detailed cultural awareness. Students who do well in GCSE Music are committed to practicing on their instrument/voice regularly, and have a genuine desire to improve their ability. There are 3 units which make up this GCSE: Unit 1: Performing (coursework, 30% of total) Unit 2: Composing (coursework, 30% of total) Unit 3: Listening/appraising (exam, 40% of total)
In Unit 1 you will prepare 2 performances on your chosen instrument/voice, at the highest level of your ability. These can be in any style, and are assessed based on accuracy, technique, expression and level of difficulty. These are submitted at the end of Yr 11.
In Unit 2 you will create 2 pieces of original music/songs. One composition must follow certain guidelines, and the other is totally up to you in terms of style. You will submit a recording of the piece, as well as a written score of the music. They are assessed based on your control and understanding of a variety of musical ideas, such as development and contrast, consistency and use of instruments. This coursework is submitted at the end of Yr 11.
Unit 3 is a listening exam at the end of Yr 11. You will be tested on your understanding of 8 set pieces of music, which you will study in depth throughout Yr 10-11. These include music by Queen, the Star Wars soundtrack, a Beethoven sonata and Bossa-nova jazz music. Most of the questions in the exam are based on short extracts from any of the 8 pieces, plus a longer essay question.
Students who do well in GCSE music are not just those who already learn an instrument with a private teacher, though this definitely an advantage. All that is required is a commitment to practice regularly on an instrument/voice from week to week, to engage with music in your spare time/extracurricular activities, and to be open to learning about sometimes unfamiliar music as part of a broader musical education
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
20/22
Physical Education GCSE (Edexcel syllabus 5PE0 ) The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:
develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge and understanding to improve performance
understand how the physiological and psychological state affects performance in physical activity and sport
perform effectively in different physical activities by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
develop their ability to analyze and evaluate to improve performance in physical activity and sport
understand the contribution that physical activity and sport make to health, fitness and well-being
understand the key socio-cultural influences that can affect people’s involvement in physical activity and sport.
The Physical Education course will consist of two externally-examined papers (components 1 and 2) and two non-examined assessment components (components 3 and 4). Components 1 and 2 will be assessed in May/June in any single year. Components 3 and 4 may be assessed at Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems
Content overview
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes: 36% of the qualification - 90 marks
Skills during individual and team activities
General performance skills
Content overview
Topic 1: Applied anatomy and physiology
The assessment consists of students completing three physical activities from a set list
Topic 2: Movement analysis
One must be a team activity
Topic 3: Physical training
One must be an individual activity
Topic 4: Use of data
The final activity can be a free choice
Component 2: Health and Performance
Component 4: Personal Exercise Programme
Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes: 24% of the qualification - 70 marks
Non-examined assessment: internally marked and externally moderated: 10% of the qualification - 20 marks
Content overview
Topic 1: Health, fitness and well-being
Topic 2: Sport psychology
Topic 3: Socio-cultural influences
Topic 4: Use of data
Content overview
Aim and planning analysis
Carrying out and monitoring the PEP
Evaluation of the PEP
Component 3: Practical Performance Non-examined assessment: internally marked and externally moderated: 30% of the qualification - 105 marks (35 marks per activity)
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
21/22
Information & Communication Technology IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0417 ) The ICT syllabus offers a course containing a combination of theoretical and practical studies focusing on the ability to use common software applications, including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, interactive presentation software, electronic mail, web browsers and website design. The curriculum content is set out in sections, which are as follows: components of a computer system, input and output devices, storage devices and media, computer networks, data types, the effects of using ICT, the ways in which ICT is used in society and finally systems analysis and design.
AIMS The aims of the ICT course are to: help students to develop and consolidate their knowledge, skills and understanding of ICT; encourage students to continue to develop their ICT skills in order to enhance their work in a variety of subject areas;
provide opportunities for students to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems; encourage students to consider the impact of new technologies on methods of working in the outside world and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues; help students to increase their awareness of the ways in which ICT is used in practical and work-related situations.
Practical Skills where students should be able to: 1. use e-mail and the internet to gather and communicate information; 2. use word-processing facilities to prepare documents; 3. use database facilities to manipulate data to solve problems and represent data graphically; 4. integrate data from different sources into a single document or report; 5. produce output (e.g. documents in a specified format); 6. use a spreadsheet to create and test a data model; 7. represent data as information in a variety of chart formats 8. create a structured website with style sheets, tables and hyperlinks; 9. create and control an interactive presentation
Knowledge and Understanding where students should be able to understand: 1. the functions of the main hardware and software components; 2. the networking of information-processing systems;
3. the ways in which ICT is used and the effects of its use; 4. the stages and methods of system analysis and design; 5. computing terminology
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT Assessment is made by three examinations at the end of Year 11 – there will be two practical papers (total 60%) and one theory paper (40%).
St. Andrews International School– IGCSE Options Booklet
22/22