BSAK GCSE Prospectus 2025 by BSAK Abu Dhabi

OUR SCHOOL

The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-proﬁt, co-educational day school. From Nursery to A Level (3 – 18) our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.

OUR VISION

Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a world-class British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectations.

OUR VALUES

Empathy and Care | Respect and Inclusivity Honesty and Integrity | Endeavour and Resilience

GCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET 2025

SUBJECTS AND COURSES

WELCOME FROM OUR ASSISTANT HEAD

GCSEs are the next big step in a BSAK student’s educational journey, and we are here to support and guide them along the way.

Throughout Years 7 to 9, students have been following a common curriculum which has provided a full and broad education based on the English National Curriculum and UAE Ministry of Education subjects. GCSE Options are the students ﬁrst opportunity to make choices that reﬂect their passions and strengths.

Ms Nichola Cooper Assistant Head ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae

GCSE’s require a two-year course of study, this means your child will begin them in August 2025 and sit their GCSE examinations in the summer of 2027.

At BSAK we recognise that every student has different needs and for that reason, other than compulsory subjects, students have the freedom to pick subjects that suit their passions and strengths.

Because we know that the process of picking Options can be exciting and daunting in equal measure we begin our support early. Please see the timeline below.

TIMELINE

SUMMARY OF GCSE PATHWAYS

● All students at BSAK will have the opportunity to sit 9 GCSEs.

● English and Mathematics are compulsory subjects

○ All students begin learning both English Literature and Language, however for a small number of students who require special provisions an alternative pathway may be communicated.

● Science is compulsory, but students have the option to either take Combined Science or Separate Sciences

GCSE Pathway 1

PATHWAY

SUBJECTS

Students who do not hold a UAE or Arab League passports

❏ Mathematics

❏ English (Language & Literature)

❏ Combined or Separate Sciences

❏ 3 or 4 additional subjects (depending upon the Science choice)

GCSE Pathway 2

Students with UAE & Arab League passports

❏ Mathematics

❏ English (Language & Literature)

❏ Combined or Separate Sciences

❏ Ministry Arabic A

❏ 2 or 3 additional subjects (depending upon the Science choice)

COMPLIANCE & EQUIVALENCY

COMPLIANCE: UAE & ARAB LEAGUE PASSPORT HOLDERS ONLY

Students with UAE and Arab League passports must study Ministry Arabic in Years 10 to Year 13. Arabic is also required in Years 10 to Year 13 for Equivalency as a UAE and Arab League Passport Holder.

COMPLIANCE: ISLAMIC STUDENTS

Arabic A Muslim students must study Islamic Studies

Arabic B Muslim students will automatically have Islamic studies timetabled but can opt out with parental consent due to our Embassy Status. Please note Islamic Studies is required for equivalency if you are Muslim and must be studied to Year 13. Therefore if you opt out as an Arabic B student you will no longer be able to obtain equivalency.

If you are an Arabic B parent and want your child to opt out of Islamic Studies click here

EQUIVALENCY

What is this?

Students in government schools receive a UAE High School Leaving Certiﬁcate on completion of school at 17/18 years old. Should a student wish to show that the education they receive at BSAK is ‘equivalent’ to that standard, they can apply for UAE High School Leaving Certiﬁcate Equivalency through the MoE.

Why is it needed?

BSAK students will require this certiﬁcate when they ﬁnish school ONLY if they intend to:

● study at a UAE Public University and/or work for the UAE Government in the future

In order to qualify for UAE High School Equivalency, students must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSE Level 3’s in subjects on the Ministry of Education approved list.

For a list of approved subjects: Click Here

INCLUSION PATHWAYS

During the Options Process our Inclusion team will identify students who may beneﬁt from alternative pathways to best support them.

Our Head of Inclusion will be in touch individually with relevant parents and carers.

You can contact Mrs Fran Marshall fmarshall@britshschool.sch.ae

APPLYING FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL

Mrs Karen

Collings

Head of Admissions

Mrs Fran Marshall Head of Inclusion

Our Admissions team will support you with the application process and will be the point of contact from initial enquiry to making subject choices.

In order to offer a place in Year 10 to an external student, we require a completed application form, a copy of your last two school reports and a reference from your current school.

Offers will be made when we have a clearer picture of availability for the next academic year; this usually happens in Term 3. All applications received will be added to a waiting list.

Please email registrar@britishschool.sch.ae if you have any questions about the application process or sign up here if you would like to attend the GCSE options evening in January 2025. We look forward to guiding you along the way.

APPLY NOW

Though every attempt will be made to offer the Straw Poll subjects, in exceptional circumstances (such as insufficient numbers choosing the subject or staffing restrictions) some courses may not be offered in the final choices.

PICKING THE RIGHT GCSEs

ADVICE

WORKING BACKWARDS

If your child has a clear idea about their future career or university course plans they should base GCSE selection around that. We encourage the students to research career requirements and course entry requirements and work backwards. This is because some university courses require speciﬁc A Levels, and in turn certain A Levels require speciﬁc GCSEs.

BREADTH

If your child does not have a clear idea of their future career maintaining breadth in their choices is important. This keeps as many options open as possible. For example a student may select a Humanities subject (e.g. Geography) alongside a Language (e.g. French) and an Arts (e.g. Photography)

INTEREST

If your child has a passion for, or genuinely enjoys a subject, they are likely to be well motivated to study that subject. As such their level of effort and engagement is likely to be much higher and in turn their likelihood of success.

APTITUDE

It is important to consider how well your child is likely to perform on a given GCSE course as these grades will form the basis of entry into the Sixth Form, and which A Level options are open to them. There is no ‘one-size-ﬁts-all’ answer to an individual’s best choices. Ultimately your child should opt for a combination of subjects which takes into consideration all of the aspects above. Our Pastoral Team, and careers advisor are on hand to help your child make these decisions throughout the year.

SUPPORTING KEY STAFF

HEAD OF YEAR 9

Miss Emma Hand, the Head of Year 9, has overall responsibility for overseeing student progress and wellbeing across Year 9.

Throughout this year Miss Hand will ensure your child is fully informed and supported through the Options Process so that they feel conﬁdent and secure with their choices in March.

Part of her role is ensuring the delivery of high quality MELS provision that includes dedicated Careers lessons.

Ms Dina Haweel Careers & University Advisor dhaweel@britishschool.sch.ae

COUNSELLING

Miss Emma Hand Head of Year 9 ehand@britishschool.sch.ae Please

CAREERS AND UNIVERSITY ADVISOR

Ms. Dina Haweel, our in-house, Future Skills Careers and Guidance Counsellor, provides expert support to Year 9 students and their parents, helping them make informed decisions about GCSE subject choices.

She will be a familiar face with the children due to her role in the Options Process through registrations, MELS and Unifrog, an online careers platform that all students have access to.

After Options Evening Mrs Haweel will be available for 1:1 sessions if your child is still struggling with their choices.

Mrs Kate Lewis and Ms Teddi Rawlinson are our two dedicated counsellors. Students, Parents and Staff can refer children to the counselling team. You can email Mrs Kate Lewis, Lead Counsellor, klewis@britishschool.sch.ae if you would like to get in touch.

SUPPORTING

OUR PARENTS

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION

GCSE Options can be confusing for parents, especially if this is your ﬁrst time going through this process. At any point you can reach out to your child's tutor, or ﬁll out this google form with a question. It will be directed to the relevant person who will get in touch.

WELLBEING ONE STOP SHOP

If you child feels nervous or anxious about this process please access our Wellbeing One Stop Shop from the Parent Portal. It has a wealth on information, designed for parents, on how to support your child.

OUR EXPECTATIONS

GCSE STUDIES

EFFORT

Effort is a key indicator for success and as a GCSE student effort, both inside and outside of school is vitally important. Students should aim to achieve at least “Good” for effort on all their grade sheets as a minimum. It would be our hope that all students would aim to surpass this.

HOMEWORK

Throughout Year 10 and Year 11 homework expectations increase. Students should be spending 1 hour a week on each subject. As with previous years teachers are asked to give 3 days or more for each piece of homework set. Homework will be assigned on Google Classroom with a due date.

INDEPENDENCE

GCSE’s are a marathon, not a sprint. For that reason students are encouraged to use time to consolidate and review their work as they progress through, not simply at the end. Regardless of homework set, you should expect and encourage your child to be consolidating and reviewing work from Week 1 of Year 10. The aim is to encourage independent and proactive students, skills that beneﬁt them throughout their life.

OUR EXPECTATIONS

SUPER CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR

SUPER CURRICULAR WORK

Most important for students aiming for top universities

Top Universities are now looking for evidence of super curricular work, we encourage our students to start this now if these universities are their aim. Supercurriular refers to activities outside of the classroom that relate to the subject or potential career they are considering such as extra reading.

Our library has lots of subject related books that go beyond the curriculum and students can use Destiny Discover to search and ﬁnd something appropriate to them. We would encourage them to keep a log of their reading from Year 10 all the way to Year 13. Students can also access our academic enrichment program or look for summer placements. Work Experience in Year 10 is also a great opportunity to do something focused on potential future career aspirations.

In Year 11 we will be introducing students to the idea of a “personal statement”. This is something that all students write when applying to Universities. This will be an opportunity to signpost all the super curricular work they have been doing and start the preparation for their future away from BSAK.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

School is a place where students should be able to make the most of and continue to develop their skills, talents and interests.

No student should leave BSAK having simply attended lessons and passed their exams.

We want all our students to contribute to the life of the school and to grow and develop personally as well as academically.

As a school we offer so many opportunities be it on the sports ﬁeld, the stage, in an art room, as a leader, or mentoring younger students.

Nobody should look back at wasted opportunities.

MINISTRY ARABIC

The Ministry of Education Arabic course targets the native speakers of the language. The curriculum is comprehensively structured to ensure that students learn smoothly and progressively through the carefully arranged scope and sequence of programmes. Planning across the phases of education, both within the school and at the point when students make transitions, prepares students well. It ensures that previous learning is taken into account when preparing for all our students. It aims to help all students to develop their linguistic skills, expose them to many classical and modern literary works and deepen their understanding of Arabic and Islamic culture.

COURSE CONTENT

The course content is based on a wide range of selected literary texts that relate to different eras as well as extracts from the Holy Quran and the Sayings of the Prophet (PBUH).

The course content will draw heavily on:

● Reading texts: literary and factual texts

● Writing practice: in line with what is covered during reading lessons

● Conversational drills: where students use and apply the skills they acquire

● The structure of the language: applied rather than theoretical syntax and morphology

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Native understanding and analysis of written and spoken Classical Arabic

● Knowledge and application of language skills

● Writing for different purposes

● Conversing in Classical Arabic on a given topic

ASSESSMENTS

Half termly assessments take place as well as a ﬁnal exam at the end of each academic year.

MOE SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

In Year 13 students will undertake the Ministry of Education Arabic Exam at the end of the academic year.

ARABIC GCSE GCSE

Arabic is one of the world’s great languages. Spoken by more than 400 million people, it has been the vehicle of many significant contributions to the development of science and culture, from the earliest odes of the pre-Islamic poets through to the cutting-edge research of the philosophers and mathematicians of Islam’s golden age, to the novels of Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz. it is also one of the official languages of the United Nations and was recently identified as one of the ten most important languages for the UK's future.

COURSE CONTENT

Arabic GCSE is now an optional GCSE subject at BSAK. By choosing GCSE Arabic, students are choosing a two year Edexcel GCSE course. Many of our students are excellent Arabic learners, and for many, it will be their best language option for GCSE.

In Years 10 and 11, students will study the following themes:

Theme 1 : Identity and Culture

● Culture and identity in your local area

● Talk about friends and what makes a good friend using adjectives and nouns

● Write about family relationships and role models

● Entertainment ( sports, hobbies, music, TV, cinema, ﬁlms and media)

● Describe daily routines ( foods, clothes and special occasions)

Theme 2 : Local Area, Holiday and Travel

● Describe your local area (places of interest, weather,activities, means of transport)

● Travel and holiday experiences

● Advantages and disadvantages of living in a town

Theme 3: School

● Talk about your school (subjects, rules, uniform and clubs) expressing likes/dislikes.

● Describe an ideal day for you at BSAK

● School trips

● Use conditional statements, negation, demonstratives and plurals

Theme 4: Future Aspirations, Study and Work

● Talk about careers and places of work

● Future work and study plans

● How to apply for jobs

● Using personal qualities for self-promotion

Theme 5: International and Global Dimension

● Talk about environmental problems and solutions, opinions and reasons

● Listen to and read texts for gist/details about environmental problems and solutions

● Give arguments for and against different global issues and big events.

ARABIC GCSE GCSE

cont.

ASSESSMENTS

● Year 10 students will sit an end of year exam in Year 10

● The GCSE summer examinations will take place in Term 3 of Year 11

SKILLS REQUIRED

Students are required to develop conﬁdence in:

● Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing

● Grammar - There is a greater emphasis on grammar, requiring students to use and manipulate a variety of key grammar structures and patterns.

● Vocabulary - There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary including vocabulary that goes beyond students’ immediate needs and interests.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

● GCSE Arabic (My Language is my Identity) Coursebook

● GCSE Google Library

● Languagenut digital learning platform. Languagenut is provided by School.Also, there are other platforms for students to use such as textivate, wordwall, Gimkit, Blooket.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

For students wishing to pursue Arabic at A Level, we would expect a minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE but this course is subject to availability. Looking further ahead, there is a rise in the demand for Arabic speakers globally. Arabic is ranked as the 5th most important language in the Power Language Index meaning that knowledge of the Arabic language will deﬁnitely enhance your CV.

BIOLOGY

This GCSE encourages students to be inspired, motivated and challenged. It encourages them to develop their curiosity about the living world and provides insight into and experience of how science works.

It will enable students to engage with Biology in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study in Biology and related disciplines.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10

● Cell Biology

● Organisation

● Infection and Response

● Bioenergetics

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Application of knowledge

● Data analysis

● Evaluation

● Extended writing skills

ASSESSMENT

Year 11

● Homeostasis and Response

● Inheritance, Variation and Evolution

● Ecology

Year 10 - An internal end of year exam and regular end-of-topic tests to monitor progress.

Year 11 - Two, 1 hr 45 min examination papers (Paper 1 and 2) which consist of multiple choice, structured, closed, short answer and open response questions. Each exam paper contributes 50% of the overall GCSE Biology grade.

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Application of Knowledge

● Data Analysis

● Evaluation

● Extended writing skills

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

To continue Biology to A Level, students will need to attain the compulsory ‘7-9’ grade at GCSE. ‘7-9’ in Chemistry is also strongly recommended. Biology is essential to those wishing to read Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacology. It is a facilitating subject which is highly regarded by all universities and all courses.

BUSINESS STUDIES IGCSE

The world of business affects each and every one of us.

Whether you have ambitions to work in business or become your own boss, this course will give you a valuable insight into how businesses are set up and managed and how and why some businesses succeed where others fail.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10

1 – Business activity and inﬂuences on business

2 – People in business

3 – Business ﬁnance

Assessments in Year 10

Assessments in Year 10 will involve regular knowledge based tests followed by end of unit ‘examination style’ tests.

This will culminate in end of year examinations.

Year 11

4 – Marketing

5 – Business operations

Assessments

in Year 11

Ongoing assessments will continue as in Year 10. It will culminate in two equally weighted GCSE examinations at the end of the year:

The exam papers format is the same for both papers:

● Examination of 1hr 30min, consisting of four compulsory questions, each worth 20 marks – total of 80 marks in Paper 1.

● The sub-questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data-response and open-ended questions.

SKILLS REQUIRED

The following are skills which are both required for success and will be built upon during the course:

● Communication

● Problem Solving

● Critical Analysis and Evaluation

● Data Analysis

● Decision Making

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

If you want to continue with your studies at A Level, a minimum of grade 6 at GCSE will be required. An A Level in Business Studies is recommended for degrees in a range of Business related courses including Management, Accountancy, Finance and Banking. The lifelong skills developed will be an asset to further study whichever career path you choose.

CHEMISTRY

Students study the fundamentals of Chemistry: atomic structure and chemical bonding, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and importantly the chemical processes integral to the world in which we live in topics such as crude oil, fuels and equilibrium. The course is designed to encourage students to develop their curiosity about the material and physical worlds, whilst also preparing them for content encountered at A Level.

COURSE CONTENT

YEAR 9

Atomic Structure

Periodic Table

The Earth’s atmosphere

ASSESSMENT

YEAR 10

Internal end of year exams and regular end-of-topic tests to monitor progress.

YEAR 10

Structure and bonding

Chemical changes

Quantitative chemistry

Organic chemistry I

Rates of reaction

Energy changes

YEAR 11

Equilibria

Using the Earth’s resources

Organic chemistry II

Chemical analysis

YEAR 11

Regular internal end of topic tests and review.

Paper 1 (Topics 1-5): Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding and structure; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes and Energy changes.

Paper 2 (Topics 6-10): The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources.

Both are equally weighted (100 marks) and are 1hr 45min.

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Problem-solving

● Abstract-thinking

● Ability to complete multi step calculations

● Application of knowledge & data analysis

● Evaluation & extended writing skills

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

To continue their study of Chemistry, students will need to attain the compulsory ‘7-9’ grade at GCSE. A grade 7 or above in Mathematics is also strongly recommended. Chemistry is essential for those wanting to read Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacology and Chemical Engineering. It is also is a facilitating subject and is held in high regard by all universities regardless of the course being applied to.

COMBINED SCIENCE

GCSE

This course gives students the tools and fundamental knowledge they need to construct a scientiﬁc approach to solving problems and critically evaluating scientiﬁc information that they are exposed to in the media. They will learn the same core principles as those pursuing separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but in less depth. Students choosing this option will be awarded two GCSE grades in Science, as opposed to separate grades for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

COURSE CONTENT

The teaching of GCSE Science will begin in Year 9 and the following topics will be covered between Year 9 and Year 11:

BIOLOGY

1. Cell Biology

2. Organisation

3. Infection and Response

4. Bioenergetics

5. Homeostasis and Response

6. Inheritance, variation and evolution

7. Ecology

CHEMISTRY

8. Atomic structure and the periodic table

9. Bonding, structure and the properties of matter

10. Quantitative chemistry

11. Chemical changes

12. Energy changes

13. The rate and extent of chemical change

14. Organic chemistry

15. Chemical analysis

16. Chemistry of the atmosphere

17. Using resources

ASSESSMENT

PHYSICS

18. Energy

19. Electricity

20. Particle model of matter

21. Atomic structure

22. Forces

23. Waves

24. Magnetism and electromagnetism

Year 10 Internal end of year exams and regular end-of-topic tests to monitor progress. Year 11 are six externally assessed papers: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas, as well as the core practicals covered in each subject. Each paper is 1hr 15min and constitutes 16.7% of the total GCSE.

Biology Paper 1: topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and Response; and Bioenergetics.

Biology Paper 2: topics 5–7: Homeostasis and Response; Inheritance, Variation and evolution & Ecology.

Chemistry Paper 1: topics 8–12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, Structure and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Chemistry Paper 2: topics 13–17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.

Physics Paper 1: topics 18–21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.

Physics Paper 2: topics 22–24: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Problem-solving; Abstract-thinking; ability to complete multi step calculations; application of knowledge; data analysis; evaluation and extended writing skills

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Although opting for Combined Science does not preclude students from choosing Science A Levels, due to the additional detail in the courses, students intending to pursue A Levels in one or more Science subjects are strongly advised to choose separate (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) Sciences for GCSE. To continue their study of any Science to A Level, students will need to attain the compulsory ‘7-9’ grades at GCSE. A grade 7 or above in Mathematics is also strongly recommended. Bridging work following the GCSE exams will support suitable candidates from Combined Science going on to A Level.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

This IGCSE will encourage students to be inspired, stimulated and excited by following a challenging course of study. It is a rigorous academic discipline, incorporating a scientiﬁc, creative and mathematical approach which will help students gain valuable computational thinking skills that are attractive to employers.

COURSE CONTENT

Unit 1- Paper 1

1. Algorithms- how they work; ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms

2. Understanding of code constructs, data types, structures, input/output, operators and subprograms.

3. Data representation, storage, compression, and encryption.

4. Components in computer systems; construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudocode.

ASSESSMENT

5. Computer networks, the internet and the world wide web.

6. Emerging trends in computing technologies including its impact, ethical, legal and ownership issues.

YEAR 10

End of topic tests for units 1- 7 which will be examined collectively in an end of year summer exam.

PAPER 1- Principles of Computer Science

Theoretical knowledge – Written examination consisting of multiple-choice, short and extended questions on topics 1 through 6 above.

Exam: 2 hours - 80 marks (50% of IGCSE)

SKILLS REQUIRED

Unit 2- Paper 2

Units 1 and 3 from paper one are included in this paper plus:

7. Developing and testing program code constructs, data types, structures, input/output, operators and subprograms

8. Connecting data sources when developing program code

9. Construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudocode.

YEAR 11

End of topic tests for units covered in Year 10 along with units 8 and 9. Mock Exams also take place.

PAPER 2- Application of Computational Thinking Problem Solving and Programming - Written and online examination consisting of multiple-choice, short and extended questions on topics 1,3,7,8,9 above.

Exam: 3 hours - 80 marks (50% of IGCSE)

The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical problem-solving experiences which involves designing, writing and debugging programs is desirable. Other notable skills are being able to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

To study A Level Computer Science a minimum Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics is required. GCSE Computer Science is not essential but extremely useful for A Level Computer Science. Russell Group Universities recommend A Level Computer Science for the following courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering (civil, mechanical, electronic and aeronautical), Economics, Maths, Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, Psychology and Sociology.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT DESIGN

GCSE

The Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of design and manufacturing processes across a range of materials, including timbers, metals, polymers, papers, and boards. It covers key areas such as product design, sustainability, material properties, and modern technologies. The course emphasizes the design process, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10

Students will complete a series of skills development tasks, while also developing robust subject knowledge. There will also be an internal end of year exam and regular end-of-topic assessments to monitor progress. The NEA will be launched on June 1st of Year 10.

Year 11

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA):

100 Marks: 50% of GCSE

A substantial design and make task, based on board set criteria. The project will test students’ skills in investigating, designing, making and evaluating a prototype of a product.

Content overview There are four parts to the assessment:

1 – Investigate: This includes investigation of needs and research, and a product speciﬁcation

2 – Design: This includes producing different design ideas, review of initial ideas, development of design ideas into a chosen design, communication of design ideas and review of the chosen design

3 – Make: This includes manufacture, and quality and accuracy

4 – Evaluate: This includes testing and evaluation

SKILLS REQUIRED

Written Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

100 Marks: 50% of GCSE

Section A: Core knowledge (40 marks)

Section B: Specialist material categories - Timbers (60 marks)

Calculators may be used in the examination.

Section A: Core This section is 40 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-response, graphical, calculation and extended-open-response questions. There will be 10 marks of calculation questions in Section A.

Section B: Material categories This section is 60 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-response, graphical, calculation and extended-open-response questions. There will be 5 marks of calculation questions in Section B.

● Ability to communicate using graphical skills. Good organisational skills.

● Ability to think and create innovative solutions to everyday problems.

● Creativity through designing and making.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

GCSE grade 6 or above is required to study Product Design at A Level. Design Technology is an important foundation for many jobs and courses that students may pursue in employment or further education. Some of the more obvious careers beneﬁting from Design & Technology include: Design, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Graphic Design, Materials Science, Engineering, Architecture and Automotive Design. GCSE Design and Technology can also lead into a BTEC Engineering pathway if you are looking for a vocational experience that applies the transferable skills developed on the GCSE course.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

TEXTILES

The Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum with a focus on textiles enables students to explore the properties and uses of textile materials. It covers ﬁber types, fabric construction methods, and surface treatments. Students learn about design principles, sustainability, and ethical production within the textile industry. The course emphasizes practical skills through designing and making textile products, with a focus on creativity, problem-solving, and technical knowledge.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10

The NEA will be launched on June 1st of Year 10.

Year 11

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA):

100 Marks: 50% of GCSE

A substantial design and make task, based on board set criteria. The project will test students’ skills in investigating, designing, making and evaluating a prototype of a product.

Content overview There are four parts to the assessment:

1 – Investigate: This includes investigation of needs and research, and a product speciﬁcation

2 – Design: This includes producing different design ideas, review of initial ideas, development of design ideas into a chosen design, communication of design ideas and review of the chosen design

3 – Make: This includes manufacture, and quality and accuracy

4 – Evaluate: This includes testing and evaluation

SKILLS REQUIRED

Written Exam

1 hour 45 minutes

100 Marks: 50% of GCSE

Section A: Core knowledge (40 marks)

Section B: Specialist material categories - Timbers (60 marks)

Calculators may be used in the examination.

● Creativity and an ability to design and create innovative solutions

● Conﬁdence in using a range of material

● Good communication, organisational and ICT skills are an advantage

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

A Level Fashion and Textiles provides a foundation for students wishing to follow a career in the fashion industry, interior design and the textiles industry. Due to the creative nature of the subject, this course could also lead to further studies in Product Design and Art Design.

DRAMA

‘Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere’ – Albert Einstein This course will enable students to explore a wide range of themes and issues through the use of a variety of dramatic strategies. Students will create, perform and respond to drama informed by their theoretical knowledge of drama and theatre. Many students ﬁnd that theatre helps them develop the skills that are essential to speak in front of large audiences.

This course will help students to understand how to appraise situations, think outside the box and be more conﬁdent. Students will learn to trust their ideas and abilities. Conﬁdence gained from learning drama skills applies to school, career, and life.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10

● Introduction to Drama and Theatre - Development of performance, design, analysis and evaluation skills. The study of communication, leadership, creativity and collaboration techniques

● Component 1: Understanding Drama - Students will study a set text,‘Blood Brothers ‘ by Willy Russell

● Component 2: Devising Drama

Year 11

● Component 1: Understanding Drama - Students will complete a live theatre production review and review the set text studied in Year 10.

● Component 3: Texts in Practice - Students will complete a performance on two extracts from a set text.

ASSESSMENT

Year 10

Component 2: Devising Drama (40%) Practical process of creating and evaluating devised drama. This section of the course is internally assessed and externally moderated by AQA examiners.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Year 11

Component 3: Texts in Practice (20%). Performance of two extracts from one play. Component 1: Understanding Drama (40%). Written examination: 1hr45min.

The ability to work independently and as part of a group are essential. Drama and Theatre stimulates imagination, encourages a spirit of enquiry and builds conﬁdence, teambuilding and leadership skills through group work. To be successful students will need to be committed, driven and passionate.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

This course is strongly recommended for any path involving communication and interpersonal skills. It is a perfect foundation for a substantial number of A Levels; Theatre; Marketing and Public Relations; Education and Public Speaking. A grade 6 at GCSE is required to study this subject at A Level.

ECONOMICS

This course develops the basic tools of an economist to help students understand their place in and contribution to the local, national and global economy as consumers, workers and citizens. They will investigate a range of contemporary issues and analyse evidence from different perspectives so as to make informed decisions.

COURSE CONTENT

A new, two-paper model gives students better opportunities to prepare for and focus on different aspects of economics. We will test knowledge, understanding, analytical and evaluation skills around two themes:

Paper 1 - covered in Year 10:

● Microeconomics and Business Economics, covers the following areas:

● The market system

● Business economics

Paper 2 - covered in Year 11:

● Macroeconomics and the Global Economy, covers the following areas:

● Government and the economy

● The global economy

ASSESSMENT

Year 10

Assessments in Year 10 will involve regular knowledge based tests followed by end of unit ‘examination style’ tests, culminating in an end of year examination. Year 11

Ongoing assessment will continue as in Year 10, culminating in two GCSE examinations which assess all aspects of the course:

Both papers are equally weighted and follow the same format: Examination of 1 hour 30 minutes, consisting of four compulsory questions, each worth 20 marks. The sub questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data response and open-ended questions.

SKILLS REQUIRED

The following are skills which are both required for success and will be built upon during the course: Communication, problem solving, critical analysis and evaluation, data analysis, decision making, questions analysing and interpreting data

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

If you wish to continue with your studies at A Level, a minimum grade 6 at GCSE will be required, and a grade 6 in Mathematics is strongly recommended. An A Level in Economics is recommended for a degree in Economics as well as a range of related courses including Finance, Business, Law and Politics. The lifelong skills developed will be an asset to further study whichever career path you choose.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

The challenging content of this key IGCSE qualiﬁcation will equip students with high quality literacy skills, knowledge and understanding to support the demands of further study and future employment. Students will study and practise the use of language within a range of diverse forms and contexts, designed to build skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, progressively over time. The course encourages a fascination with language and communication and the development of an enquiring and independent mind.

COURSE CONTENT

The course is taught in conjunction with the English Literature iGCSE provision across Key Stage 4.

Year 10 forms an introduction to each of the key aspects below, using a range of different text extracts and examples, as well as an introduction to coursework. Work in Year 11 focuses on developing key skills of literary analysis further, along with speciﬁc exam preparation and revision. Speciﬁc Language components are:

● Poetry and prose texts (from Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology)

● Non-ﬁction texts (from Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology)

● Unseen non-ﬁction texts

● Imaginative writing

● Transactional writing

ASSESSMENT

Students are assessed via Internal assessment/coursework (40% of the total marks) which will consist of Poetry and prose texts and Imaginative writing and examination (60% of total marks) which will consist of non-ﬁction texts and unseen non-ﬁction texts and Transactional writing.

YEAR 10

Students start with their coursework and complete a timed examination at the end of the year for either of their course.

YEAR 11

Students complete all coursework and complete at least one full mock examination paper under timed, examination conditions.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Students should be keen readers who read widely and independently most days, enjoying a full range of non-ﬁction material alongside ﬁctional choices. They should be independently motivated to seek our relevant wider reading which informs their view and analysis texts. A general interest in current affairs and wider academic general knowledge of political, social, economic and cultural issues is key as we study what Language as a system reveals about society. Students must be willing to persevere with more challenging texts, to learn more complex analytical terminology and be keen to engage with aspects such as grammar and text construction in much more detail.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE cont.

SKILLS REQUIRED

In class, students need to be conﬁdent with discussion and debate in small group and whole class contexts and to have a keen interest in exploring a range of ideas, meanings and opinions.

This qualiﬁcation will further develop student ability to:

● Read a wide range of texts ﬂuently and with good understanding, taking critical approaches

● 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

Excellent achievement in English is highly regarded by employers. Success in English can support exciting career opportunities in politics, publishing, teaching, public relations, law, journalism, social work, management and librarianship. Perhaps most importantly though, this qualification will establish and nourish a deep understanding and appreciation of language and the necessary confidence in communication for success in any field of academic study or employment.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

● Please click here to view the English 5 Year Learning Journey.

● Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) English Language A Student Book

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

It is compulsory for students to gain a minimum of Grade 6 in both of their English GCSE qualiﬁcations, in order to study either specialism at A Level. Most educational providers specify a minimum English GCSE grade in order to proceed with any A Level or degree course.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

The inspiring and engaging content of this key IGCSE qualiﬁcation will support the development of key literacy skills, knowledge and understanding in conjunction with GCSE English Language study. Students will study, analyse and critique a range of ﬁction texts and the course encourages and nurtures a love of reading and creative language use, along with an appreciation of the impact of Literature in representing and highlighting aspects of society.

COURSE CONTENT

The course is taught in conjunction with the English Language IGCSE provision across Key Stage 4. Year 10 forms an introduction to each of the key texts below, as well as an introduction to coursework. Work in Year 11 focuses on developing key skills of literary analysis further, along with speciﬁc exam preparation and revision.

Speciﬁc Literature components are:

● Poetry (from Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology)

● Modern Drama - An Inspector Calls

● Literary Heritage Texts - Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet

● Modern Prose - Of Mice and Men

ASSESSMENT

Students are assessed via Internal assessment/coursework (40% of the total marks) which will consist of Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts and examination (60% of total marks) which will consist of Poetry and Modern Prose.

Year 10

Students start with their coursework and complete one full mock examination paper under timed, examination conditions.

Year 11

Students complete all coursework and complete one full mock examination paper under timed, examination conditions.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Students should be keen readers who read widely and independently most days, enjoying a full range of non-fiction material alongside fictional choices. In class, students need to be confident with discussion and debate in small group and whole class contexts and to have a keen interest in exploring a range of ideas, meanings and opinions. Students should also be willing to persevere with more challenging texts.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

cont.

This qualiﬁcation will further develop a students ability to:

● Read a wide range of classic literature ﬂuently and with good understanding, and make connections across their reading

● Read in depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas

● Develop the habit of reading widely and often appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage

● Write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English

● Acquire and use a wide vocabulary, including grammatical terminology, and other literary and linguistic terms they need to criticise and analyse what they read school.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

● Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) English Literature Student Book

● Unseen poetry revision guide

● Of Mice and Men revision guide

● Macbeth study guide

● An Inspector Calls study guide

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

It is compulsory for students to gain a minimum of Grade 6 in both of their English IGCSE qualiﬁcations, in order to study either specialism at A Level. Excellent achievement in English is highly regarded by employers. Success in English can support exciting career opportunities in politics, publishing, teaching, public relations, law, journalism, social work, management and librarianship. Perhaps most importantly though, this qualiﬁcation will establish and nourish a deep understanding and appreciation of literature and its impact and importance in the world around us.

FINE ART

The GCSE Fine Art course will enable students to investigate and record the visual world using a range of creative techniques and processes to explore highly personal interpretations and responses. Students will develop and reﬁne visual and written literacy, self expression, risk taking creativity and broaden their appreciation of emotional, moral and social awareness. The course is delivered to actively engage and promote independent creativity in the context of local, regional and international culture and the art community.

Fine Art may be deﬁned as work developed primarily to communicate aesthetic, intellectual or purely conceptual ideas and meaning. For example, work could be the outcome of personal experiences, thoughts and feelings, or simply to observe and record people, places and things in new and unique ways. Fine Art work will demonstrate an understanding and application of formal elements and creative skills, including mark-making. Students will use visual communication sensitively and thoughtfully to document their artistic investigations and fully support their intentions. Students will also understand that Fine Art practitioners may work to client commissions or undertake self-directed projects. They will need good communication skills in order to collaborate with peers, teachers, and promote and exhibit their own work.

Students will use a wide range of 2D and 3D materials and combine traditional and contemporary techniques, processes and methods. Disciplines will include art foundation skills, painting, printmaking, drawing, 3D, and mixed media and use the Formal Elements to engage with a wide range of topic themes designed to develop and foster independent, thoughtful, conﬁdent and dynamic young artists/creatives.

WHY FINE ART?

Supports progression to A Level - the GCSE and the A Level have a common structure and titles, and follow a similar approach to the Externally Set Assignment and the assessment grid to ensure smooth progression to A Level at the end of the GCSE course. Develops transferable skills which students will learn to:

● apply a creative approach to problem solving

● consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation

● analyse critically their own work and the work of others

● express individual thoughts and choices conﬁdently

● take risks, experiment and learn and develop from creative risk taking and mistakes

COURSE CONTENT

Component 1 - Personal Portfolio 60%

Undertaken throughout Year 10 and Year 11, students will complete projects, investigating a range of themes to develop skills, knowledge and understanding within Fine Art. Themes, projects and resulting work, may be separate in focus or be interconnected. Students will develop skills to investigate, analyse and experiment. Students will develop and reﬁne ideas supported by contextual research, resulting in a personal portfolio of exciting, thought provoking and dynamic practical work. The four Assessment Objectives must be covered equally and in full.

FINE ART cont.

COURSE CONTENT

Component 2 - ESA - Externally Set Assignment 40%

Both components are fully assessed and internally standardardised by the Art Department and then externally moderated by Edexcel. The Art Department has an excellent record, recognised by Edexcel of highly accurate assessment and course design and delivery.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● Observational, drawing and mark making skills

● Creativity - risk taking

● Development of art based traditional and contemporary processes, materials and techniques

● Strong visual awareness and visual communication skills

● Wider appreciation of contextual and cultural themes

● Interpretative, emotional, social and moral consideration

● Development, exploration and inclusion of reﬁned Visual and Written Literacy

● Connective and non-connective ideas and concept development

● Visual, digital and verbal communication, presentation and critique skills

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST

Whilst the Art Department has excellent facilities, equipment, materials and provision, it is highly recommended that all Fine Art Students have general art based equipment.

● Drawing pencils - HB/2B/3B/4B/9B.

● Eraser, sharpener, ruler - (For home use - scissors) we do not recommend carrying sharp items around school.

● Basic paint sets - watercolour and acrylic - maybe oils - but are expensive so best to wait.

● Black Fine liners - different sizes.

● Paint brushes - watercolour and Acrylic.

● Digital media is or can be used widely on the course - Access to Adobe Creative Suite is recommended - please talk to your teacher before purchasing

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Students will be required to achieve at least GCSE grade 6 for entry consideration to Art A Level. The course is strongly recommended for all career paths, especially those that include creativity, visual communication, interpersonal, presentation and problem solving skills. Speciﬁc careers may include: Artist, Architecture, Design, Conceptual and Commercial Art roles and Education.

GCSE FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

Through the preparation and cooking of food, students will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to apply the principles of food science, food safety, nutrition and healthy eating. Students will develop conﬁdence in vital life skills and have opportunities to cook with ingredients from across the globe.

COURSE CONTENT

An array of culinary techniques and food preparation skills are learned through 5 key areas: Nutrition and Health, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Choice and Food Provenance.

Year 10

Principles of food safety, food spoilage and contamination, macronutrients, micronutrients, nutritional needs and health, cooking of food and heat transfer, functional and chemical properties of food, food preparation and cooking skills.

Year 11

Factors affecting food choice, British and international cuisines, sensory evaluation, environmental impact and sustainability of food, food processing and production, food preparation and cooking skills.

ASSESSMENT

Year 10

● End of topic written tests

● End of topic practical assessment

● Summer exam

Year 11

● Written exam: 1hr 45min- (50% of GCSE)

● Non-exam assessment (NEA) 1: Food investigation (15%)

● Students will undertake a practical food investigation and complete a written report

● Non-exam assessment (NEA) 2: Food preparation assessment (35%)

● Students will prepare, cook and present a ﬁnal menu of three dishes within a three hour period and produce a written portfolio including photographic evidence (20 sides of A4)

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Interest in food preparation,

● Ability to work quickly under pressure, interest and aptitude in Science,

● Good organisational skills

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Food Preparation and Nutrition is considered a science as well as a creative, practical subject. Related degree courses and careers in Nutrition, Food Science, Dietetics, Food Technology and Health Education require A Level study, preferably in Chemistry and Biology. Catering courses offered in the UK can also be accessed after GCSE.

FRENCH

While ‘only’ about 80 million people speak French as a ﬁrst language, it is one of the world’s most widely spoken second languages with over 200 million speakers. In many parts of Africa, French is the lingua franca. French is so widely spoken as a second language is that it is an ofﬁcial language in 29 countries. French has an enormous geographical distribution, and is spoken on every continent in the world. In Asia, French is the second most widely spoken and studied European language after English.

However, French is more than just a language. France is a cultural powerhouse. Art, Philosophy, Literature, Drama are inﬂuential. Perhaps French music has not yet rocked the anglophile world but its popularity remains undimmed in the francophone one! French also remains an important language of international diplomacy, being one of the six ofﬁcial languages of the United Nations and who knows with the UK now leaving the European Union, French may gain more prominence in Europe as a diplomatic working language. If that doesn’t mean more job opportunities then what does?

COURSE CONTENT

September 2024 brings in a new era for IGCSE French with the launch of their brand new specification. The culture of the wider French-speaking world is one of the aspects of language-learning which excites students and brings the subject alive this is clearly represented. in this specification. This new specification will help build students' cultural knowledge alongside their language skills. We are confident that this new specification will engage BSAK students more than ever before.

In Year 10 and 11 students will study the following themes:

Theme 1: Home and Abroad

Topic 1: Life in the town and rural life

Topic 2: Holidays, tourist information and directions

Topic 3: Services

Topic 4:Customs

Topic 5: Everyday life, traditions, and communities

Theme 3: Personal Life and Relationships

Topic 1: House and Home

Topic 2: Daily routines and helping at home

Topic 3: Role models

Topic 4: Relationships with family and friends

Topic 5: Childhood

Theme 5: Social activities, ﬁtness, and health

Topic 1: Special occasions

Topic 2: Hobbies, interests, sports, and exercise

Topic 3: Shopping and money matters

Theme 2: Education and Employment

Topic 1: School life and routine

Topic 2: School rules and pressures

Topic 3: School trips , events, and exchanges

Topic 4: Work, careers, volunteering

Topic 5: Future plans

Theme 4: The world around us

Topic 1: Environmental issues

Topic 2: Weather and climate

Topic 3: Travel and transport

Topic 4: The media

Topic 5: Information and communication technology

Topic 4: Accidents, injuries, common ailments and health issues

Topic 5: Food and drink

FRENCH cont. IGCSE

ASSESSMENTS

Year 10: Students will sit an end of year exam in Year 10

Year 11: The IGCSE summer examinations will take place in Term 3 of Year 11 as follows:

● Paper 1: Listening understanding and responding to different types of spoken French language (25% of IGCSE)

● Paper 2: Speaking communicating and interacting effectively in French for a variety of purposes (25% of IGCSE)

Note: Sub-topics A3, C3 , C5, D2, E4 will not be assessed in paper 3 Speaking.

● Paper 3: Reading understanding and responding to different types of written French language (25% of IGCSE)

● Paper 4: Writing communicating effectively in French for a variety of purposes (25% of IGCSE)

Students in Year 10 will be assessed in each of these 4 skills as part of their summer assessments.

SKILLS REQUIRED

French aims to develop the following skills in our students:

● The ability to communicate spontaneously in French

● The ability to listen, understand and respond to spoken passages from a range

● Critical thinking skills of different contexts and sources

● The ability to read and respond to a variety of texts

● Summarising information from spoken and written sources

● The ability to translate material from French into English (and vice-versa)

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

For students wishing to pursue French at A Level, we would expect a minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE. Longer term, students who combine their degree with a Modern Language are increasingly in demand in business. Degrees such as Law and French or Accountancy are becoming more and more sought after.

GEOGRAPHY

Understanding of the interdependence of Earth's human and physical systems is important for young people who are going to be future decision-makers in the world. There has never been a better or more important time to study geography. Geography helps you to make sense of the world around you. This course covers a variety of geographical processes and concepts and their application in the real world, including the use of ﬁeldwork; it is designed as a two-year course for teaching in international schools and colleges, and UK independent schools.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10: Hazardous Environments | Coastal Environments | Urban Environments

Year 11: Economic Activity and Energy | Fragile Environments

Fieldwork opportunities are also provided, one localised on the changing land use of the UAE and a coastal study in UAQ. Fieldwork helps students grasp complex geographical concepts by providing them with practical experiences of geography in real life and learn to apply these skills to exam questions.

ASSESSMENT

Year 10: There will be end of unit assessments for each of the 3 units covered in Year 10, and an end of year IGCSE style examination covering all 3 units.

Year 11: 2 papers - Physical (40%) 1hr 10min, Human (60%) 1hr 45min.

SKILLS REQUIRED

The IGCSE exam is composed of short and extended written questions. Students will learn how to analyse and evaluate both graphical sources and data resources. Practical enquiries using the ‘route through an enquiry’.

Other skills include statistical analysis, conﬂict resolution and management skills. Geography is considered a science, as well as a study of the physical world and anthropology. Therefore, being able in both Science and English will be an advantage.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

To consider Geography at A Level, a grade 6 or its equivalent will be required at IGCSE Geography. It is also recommended that the equivalent of a grade 6 is obtained in one of the English courses. Geographers move on to an extremely wide ranging set of career paths. It is a facilitating subject at A Level and as such is looked upon very favourably by the top universities.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

GCSE

The GCSE Graphic Communication course will enable students to investigate and record the visual world using a range of creative techniques and processes to explore highly personal interpretations and responses. Students will develop and reﬁne visual and written literacy, self expression, risk taking creativity and broaden their appreciation of emotional, moral and social awareness. The course is delivered to actively engage and promote independent creativity in the context of local, regional and international culture and the art community.

Graphic Communication introduces students to a visual way of conveying information, ideas and emotions, using a range of graphic media, processes, techniques and elements such as colour, icons, images, typography and photographs. Students will conduct primary and secondary investigations during their design development, and explore traditional and/or new technologies. They will also consider the use of signs and symbols, and the balance between aesthetic and commercial considerations. Students will learn to understand that Graphic Design practitioners may work within a small team environment or work as freelance practitioners. They may be responsible for a particular aspect of the Design or Production process or for the entire design cycle.

Students will use a wide range of 2D and 3D materials and combine traditional and contemporary techniques, processes and methods. Disciplines will include Graphic Communication foundation skills, typography, printmaking, Adobe Creative Suite and the Formal Elements to engage with a wide range of topic themes designed to develop and foster independent, thoughtful, conﬁdent and dynamic young designers/creatives.

WHY GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION?

Supports progression to A Level. The GCSE and the A Level have a common structure and titles, and follow a similar approach to the Externally Set Assignment and the Assessment Grid to ensure smooth progression to A Level at the end of the GCSE course.

Develops transferable skills students will learn to:

● apply a creative approach to problem solving

● consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation

● analyse critically their own work and the work of others

● express individual thoughts and choices conﬁdently

● take risks, experiment and learn and develop from creative risk taking and mistakes.

COURSE CONTENT

Component 1 - Personal Portfolio 60%

Undertaken throughout Year 10 and Year 11, students will complete projects, investigating a range of themes to develop skills, knowledge and understanding within Graphic Communication. Themes, projects and resulting work, may be separate in focus or be interconnected. Students will develop skills to investigate, analyse and experiment. Students will develop and reﬁne ideas supported by contextual research, resulting in a personal portfolio of exciting, thought provoking and dynamic practical work. The four Assessment Objectives must be covered equally and in full.

GRAPHIC GCSE

COMMUNICATION cont.

COURSE CONTENT

Component 2 - ESA - Externally Set Assignment 40%

This component is set externally by Edexcel and is started in the January of Year 11. There is a title theme which students then explore in the ‘preparation’ period. This is then followed by the 10 hr exam. This is where students will produce an outcome or outcomes based on their preparation studies. All art based exams are held in the art studios. Both components are fully assessed and internally standardardised by the Art Department and then externally moderated by Edexcel. The Art Department has an excellent record, recognised by Edexcel of highly accurate assessment and course design and delivery.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● Observational, drawing and mark making skills - Design rules/hierarchy and typography

● Creativity - risk taking

● Development of art based traditional and contemporary processes, materials and techniques

● Strong visual awareness and visual communication skills

● Wider appreciation of contextual and cultural themes. Graphic Design and Art History

● Interpretative, emotional, social and moral consideration

● Development, exploration and inclusion of reﬁned Visual and Written Literacy

● Connective and non-connective ideas and concept development

● Visual, digital and verbal communication, presentation and critique skills

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Students will be required to achieve at least GCSE grade 6 for entry consideration to an Art based A Level. The course is strongly recommended for all career paths, especially those that include creativity, visual communication, interpersonal, presentation and problem solving skills. Speciﬁc careers may include: Artist, Architecture, Design, Conceptual and Commercial Art roles and Education.

HISTORY IGCSE

As Cicero said, ‘to be ignorant of what occurred before you were born, is to remain always a child’. History enables students to study different aspects of the past so they can engage with bigger issues like conﬂict, understand what drives change and how the past inﬂuences the world around us today. It also develops critical thinking skills which are crucial for a wide range of future professions. The course builds upon the History covered in Years 7, 8 and 9, while introducing a range of new topics.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10

Germany: Development of dictatorship 1918-45

The Vietnam Conﬂict 1945-75

Year 11

Changes in medicine 1848 - 1948

A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72

The course content provides students a wide understanding of several of the formative events of the 20th century, which supports understanding of the wider landscape of modern politics, social change and current affairs.

ASSESSMENT

At the end of each major topic area, internal tests will be set based on exam-style questions. The mock exam at the end of Year 10 will cover the Germany course from Paper 1, as well as the Vietnam Conﬂict course from Paper 2.

Students are assessed through examination only. There will be two papers in the eventual exams at the end of Year 11 - Paper 1 (Germany & Superpower Relations) and Paper 2 (Vietnam & Medicine) both 1hr30min. (60 marks per paper).

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Demonstrate knowledge and understandings of key features and characteristics of the periods of history studied.

● (AO1) Explain and analyse historical events and periods using second-order concepts like cause, consequence, change, continuity and signiﬁcance.

● (AO2) Analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) and interpretations (written after a period) to make substantiated judgements in the context of historical events studied. (AO3 and AO4).

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Students require at least a grade 6 in GCSE History to continue to A Level, and the subject is also recommended as preparation for A level Politics. History is recognised as a rigorous, academic subject by educational institutions and provides an excellent enabling degree for a range of careers including Law, Commerce, Business, Government and Politics, Journalism, Media, Marketing, History, Teaching and Lecturing.

ISLAMIC STUDIES A & B

The Ministry of Education’s Islamic Studies course aims to help students understand and live the true values of Islam and their national traditions. Islamic Studies is compulsory for all UAE citizens through to Year 13 and is optional for other Arab and non-Arab Muslim students. Islamic Studies is required in order to obtain Equivalency. An Equivalency Certiﬁcate is required for entry to UAE universities and for employment in some UAE government or semi governmental organisations. Further information is available directly from ADEK customer services.

Students take their ﬁnal Islamic Studies exam at the end of Year 13. Passing the exam is a requirement to receive an Equivalency Certiﬁcate from ADEK.

COURSE CONTENT

The objective is to enhance the students' connection with the Holy Quran, Prophet, and Sunnah, which are the primary sources of knowledge, behavior, values, taste and beauty. This will enable the creation of pious Muslims who can recognise human diversity and needs. The ultimate goal is to embody the moderation of Islam by balancing individual and group responsibilities, leading to a charitable community that promotes the values of virtue, justice and mercy. Islam is a religion that encourages scientiﬁc inquiry, research, and contemplation.

ASSESSMENT

● Recitation & memorisation based on MOE criteria

● Continuous assessments will take place throughout every term

● End of Term Assessments based on the topics covered

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● Memorisation and recitation of verses from the Holy Quran with Tajweed rules

● Analysing and evaluating religious texts and historical events fosters critical thinking skills

● Promoting tolerance and inclusivity

● Conducting research on various Islamic topics enhances research and information retrieval skills

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Students are required to pass their ﬁnal Islamic Studies exam at the end of Year 13.

MATHEMATICS IGCSE

Mathematics is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination. Students studying Mathematics will further develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques, as well as using and applying them to solve a variety of problems and in the process develop an appreciation for the importance of Mathematics in society, employment and study.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10 and 11

Students will develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:

● Numbers and the number system

● Equations, formulae and identities

● Sequences, functions and graphs

● Geometry and trigonometry

● Vectors and transformations

● Statistics and probability

ASSESSMENT

Year 11

In Mathematics there are two tiers of entry: Foundation Tier and Higher Tier.

● Foundation Tier grades 5-1 available

● Higher Tier grades 9-4 available Students complete two written papers; each paper contributes 50% of the ﬁnal grade. Each paper will be assessed through a two-hour examination which is set and marked by Edexcel.

SKILLS REQUIRED

The ability to: acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems, reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions, comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms.

BSAK IGCSE Maths website SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Students wishing to study Mathematics at A Level will require a grade 7 or above in their IGCSE Mathematics. Those wishing to study Further Mathematics will require a grade 9 Mathematics at IGCSE. Mathematics develops a wide range of useful skills for those seeking a career in Accountancy, Computing, Engineering, Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Teaching, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Horticulture, Chemical Engineering and many other ﬁelds.

FURTHER MATHEMATICS* GCSE

Our highest attaining students in Year 10 follow an accelerated programme for their IGCSE in Mathematics, which allows them to sit the IGCSE in November of Year 11. The Further Mathematics GCSE course allows those students to remain engaged with the subject and deepen their understanding of algebra, geometry and number whilst also extending their knowledge to new topics not covered by the IGCSE curriculum.

*Further Mathematics is not an option subject, students will be selected by the Mathematics Department on the basis of their attainment throughout Year 9, with students in the sets 1a (and potentially 1b) covering the content for the course.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 11

Students will build on their knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:

● Number

● Algebra

● Geometry

● Coordinate geometry

● Calculus

● Matrix transformations

ASSESSMENT

Year 11

Extension of GCSE Maths with some extra content

New content

AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is a linear course. Students will sit two written papers, one non-calculator and one calculator paper. Each paper contributes 50% of the final grade. Each paper will be assessed through a one hour and forty five minute examination which is set and marked by AQA.

Not all students who cover the content opt to sit the examinations at the end of Year 11. Only those who want a qualiﬁcation in Further Mathematics do.

SKILLS REQUIRED

BSAK Fast Track Maths website

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

MEDIA STUDIES

Our aim at BSAK is to provide the best Media Studies course available. Our results speak for themselves, but we aim to give our students much more than a good pass at GCSE. We are able to achieve this with a department of experienced Media specialists, who provide students with the best possible education in both the theoretical study of media and the practical application of skills learnt.

Media Studies is a contemporary and interactive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, analytical, research and communication skills, through the exploring of a range of media forms and perspectives. At BSAK, Media Studies is one of the ﬂagship departments, consistently achieving excellent value added results and in the most recent school inspection receiving ADEK commendation for our integration of UAE culture into the curriculum.

COURSE CONTENT

YEAR 10

Media Studies requires the application of a theoretical framework which comprises four key concepts: Media Language, Media Representation, Media Industries, Media Audiences. These concepts will be explored through the following platforms in Year 10:

● Advertising

● The ﬁlm industry

● Magazines

● Music videos

● Social and participatory media

● Non-exam assessment (30% coursework)

Study of each platform will involve exploration of constituent elements, exam board set texts (close study products) and for many topics an element of practical media production.

YEAR 11

The key concepts will continue to be explored through the following platforms:

● Television

● Newspapers

● Radio

● Video games

ASSESSMENT

YEAR 10

Internal end of year exam. Exam-style assessments at the end of each platform, approximately every three to eight weeks, to act as a checkpoint for the development in student’s knowledge, understanding and progress.

MEDIA STUDIES cont.

ASSESSMENT

YEAR 11

GCSE

Paper 1 - Multiple choice, short answer and an extended response question focusing on all nine media platforms, with conceptual emphasis on industries, audiences and representation.

Written assessment – 1hr 30min, 84 Marks (35% of GCSE grade).

Paper 2 - Multiple choice, short answer, stepped response and extended response questions. An extract from one of the television close study products will be shown. This paper requires in depth knowledge of television, newspapers and online media with an understanding of all four key concepts.

Written assessment – 1hr 30min, 84 marks (35% of GCSE Grade).

Non-exam Assessment (NEA)

Each year AQA provides ﬁve set briefs, of which students select one to specialize in for their NEA. Working individually in one of the media platforms, students create a practical production for a speciﬁc audience, supported by a statement of intent. The coursework will be graded on technical quality and application of the key concepts.

Coursework – 60 marks (30% of GCSE grade).

During the GCSE course students will develop and be assessed upon the following skills:

● Practical production skills - including the use of cameras and editing software.

● Creativity - application of key concepts.

● Analysis of media texts - particularly exam board speciﬁed close study products.

● Written communication.

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Ability to research and summarise

● Analyse and respond

● Applying key concepts

● Developing and creating practical work

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

To continue the study of Media at A Level, students need to attain a grade 6 at GCSE. If students have not studied the GCSE beforehand, grade 6 in English is strongly recommended. Students from BSAK have gone into jobs such as Film Production, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Events Management, Fashion Marketing, Web Design, Partnership and Events at NHS, Entertainment Law, Online Editor, Fashion Blogger (Founder of Fashion Hub), Working in Social Media, Stylist at Harvey Nichols, Pilot for Etihad and International Marketing Coordinator at Christie’s.

MUSIC

GCSE

The course develops performing, composing, listening and appraising skills. The four ‘Areas of Study’ (Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen and Fusions) each contain two set works, which enable students to understand and appreciate a range of musical genres. The set works form the basis of study, allowing students to develop their individual strengths and interests.

COURSE CONTENT

The course is divided into 3 components:

Component 1: Performance (30% - internally assessed)

A solo performance and an ensemble performance, lasting at least four minutes combined total.

Component 2: Composition (30% - internally assessed)

Two compositions of at least one minute each, totalling a minimum of three minutes combined duration. One piece is composed from a given brief and the second is a ‘free composition’.

Component 3: Listening Exam (40% - externally assessed)

Six listening questions based on the set works studied throughout the course and one unfamiliar piece. One essay question comparing one of the set works to another unfamiliar piece.

ASSESSMENT

Year 10

Students receive an introduction to the History of Western Music before beginning analysis of the set works. Composition skills are taught in preparation for Year 11. The Performance component is ongoing with the instrumental teachers. Ongoing assessment throughout Year 10 includes regular testing of key musical terminology and listening tests with a GCSE-style end of year exam based on the set works covered. Solo Performance will also be assessed at the end of Year 10.

Year 11

Students complete the analysis of the set works and study exam techniques, essay writing and continue to develop their listening and appraising skills. Both compositions are completed and the performance coursework is recorded. Completion of Performance and Composition Coursework by the end of term two. GCSE Listening Exam in May/June.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Proﬁciency on a musical instrument, of around Grade 3, at the start of the course, is expected. Students should to be able to read staff notation and follow a musical score for analysis purposes.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

A Level: A minimum of a level 6 in Music GCSE. Students who do not have this must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of performing, composition and music theory/analysis to a reasonable standard. You must have a minimum standard of Grade 5 on your instrument(s) and your understanding of musical notation/theory also needs to be equivalent to the ABRSM Grade 5.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The GCSE Photography course will enable students to investigate and record the visual world using a range of creative techniques and processes to explore highly personal interpretations and responses. Students will develop and reﬁne visual and written literacy, self expression, risk taking creativity and broaden their appreciation of emotional, moral and social awareness. The course is delivered to actively engage and promote independent creativity in the context of local, regional and international culture and the art community.

Photography may be defined as the creative journey through the process of lens and light-based media. This could include work created using film, video, digital imaging or light sensitive materials. With the developments of new affordable lens-based technologies, students will use photographic mediums to explore and create a portfolio of work, which develops and refines both the process and the concept.

Students will also understand that Photography practitioners may work to client commissions within a commercial photography studio, or work as freelance photographers. They will need photo manipulation and graphic design skills, and good communication skills in order to liaise with clients and to promote themselves as photographers.

Students will use a wide range of 2D and 3D materials and combine traditional and contemporary techniques, processes and methods. Disciplines will include Photography foundation skills, abstract, narrative, photojournalism, The Everyday and using the Formal Elements as a basis to engage with a wide range of topic themes designed to develop and foster independent, thoughtful, conﬁdent and dynamic young photographers/creatives.

Students will reﬂect on, reﬁne and apply the observations they make with a camera, and determine which tools or techniques are most appropriate in their exploration of ideas. They will also consider the application and implications of new and emerging technologies that can be used to create personal and thought provoking responses.

WHY PHOTOGRAPHY?

Supports progression to A Level. The GCSE and the A Level have a common structure and titles, and follow a similar approach to the Externally Set Assignment and the assessment grid to ensure smooth progression to A Level at the end of the GCSE course. Develops transferable skills students will learn to:

● apply a creative approach to problem solving

● consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation

● analyse critically their own work and the work of others

● express individual thoughts and choices conﬁdently

● take risks, experiment and learn and develop from creative risk taking and mistakes

PHOTOGRAPHY cont.

COURSE CONTENT

Component 1 - Personal Portfolio 60%

The four Assessment Objectives must be covered equally and in full.

Component 2 - ESA - Externally Set Assignment 40%

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Observational Skills - Photographic techniques, rules and processes

● Creativity - risk taking

● Development of photography based traditional and contemporary processes, materials and techniques

● Strong visual awareness and visual communication skills

● Wider appreciation of contextual and cultural themes.

● Photography and Art History

● Interpretative, emotional, social and moral consideration

● Development, exploration and inclusion of reﬁned Visual and Written Literacy

● Connective and non-connective ideas and concept development

● Visual, digital and verbal communication, presentation and critique skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All students will have the opportunity to work with outside artists and have artwork in internal and external exhibitions and participate in collaborative projects with external agencies. Recent partnerships include the British Council, British Embassy, The Future Centre, Warehouse 421(New Beginnings Abu Dhabi schools exhibition) and The Club (BSAK Young Artists and Designers)

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GCSE

The GCSE Physical Education (PE) Course develops knowledge and understanding of sport and exercise through practical application. It consists of both theory and practical lessons, providing students with a well - rounded and full introduction to the world of Physical Education, sport and sport science. Students will also be required to complete three practical physical activities from a set list. One must be a team game, another an individual activity and the ﬁnal activity can be either team or individual. In addition to this students will plan, perform, monitor and evaluate a personal exercise program. The course develops a holistic understanding of Physical Education.

COURSE CONTENT

Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems – Written examination (36%)

Component 2: Health and Performance - Written examination (24%)

Component 3: Practical Performance - Three assessed practical activities (30%)

Component 4: Personal Exercise Program – Assessed coursework (10%)

Year 10

● Skeletal System & Muscular System

● Movement Analysis & Physical Training

● Cardiorespiratory System

● Aerobic & Anaerobic exercise & Short Term effects of exercise

Year 11

● Health, Fitness, Energy, Diet & Nutrition

● Mental Preparation for Sport & Goal Setting

● Classiﬁcation of Skills & Commercialisation of Sport

ASSESSMENT

Students will be assessed in both the theoretical and practical components of Physical Education.

Year 10

Three Theoretical Assessments:

● December – Muscular & Skeletal System

● March – Physical Training & Movement Analysis

● June – Aerobic, Anaerobic exercise & short term effects of exercise

Two Practical Assessments:

● January – 1 Team Sport & 1 individual sport

● May – 1 Team sport, 1 individual & 1 sport of their choice

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GCSE cont.

ASSESSMENT

Year 11

Four Theoretical assessments:

● October – Health, Fitness & Energy Balance, Diet & Nutrition

● December – Mental Preparation for Sport & Goal Setting

● February – Classiﬁcation of Skills & Commercialisation of Physical Activity

● May – Formal GCSE PE Examination

Three Practical assessments:

● November – 1 Team sport, 1 individual & 1 sport of your choice

● January - 1 Team sport, 1 individual & 1 sport of your choice

● March - Formal GCSE PE Practical Assessment

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Good level of sporting performance

● Motivated and willing to try new sports

● Interested in observing and analysing sporting performance

● As the course is 60% theoretical, students must be motivated to learn in a classroom setting about the theoretical concepts that underpin sporting performance at the elite level.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

GCSE PE enables students to develop a range of transferable skills for progression to the next level. It encourages teamwork, leadership, co-operation and communication, as well as encompassing practical, scientiﬁc and social areas of knowledge. PE offers a wide choice of careers in ﬁelds such as Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and professional level sport.

PHYSICS

Physics is the study of everything, from the outer reaches of the Universe, right down to what is inside the nucleus of every atom.

This course is designed to give students the tools and concepts they need to be able to construct a scientiﬁc approach to solving problems. They will learn to ask and answer questions about the fundamental laws that govern natural phenomena.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 10

● Conservation and Dissipation of Energy (P1)

● Energy Transfer by Heating (P2)

● Energy Resources (P3)

● Electric Circuits (P4)

● Electricity in Home (P5)

● Molecules and Matter (P6)

● Radioactivity (P7)

● Forces in Balance (P8)

ASSESSMENT

Year 10

Year 11

● Motion (P9)

● Force and Motion (P10)

● Force and Pressure (P11)

● Wave Properties (P12)

● Electromagnetic Waves (P13)

● Light (P14)

● Electromagnetism (P15)

● Space (P16)

Students will be assessed with a topic-test after completing each of the topics P1 to P8 above. They will also sit an internal examination at the end of Year 10 that will assess knowledge and understanding from all these topics.

Year 11

In addition to the end of topic tests for P9 to P16 throughout Year 11, students will sit two external AQA examinations in May/June that will both have multiple-choice, structured, closed short-answer and openresponse questions.

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Problem-solving

● Good mathematical skills

● Ability to describe and explain observations and patterns

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

To continue their study of Physics, students will need to attain the compulsory 7-9 grade at GCSE. A GCSE Maths 7-9 grade is also needed. Physics A Level is compulsory for students wishing to pursue university courses in Physics or any of the Engineering disciplines. It is also recommended for students wishing to follow the other sciences or medicine.

SPANISH

A knowledge of Spanish quite literally opens up the world to you, it is spoken across four continents and a wealth of nations use it as their mother tongue. Currently, in second place for its sheer number of speakers, there has never been a better time to study it at a higher level! Widely regarded as the language of the Gods and nowadays for being the most fun-loving and trendy idiom out there, Spanish ticks all the boxes, from ancient Iberian culture, gastronomy, Don Quijote, incredible artists, top-class footballers to modern clothes design, it really has it all.

By having a qualiﬁcation in Spanish, you might work in the UN in New York, as an aid worker in Bolivia or in the European Commission Headquarters. Alternatively, you could teach in South America, interpret for the Spanish Royals or put your linguistic prowess to use in Honduras as a volunteer Medic. The possibilities are endless - all you need is a love of Spanish, a desire to live and breathe all things hispanic, and you’re good to go.

COURSE CONTENT

September 2024 users in a new era for IGCSE Spanish with the launch of their brand-new specification. The culture of the wider Spanish-speaking world is one of the aspects of language-learning which excites students and brings the subject alive, this is clearly represented in this specification. This new specification will help build students' cultural knowledge alongside their language skills. We are confident that this new specification will engage BSAK students more than ever before.

In Year 10 and 11 students will study the following themes:

Theme 1: Home and Abroad

Topic 1: Life in the town and rural life

Topic 2: Holidays, tourist information and directions

Topic 3: Services

Topic 4: Customs

Topic 5: Everyday life, traditions, and communities

Theme 2: Education and Employment

Theme 3: Personal Life and Relationships

Topic 1: House and Home

Topic 2: Daily routines and helping at home

Topic 3: Role models

Topic 4: Relationships with family and friends

Topic 5: Childhood

Theme 5: Social activities, ﬁtness, and health

Topic 1: Special occasions

Topic 2: Hobbies, interests, sports, and exercise

Topic 3: Shopping and money matters

Theme 2: Education and Employment

Topic 1: School life and routine

Topic 2: School rules and pressures

Topic 3: School trips , events, and exchanges

Topic 4: Work, careers, volunteering

Topic 5: Future plans

Theme 4: The world around us

Topic 1: Environmental issues

Topic 2: Weather and climate

Topic 3: Travel and transport

Topic 4: The media

Topic 5: Information and communication technology

Topic 4: Accidents, injuries, common ailments and health issues

Topic 5: Food and drink

SPANISH cont.

Students in Year 10 will be assessed in each of these 4 skills as part of their summer assessments. ASSESSMENTS

● Year 10 students will sit an end of year exam in Year 10

● The IGCSE summer examinations will take place in Term 3 of Year 11

SKILLS REQUIRED

Spanish students will need the following skills and abilities:

● To communicate spontaneously in Spanish

● To listen, understand and respond to spoken passages from a range of different contexts and sources

● To read and respond to various texts

● To summarise information from spoken and written sources

● To translate material from Spanish into English (and vice versa)

ASSESSMENT

Year 11

Paper 1 Listening

Listening understanding and responding to different types of spoken Spanish language (25% of IGCSE)

Paper 2: Reading and Writing

Reading understanding and responding to different types of written Spanish language

Writing communicating effectively in Spanish for a variety of purposes (50% of IGCSE)

Paper 3 Speaking

Speaking communicating and interacting effectively in Spanish for a variety of purposes (25% of IGCSE)

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

For students wishing to pursue Spanish at A Level, we would expect a minimum of Grade 6. Longer term, students who combine their degree with a Modern Language are increasingly in demand in business. Degrees such as Law and Spanish or Accountancy and Spanish are becoming more and more sought after.