IGCSE Biology (0610

IGCSE Global Perspectives (0457)

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives candidates will have opportunities to acquire and apply a range of skills to support them in these challenges, including:

• researching, analysing and evaluating information • developing and justifying a line of reasoning • reflecting on processes and outcomes • communicating information and reasoning • collaborating to achieve a common outcome.

Candidates explore stimulating topics that have global significance. They learn to collaborate with others from another culture, community or country. They assess information critically and explore lines of reasoning. They learn to direct their own learning and develop an independence of thought.

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives emphasises the development and application of skills rather than the acquisition of knowledge. Candidates develop transferable skills that will be useful for further study and for young people as active citizens of the future.

There are 3 Components to the Cambridge IGCSE GP course:

Component 1:

At the end of Year 11 students will use their knowledge and experience to answer source based questions in a written exam. The source material will present claims, arguments and evidence from different perspectives on a global issue drawn from the following topics: demographic change, education for all, employment, fuel and energy, globalisation, law and criminality, migration or transport system.

Component 2:

Students will write a 2000 word, structured report from a choice of topics including; biodiversity and ecosystem loss, the digital world and sustainable living. They will need to come up with an inquiry question which they will then research from a variety of different perspectives and use the knowledge gained to reach a balanced conclusion. Year 10 students will have the opportunity to present their initial research to other students during the Global Perspectives assemblies for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

Component 3:

Secondly, students will work in teams on a collaborative project. Each team must address a specific issue that they care about, for example; access to clean water or the benefits of sport. They will endeavour to raise awareness of their issue through a publicity campaign, fundraising event, or similar activity. Students will be assessed on their ability to collaborate with others and reflect on their performance.

Not only is Global Perspectives an excellent companion to many IGCSE option subjects, particularly Biology, History, Sociology and Geography, but it also enhances students’ written English and can therefore boost IGCSE results in both first and second language English.

Assessment

Component 1 - Written Paper (1hr 15 minutes; 70 marks) Component 2 - Individual Research Report (1500 - 2000 words; 60 marks) Component 3 - Team Project (1000 - 1300 words; 70 marks)