International School of Bucharest IGCSE Options 2016

Beyond Key Stage 3 External Examinations Preparing for University and Careers

Introduction • In Year 10, our students begin the two-year International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) course. It is an international version of the highly-regarded courses taken by the vast majority of students aged 14 to 16 in England and Wales. The IGCSE considered to be more rigorous than the English GCSE and covers more international topics rather than being grounded in British situations and settings.

Key Characteristics • All students must study a number of compulsory examination subjects: English, Mathematics, a foreign language, Global Perspectives • Within their optional subjects, every student must choose at least 1 science subject and at least 1 humanities subject.

• Physical Education (PE) and Pastoral Care are also compulsory but do not lead to an IGCSE examination.

Assessment • At the end of the two-year course (year 11), students receive a grade for each subject they have sat, based on their results in assessed material (in some subjects, this will be a mixture of coursework and examination).

• The highest Grade is an A* and the lowest is a G. • A* - C is considered, internationally, to be a pass.

Benefits • The IGCSE qualifications are amongst the most recognized in the world for the 14 to 16 age range.

• They are widely accepted by schools around the world which offer higher level courses, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma and A-Levels • Students studying IGCSEs further develop their higherlevel thinking skills, including problem-solving, investigation, initiative, teamwork and recall of knowledge • The IGCSE programme offers a breadth of academic study, enabling students to explore a wide range of subjects and interests

Options Block 1

Block 2

Block 3

(Compulsory)

(Compulsory)

(Compusory)

English

Maths

(Lang & Lit)

English

Global Perspectives

Block 4 (Options)

Block 5 (Options)

French

Business Studies (H)

Spanish

Drama

Turkish

Economics (H)

English Support

Block 6 (Options) Art & Design

Biology (S)

Biology

Biology (S)

Chemistry (S)

Chemistry

Business Studies (H)

Geography (H)

IGCSE PE

History (H)

History (H)

Music

ICT

Physics (S)

Geography (H)

Physics (S)

Sociology

(language)

ESL

Block 7 Block 8 (Options) (Options)

What to choose?

• Students study each subject, in greater depth and for more time each week than in Key Stage 3.

• It is important that they: – Enjoy the subjects they choose – Have a good likelihood of passing – Value the subjects – Choose a range of subjects to help them develop a range of skills – Enjoy the subjects they choose!

Midyis Feedback

Careers?

• Students are still studying a broad, balanced curriculum so most future university courses or careers will be open whatever they opt for.

• Important considerations: – Medicine needs Chemistry and either Biology OR Physics – History is extremely important for Law or Journalism – Physics is essential and Chemistry is useful for Engineering – Arts subjects develop creativity, communication and confidence and are useful for all future careers.

• Remember, this may be the last opportunity to study a subject so don’t drop something enjoyable!

Options Process 1. Parents Evening (today).

2. Talk about the subjects with your children.

3. During ICT lesson next week they will complete an initial options survey.

4. Options Forms will be issued on March 1st.

5. Initial options forms due to be returned to Form Teacher no later than March 14th.

6. Review of Options following INSIGHT tests in May 7. September 2016, lessons start!