The (International) General Certificate of Secondary Education, otherwise known as (I)GCSE is a two year course undertaken in Years 10 and 11. The subjects are studied concurrently and final assessment is made towards the end of Year 11.
For the 2025 examination session St Andrews Green Valley will be offering examinations through two examination boards: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Pearson EDEXCEL, both based in the UK. We have taken a great deal of care to select the best courses available that are the most appropriate to you.
(I)GCSE options are an opportunity for you to specialise in certain subjects that particularly interest you, while maintaining the core curriculum.
At times, two or more subjects will be taught at the same time so it is important to begin planning the timetable for next year.
The best starting point is to tell you of the subjects that are available and then ask what you would ideally like to study. This enables us to do our best to plan classes in a way that minimises clashes.
It is impossible to guarantee that every student will get their first choice of options, but we will do everything in our power to give you the opportunity to study what you want.
To help you decide if you would be interested in a particular subject, this booklet describes each course that we may be able to offer. Please read it carefully and discuss your ideas with your parents and teachers.
You will then be required to complete an 'initial options' form that will be used to plan next year. It is important that you recognise there may be occasions when we may not be able to offer your first choice, either because there are not enough students who wish to study the course or because there would be a timetable clash. This is why you are asked for alternative choices, just in case.
You will see that some subjects are compulsory. This is to create a balanced curriculum that will not disadvantage any student regardless of the subjects they choose. The compulsory subjects are Maths, English, Science Careers and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and a second language.
Should you or your parents have any questions about IGCSEs please make an appointment to meet with Mr McGee.
English 1 or 2 IGCSEs (6 periods)
1st Language Speakers IGCSE Language and IGCSE Literature
2nd Language Speakers IGCSE Second Language
2. Maths 1 IGCSE (5 periods)
IGCSE Maths
3. Science 2 IGCSEs (8 Periods)
IGCSE Coordinated Science
4. Language Option 0 or 1 IGCSE (4 Periods)
IGCSE French (for suitable candidates)
IGCSE Thai (for suitable candidates)
Thai Studies (non IGCSE course)
IGCSE Mandarin (for suitable candidates)
Dutch (non IGCSE course for suitable candidates)
5. Humanities Options 1 IGCSE (4 periods)
IGCSE History
IGCSE Geography
IGCSE Business Studies
IGCSE Economics
6. Additional Subjects Options 1 IGCSE (4 periods)
IGCSE Art and Design
IGCSE Drama
GCSE Music
IGCSE Physical Education
IGCSE Computer Science
IGCSE Design and Technology
Students will generally study either 8 or 9 (I)GCSEs.
Key subject aims:
read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
ASSESSMENT
Paper 1: Reading and Writing examination (60%)
There are two sections:-
Section A: Reading - a mixture of short- and long-answer questions related to a nonfiction text from the IGCSE English Anthology and one previously unseen extract. Total of 45 marks.
Section B: Transactional Writing - one 45-mark writing task, from a choice of two involving a given audience, form or purpose.
Paper 3: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing (40%)
Two coursework assignments internally assessed:-
Section A: Poetry and prose texts - one 30-mark essay question based on any two poetry or prose texts from the IGCSE English Anthology, including a 6-mark commentary on why these texts were selected.
Section B: Imaginative writing - one 30-mark imaginative writing task.
The English Literature course is studied in conjunction with the IGCSE First Language English course. The two subjects are, however, assessed separately and lead to two different and distinct qualifications.
Candidates who are entered for both exams will have acquired a competent level in the Second Language exam, taken at the end of Year Nine and will have achieved a higher grade on the end of Year Nine report card.
Key subject aims:
The Edexcel IGCSE in English Literature enables students to:
• engage with and develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world
• develop an appreciation of the ways in which authors achieve their literary effects and to develop the skills needed for literary study
• explore, through literature, the cultures of their own and other societies
• find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies.
ASSESSMENT
Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose (60%) – closed book exam
There are three sections:-
Section A – Unseen Poetry: one 20-mark essay question exploring the meaning and effects created in an unseen poem. The poem will be reproduced in the question paper.
Section B – Anthology Poetry: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two, comparing two poems from Part 3 of the IGCSE English Anthology.
Section C – Modern Prose: one 40-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.
Paper 3: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (40%)
Two coursework assignments internally assessed:-
Assignment A – Modern Drama: one essay response to a teacher-devised assignment on the studied text.
Assignment B – Literary Heritage Texts: one essay response to a teacher-devised assignment on the studied text
The syllabus assesses students’ ability to use English as a medium of practical communication, and is aimed at students for whom English is not a first language/ mother tongue, but for whom it is their language of study.
Eligible Students will be encouraged to sit this examination at the end of Year Nine and if they achieve a grade C or above will then have the opportunity to sit the First Language English and Literature courses in Years Ten and Eleven.
ASSESSMENT
There are three exams: a reading & writing paper (paper 2), a listening paper (paper 4) and an oral exam (component 5) .
The weightings for the exams are 70% for reading and writing, 15% for the listening exam and 15% for the oral exam.
Students at SAIS will usually sit the extended exam which will enable the students to achieve the highest grade possible.
Students are assessed on the following skills:
READING & LISTENING
ability to skim and scan to find relevant information
select and organise material relevant to specific purposes
recognise, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions
infer meaning
WRITING
summarise and take notes accurately
use paragraphs, punctuation, grammar , spelling correctly
communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately
use a range of vocabulary well
employ correct register
SPEAKING
employ suitable pronunciation and stress patterns
engage in and influence the direction of conversation
use a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately
The IGCSE Mathematics course includes the following areas of learning:
1) Numbers and the Number System
2) Equations, Formulae and Identities
3) Sequences, Functions and Graphs
4) Geometry and Trigonometry
5) Vectors and Transformation Geometry
6) Statistics and Probability
The following topics are included: integers, decimals, percentages, sets, standard form, estimation, limits of accuracy, ratio and proportion, calculator skills, measures, financial mathematics, graphs in practical situations, graphs of functions, algebraic representation and formulae, algebraic manipulation, functions, indices, solutions of equations and inequalities, linear programming, geometrical relationships, geometrical constructions, symmetry, angle properties, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics, probability, vectors in two dimensions, transformations and differential calculus.
AIMS
By the end of the course, students should have developed their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment. They should be able to apply mathematics in everyday situations, develop an understanding of the part which mathematics plays in the world around them, solve problems, present the solutions clearly, check and interpret the results and develop an understanding of mathematical principles. They should also be able to apply mathematics in other subjects, particularly science and technology, and appreciate patterns and relationships in mathematics. They should also develop the abilities to reason logically, to generalise and to prove.
ASSESSMENT
There are two levels available for study: Foundation and Higher. For the Foundation Curriculum the grades available are from 1 to 5. For the Higher Curriculum the grades available are from 4 to 9. Where there are two Mathematics classes, the majority of students in both classes follow the Higher Curriculum. Students sit two written examination papers at the end of Year 11. For the most able students, there is the opportunity to complete the IGCSE Mathematics course through an accelerated route, and take the IGCSE Mathematics examinations at the end of Year 10.
Each paper lasts two hours, and each is worth 50% of the final mark. Calculators are allowed for both papers.
The Double Award IGCSE Science course comprises Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This course is designed to emphasise the relationship between the main areas of science while retaining the separate identities of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The examinations test knowledge and skills in all three subjects. Students will be eligible for a Double Award (i.e. they will be awarded two IGCSE grades).
The course aims to impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and facts, and an understanding of scientific concepts, principles, themes and patterns. Experimental skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques are developed, as well as students’ ability to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them. As well as theoretical work in all three areas, the course provides topics through which students can study issues that arise from the interaction of science, technology and society. Practical work is an integral part of the course. The course forms a good foundation for students proceeding to IB courses in any of the Sciences or to any other post (I)GCSE course of study.
TOPICS COVERED
Biology Chemistry Physics
The nature and variety of living organisms
Structures and functions in living organisms
Reproduction and Inheritance
Ecology and the Environment
Use of Biological Resources
Principles of Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Forces and Motion
Electricity
Waves
Energy resources and energy transfer
Solids, liquids and gases
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Radioactivity and Particles
Astrophysics
ASSESSMENT
The course will be assessed by three, 2-hour written examination papers. A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions will be used. All students sit all three papers and their performance in all three will determine the overall grades. The grade awarded will be on a scale of 9–1 (Grade 9 represents a new level of attainment for the very top performers and is higher than an A* grade. This means there is greater differentiation of the most able at the top end of the grading scale.)
Students will receive an award of two IGCSE grades, (e.g. 99, 98, 88, 87, 77 etc)
The French IGCSE course is designed for students learning French as a foreign language and equips them with a knowledge and understanding of the language required for everyday social interaction (on holiday, at school, at the shops…).
Course Content
The course covers the following topic areas:
A. Home and abroad
B. Education and employment
C. Personal life and relationships
D. The world around us
E. Social activities, fitness and health
This course also offers valuable insights into the culture where French is spoken and enables students to develop positive attitudes towards modern foreign language learning.
By the end of the course students will be expected to communicate as accurately as possible using a variety of idiom, vocabulary structure and appropriate grammar. They should also be able to understand and respond to written and spoken French.
Assessment
The IGCSE French exam is designed to test ability in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. There are 2 written papers and one oral assessment.
Paper 1: Listening (25 %)
Paper 2: Reading and Writing (50 %)
Paper 3: Speaking (25%)
The course is best designed for students who have some previous knowledge of the French language (usually 2 to 3 years). By the end of Year 9, students should have formed a sound base in the areas of grammar and vocabulary in order to take an exam qualification in French.
The course is suited to students who enjoy language learning and have an interest in learning about other cultures. After completion of this course you can progress onto IB French B (advanced level course) or other equivalent qualifications.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language Thai is designed for learners whose mother tongue is Thai.
The course is specifically aimed at Thai students who are studying Thai at the highest level in Year 8 and allows learners to:
• develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when writing
• learn how to use a wide range of vocabulary, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
• develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.
Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which Thai can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language
Thai also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language Thai is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of Thai language.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is made by two external examinations at the end of Y11. These will test the students’ abilities:
Paper 1 Reading and Directed Writing 2 hours (50 marks)
Candidates answer all questions.
Section 1 Comprehension and Use of Language (25 marks)
Candidates answer a series of questions on Passage 1, a fiction text.
Section 2 Directed writing (25 marks)
Candidates answer one question on Passages 2 and 3 which are non-fiction and have a linked theme. The passages will be taken from newspapers, magazines, online materials or other publications. Candidates write a response of about 250–300 words.
Paper 2 Composition 2 hours (50 marks)
Candidates answer two questions, one in Section 1 and one in Section 2.
Section 1 Argumentative/Discursive Writing (25 marks)
Candidates answer one question from a choice of four and write a response of about 350
450 words.
Section 2 Descriptive/Narrative Writing (25 marks)
Candidates answer one question from a choice of four and write a response of about 350–450 words.
KEY SUBJECT AIMS
to develop the ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication within the country of residence, where appropriate, and in all countries where the language is spoken to form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure
to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where the language is spoken to develop a fuller awareness of the nature of language and language learning to encourage positive attitudes toward language learning and towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations to provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation to complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general application.
Course content
Everyday activities
Personal and social life
The world around us
The world of work
The international world
ASSESSMENT
Paper 1 Listening (approximately 40 minutes) 25%
Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer questions testing comprehension.
Paper 2 Reading (1 hour 15 minutes) 25%
Candidates read a number of texts and answer questions testing comprehension.
Paper 3 Speaking (approximately 10 minutes) 25%
Candidates complete one role play and conversations on 2 topics. .
Paper 4 Writing (1 hour 15 minutes) 25%
Candidates respond in the target language to three tasks.
The course is best suited to students who have previous knowledge and experience of the Mandarin language by end of year 9. Also, they should enjoy language learning and have an interest in learning about Chinese cultures.
Unfortunately, CIE has decided to withdraw the iGCSE courses for Dutch-First Language and Dutch-Foreign Language since 2019. However, our Dutch Stream still offers Dutch lessons to iGCSE students whose mother tongue is Dutch or who have some previous knowledge of Dutch. Even though there is no iGCSE certificate offered at the end of their two year course, students can still choose to take Dutch as a first or foreign language for various reasons. Within our Dutch stream we make a distinction between two different aims, depending on our students future plans:
1. Prepare students for a smooth transition to Dutch education in Belgium or the Netherlands.
If student plan to return to the Netherlands or Belgium soon, we help them preparing for a smooth transition and look at individual needs and targets to tailor a lesson plan. In this case, the language benchmarks set by the Dutch and Belgian Government and Inspector of Education and various Dutch and Belgian teaching methods and textbooks are used as a guideline. To evaluate and compare our students progress with students in the Netherlands, we use standardised comprehensive reading tests or Diatoetsen at the end of Year 10 and Year 11.
2. Prepare students to achieve an international certificate or diploma
If students plan to finish their secondary education in an international environment, we still offer the content of the iGCSE course for both First and Foreign Language, depending on the students Dutch language skills at the end of Year 9. At the end of both courses, students will sit an internal exam, similar to the iGCSE, but will not be offered an official iGCSE certificate.
From Year 11 onwards, students can also prepare for the more rigorous IB DP courses Dutch Language A and Dutch Language B or the Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal (CNaVT). The CnaVT can be achieved within three different domains, depending on the students Dutch language skills and/or needs : Social, Educational or Professional
No matter which route our students choose, in addition to language lessons students will learn about Dutch and Belgian cultural aspects too and are expected to participate in cultural events (eg. Sinterklaas, Koningsdag,…) over the course of the year. Furthermore, there is an expectation towards parents to create a supportive Dutch learning environment at home. This could be achieved by speaking as much Dutch as possible at home, supporting reading in Dutch or watching Dutch or Belgian TV programmes.
The History IGCSE will cover ‘International Relations in the 20th Century’.
The course begins at the end of the First World War and explores how Europe coped with peace. It explores how the victors treated the losers and how the terms of the Treaty of Versailles affected the world. The course develops by looking at the work of the League of Nations in solving international issues throughout the 1920s and 30s. We then move on to look at the effects of the Depression and how it led to isolationist policies and the rise of Nazism. From here the course moves on to the breakdown of international relations and the run up to the Second World War. During this part of the course, students undertake an in-depth study of Germany between the wars.
Following the Second World War, the course looks at the relationships between the victors and how growing mistrust led to the Cold War. American policies of Containment and the Truman Doctrine lead to case studies of major Cold War incidents from the Hungarian uprising, through the Korean War to Vietnam and beyond. Eventually the course leads to the events that led to the fall of the Eastern Block including Solidarity in Poland and the policies of Gorbachev.
AIMS
By the end of the course students should have an understanding of international relations that have led to the modern world in which we live. They should be able to understand the nature of cause and consequence, continuity and change, similarity and difference. They will be able to recognise bias and understand how it can be used to manipulate people's opinions.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is made by two examinations at the end of Y11 and one piece of coursework written during Y11. These will test the student's ability to:
1. Recall, select, organise and deploy knowledge of the syllabus content.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of:
(a) change and continuity, cause and consequence, similarity and difference;
(b) the motives, emotions, intentions and beliefs of people in the past.
3. Comprehend, interpret, evaluate and use a range of sources as evidence in their historical context.
The course is best suited to students who have an interest in why the world is like it is. History studies teach many valuable skills necessary for success in the 21st century world, including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, information literacy and creativity.
The Geography IGCSE course will cover Human, Physical, Environmental aspects about world issues. The course identifies problems that exist in the world such as: What are the problems of global warming? Will the world be able to cope with population growth? How can we create a more sustainable society? Will China be the most important economy? Why does Japan use Nuclear Power? Why has flooding been so destructive in Thailand?
It also tries to look for solutions to all these problems. The geography course will teach students how to think critically and analyse issues with a balanced view. It will equip you for what is going on in the world and about how you can help the planet for the future. There will be a residential fieldtrip in Year 10 or 11 as part of the course.
Successful Geography candidates develop lifelong skills, including:
An understanding of the processes which affect physical and human environments ; An understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale; The ability to use and understand geographical data and information; An understanding of how communities around the world are affected and constrained by different environments.
Theme 1 Population and Settlement
The world’s current population exceeds 8 billion people. Is this cause for alarm? Geography students study the following issues to help them see the bigger picture.
Causes and consequences of over-population and under-population; Impacts of social, economic and other factors (including government policies, HIV/AIDS) on birth and death rates; Internal movements such as rural-urban migration, as well as international migrations, both voluntary and involuntary and their positive and negative impacts; The effects of urbanization on the people and natural environment. The characteristics of squatter settlements
Theme 2: The Natural Environment
The world is an amazing place. Students look at how landforms are created and learn about sensitive ecosystems and the importance of looking after them: .
Volcanoes and Earthquakes; Rivers and flooding; Coasts and tropical storms; Weather and Climate; Tropical rainforests and deforestation.
Theme 3: Economic Development
Why are some countries richer than other countries? What can be done about it? Can we develop without harming the environment? Here are some of the issues Geography students look at:
Using different indicators to find out the worst and best places to live in the world; Globalization – has our globalized world helped people out of poverty?; Food Production: There is enough food and water on our planet so why are there some people that go without?; Industry and Tourism; Energy and Water; Environmental risks of economic development.
Assessment
Assessment will be made by 2 examinations and 1 piece of coursework which is a field report based on a rivers investigation.
The Business Studies IGCSE will cover the major aspects of business activity in the modern world.
The course looks at business activity and its role within the economy of a country. Students will study business growth and the problems associated with it. Ideas such as internal organization and structure are related to the changing business environment across regional, national and international economies.
Students will study the main functions of a business, exploring the important role of Human Resources and the activities undertaken in Marketing. The course then develops by looking at the Operations management of a business and studying how financial decisions are made. Finally, students will understand the external influences on business activity, such as government policies and ethical issues.
AIMS
By the end of the course students should have an understanding of how businesses operate in the world. They should be able to appreciate the perspectives of a range of stakeholders in relation to the environment, individuals, society, governments and enterprise. They will be able to distinguish between facts and opinions, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data in order to help build arguments and make informed judgements. The students will use the knowledge they learn to become business advisors.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is by two examination papers which are both equally weighted. Paper one is made up of shorter structured questions and paper two features a case study based on a fictional business.
The course is best suited to students who have an interest in business and how it operates in an international environment. The subject is ideal for those who enjoy problem solving. No previous knowledge of Business Studies is required although a good knowledge of current affairs helps a great deal
What will I learn on this IGCSE course?
Economics is a subject which provides students with understanding and knowledge of the economic problems faced by businesses and countries and allows critical understanding and application of solutions to real world scenarios. The course is designed to address all aspects of economic decision making and specifically answers the following questions:
What is the most effective way to allocate resources in an economy?
How are the prices of goods and services determined?
What role do consumers and producers play in a market?
What is the role of the government in an economy?
How do countries trade with one another?
This course considers a wide variety of economic issues in a real world context. Students will gain a valuable insight into economic decision making by applying economic theories to a wide range of case studies obtained from a variety of sources.
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
Economics is a subject which will be new to all students who join the course and therefore no prior knowledge is required. However, students who hold an interest in current affairs, who are able to think logically about problems and alternative solutions, and who can communicate these effectively with others, are likely to benefit most from the course.
Economics IGCSE is a challenging course and students should be reasonably numerate and should be expecting to receive good grades in English and Mathematics. The syllabus has been updated for exams in 2021 and now reflects some of the new economic thinking of the past 10 years e.g. sustainable growth.
How will I be assessed?
The course will be assessed by means of two written papers, one of which is a multiple choice paper and the other is a structured response paper which relates to unseen economic data. These are designed to assess the ability of students to apply their knowledge and understanding to real world scenarios.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
This course will appeal to you if you:
Enjoy a subject which is practical, relevant and realistic.
Hold a genuine interest in what is happening in the world around you.
Wish to understand the importance of consumers, producers and the government.
Want to improve your numeracy, data handling and communication skills.
COURSE CONTENT & AIMS
This exciting and interesting course will enable students to develop their artistic skills and knowledge.
The IGCSE Art and Design course has been designed to offer a broad choice of media and approaches so the candidates can produce a personal response. Students will work on themed projects such as natural forms, still life, landscape, portraiture, animals, buildings and architecture. They will also study the work of relevant artists as a way of enhancing their own ideas, imagination and technical skills.
Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design encourages personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking and powers of observation, practical attitudes and analytical thinking. Learners have the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the role of visual arts in the history of civilizations, and so widen their cultural horizons. The course has been designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities. Learners explore both practical and critical/ contextual work.
Year 10
Will concentrate on building up their portfolios, learning new techniques and gaining confidence in handling a wide variety of art materials. Drawing in pencil, ink, charcoal and pastel and painting in watercolour, gouache, acrylic and oil will all feature, as well as mixed media, collage, sculpture, lens based media and graphic design. As each student gains in confidence, he will be encouraged to work on a more ambitious scale and with a greater degree of independence. Students will be given guidance in developing preparatory study sheets for project work, general presentation and the use of sketch books.
In Year 11
students will have greater opportunity to develop their own ideas and will often be given a number of project titles in order that they can select one which is of particular interest to them. Greater emphasis will be placed on the individual student researching his personal ideas, but guidance and advice will always be available. The Art Department is open during lunch and after school if students wish to use the facilities outside lesson time.
Assessment
Coursework (50%): A selection of work made in Year 10 and 11 and presented in your portfolio. Controlled test (50%): At the end of Year 11. Students are given a choice of project questions. They make preparatory studies over a number of weeks and then produce a final piece in a 8hour test (spread over two days).
The course must have a degree of flexible learning and is particularly reliant on the development of individual research and time management skills.
CONTENT
The Cambridge Drama IGCSE seeks to provide students with in-depth subject knowledge enabling them to both create and respond to meaningful theatre. In order to become an effective actor or director, students will learn about technical theatre as well as performance and communication skills. Drama students work closely together in groups with a common goal and deadline in mind, and thus learn valuable social skills which translate well into all career areas.
AIMS
The aims of the Cambridge IGCSE in Drama are to:
Develop students’ understanding and knowledge of Drama through practical and theoretical study.
Enable students to realise the performance possibilities of text and other stimuli and adapt their work, flexibly to different audiences.
Encourage students’ creativity in the use of dramatic forms and structures to communicate feelings and ideas to an audience.
Help students acquire and develop their self-awareness and important language and communication skills in Drama, both individually and in teams.
Develop understanding of the processes leading to performance and the elements involved in creating a performance; to be able to critically evaluate the various stages of performance work.
Encourage enjoyment of drama through trips to see live shows and performance opportunities within the course.
Paper 1 Written examination
2 hours 30 minutes
Candidates answer questions relating to 2 pre-released texts and their devised coursework.
Section A (30 marks)
This section requires you to attempt up to eight short-answer and extended-response questions, with a mark range of 2 to 10.
Section B (25 marks)
This section requires you to attempt one compulsory question (10 marks) and one question from a choice of two (15 marks).
Section C (25 marks)
Questions will focus on a devised piece that you have worked on in a group to develop and perform to an audience. This section requires you to attempt two extended response questions. One is worth 10 marks, the other is worth 15 marks.
Weighting : 40%
Paper 2 Coursework
Internally assessed and externally moderated.
Candidates submit three pieces of practical work:
One individual piece (max 3 mins) A performance of an extract from a piece of repertoire.
Two group pieces (max 15 minutes each): one original devised piece and One performance of an extract from a piece of repertoire.
Weighting 60%
The study of Music brings together a wide range of skills in a unique way, demonstrating your physical and technical control, logical and analytical ability, programming and sequencing skills (ICT), historical and cultural understanding, as well as creativity, communication and expression. A good mark in GCSE Music offers a chance to show you have well-rounded education, an exciting range of talents, and deeper cultural awareness. Students who do well in GCSE Music are committed to practicing on their instrument/voice regularly, and will be continually engaged with musical activities throughout Year 10-11.
There are 3 units which make up this GCSE:
Unit 1: Performing (coursework, 30% of total)
Unit 2: Composing (coursework, 30% of total)
Unit 3: Listening/appraising (exam, 40% of total)
In Unit 1 you will prepare at least 2 performances on your chosen instrument/voice, at the highest level of your ability. These can be in any style, and are assessed based on accuracy, technique, expression and level of difficulty. These recordings are submitted at the end of Yr 11.
In Unit 2 you will create 2 pieces of original music/songs. One composition must follow certain guidelines, and the other is totally up to you in terms of style. You will submit a recording of the piece, as well as a written score of the music. They are assessed based on your control and understanding of a variety of musical ideas, such as development and contrast, consistency of style and use of instruments. This coursework is submitted at the end of Yr 11.
Unit 3 is a written/listening exam at the end of Yr 11. You will be tested on your understanding of 8 pieces of music, which you will study in depth throughout Year 10-11. These 8 Set Works offer a diverse range of styles, from Rock to Baroque, Jazz to Classical, Folk to Electronic etc. Most of the questions in the exam are based on short extracts from any of the 8 pieces, plus a longer essay question. The key to success in Unit 3 is confidence using and applying musical vocabulary, and the ability to pick out small, specific details when listening to music.
Students who do well in GCSE music are not just those who already learn an instrument with a private teacher, though this is definitely an advantage. All that is required is a commitment to practice regularly on an instrument/voice from week to week, to engage with music in your spare time/extra-curricular activities, and to be open to learning about different forms of music as part of a broader musical education.
Aim:
IGSCE Physical Education is designed for those students who have a strong personal interest in aspects of sport and physical education. Cambridge IGCSE Physical Education is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of Physical Education. The Cambridge IGCSE Physical Education syllabus encourages learners to develop:
knowledge, skills and understanding of a range of relevant physical activities
an ability to plan, perform and evaluate physical activities
an understanding of effective and safe performance
an understanding of the role of sport and physical activity in society and in the wider world
an excellent foundation for advanced study
an enjoyment of physical activity.
Content:
The syllabus provides candidates with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of Physical Education. It is also designed to foster enjoyment in physical activity. The knowledge gained should enable candidates to develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance.
Candidates will study all of the following topics:
1: Anatomy and physiology
3: Skill acquisition and psychology
Assessment:
2: Health, fitness and training
4: Social, cultural and ethical influences
All candidates take two compulsory components.
Paper 1: Theory 1 hour 45 minutes
Component 2: Practical Coursework
Candidates answer all questions. 100 marks Externally assessed. 50%
Candidates undertake four physical activities from at least two of the categories listed below.
Internally assessed / externally moderated. 50%
Categories Physical activities:
Games: Association Football • Badminton • Baseball, Rounders or Softball • Basketball • Cricket • Golf • Handball • Hockey • Lacrosse • Netball • Rugby League or Rugby Union • Squash • Table Tennis • Tennis • Volleyball
Gymnastic Activities: Artistic Gymnastics (Floor and Vault) or Rhythmic Gymnastics • Individual Figure
Skating • Trampolining Dance Activities • Dance
Athletic Activities: Cross-Country Running • Cycling • Rowing and Sculling • Track and Field Athletics • Weight Training for Fitness
Physical activities make a significant contribution to syllabus aims and objectives, serving as a source of material to facilitate learning. You will be required to commit and contribute to school sporting activities
The Computer Science syllabus offers an exciting program of study containing a combination of theoretical and practical content. There is a high focus on developing computational thinking skills, students will learn how to break down and solve complex problems using VB.net as a main programming language. The ability to use computational thinking is an important life skill that will help in many aspects of day to day life.
Curriculum and Topics
The curriculum content is divided into two sections the first of which covers the theory of computer science and contains the following topics:
Data Representation, Data transmission, Hardware, Software, The internet and its uses, Automated and emerging technologies.
The second section covers the practical aspect of the program and contains the following topics:
Algorithm Design and Problem Solving , Programming and Databases and Boolean logic.
Main Aims
The aims of the Computer Science course are to enable students to develop:
Computational thinking skills
An understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers
The skills necessary to solve computer-based problems using a high-level programming language
An understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate
An understanding of the internet as a means of communication and its associated risks
An understanding of the development and use of automated and emerging technologies.
Scheme of Assessment
Assessment is made by two examinations at the end of Year 11 – there will be two written papers, a theory paper (50%) and Problem solving and programming paper 50%.
Understanding the key concepts of computer science is a valuable skill even for those who do not which to engage in a career directly in the field. Many universities now require a background knowledge of computer science if you are wishing to study any science, technology, engineering or math subjects because programming will be required for the tools you will be using in your studies.
Course Content and Aims
The IGCSE Design & Technology course has been created to enable learners to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with different media, materials and tools to produce a made product. Students have the opportunity to learn and develop both traditional hand making techniques as well as modern technologies incorporating CAD and CAM.
Cambridge IGCSE Design and Technology course encourages learners to gain technical and design awareness and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity. Through the development of the communication skills central to the design process, problem solving, materials and process knowledge, learners will design and make products that take into consideration, aesthetics, sustainability, economic and ethical impact on the wider society.
Assessment
The course will be based around the design manufacture of products made from resistant materials (wood, metals, plastics) focussing on the following seven assessment areas.
Identification and analysis of a need or opportunity.
Research into the design brief.
Generating and exploration of design ideas.
Design and development of a final proposed solution.
Planning for manufacture.
Making the final high-quality design proposal/prototype
Testing and evaluation of the finished product.
Towards the end of year 10 students will choose a design brief to work on over the next year, to design, develop and make a working product or prototype.
Coursework
Students produce a coursework portfolio that documents their design process and manufacturing skills.
A final, complete, manufactured prototype or product of their own design. Examples of suitable products include:
The assessment breakdown is 50% coursework and 50% Final Exams (two papers).