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IGCSE-Curriculum-Handbook

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We hope this handbook serves as a valuable resource for understanding making informed decisions, and supporting students throughout their Should you have any questions or require further guidance, our academic available to assist

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS - ALL STUDENTS MUST STUDY THE FOLLOWING:

IGCSE in English Language and English Literature

IGCSE in Mathematics

IGCSE in Science

Core Physical Education

IN ADDITION, STUDENTS WILL CHOOSE FOUR OPTION SUBJECTS FROM THOSE LISTED BELOW:

Business Studies

Chinese

Computer Science

Drama

Economics

Fine Art

French

Geography

Global Perspectives

History

Music

Physical Education

Spanish

Seek Advice: We strongly recommend discussing options with both parent Each offers a unique and valuable perspective to help inform this important de

We advise students to avoid:

Following Friends: A subject is a significant commitment; it should be chos interest, not because friends are taking it

Choosing for a Teacher: While a positive relationship with a teacher is valua itself should be the primary motivator, as teaching assignments may change

By carefully considering these points, students can make informed choices th for a rewarding and successful IGCSE experience.

How will you be assessed?

All candidates take Paper 1: Poetry and Prose (1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of the on the study of the Songs of Ourselves anthology and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Candidates then take a combination of components to make up the rema this course, the assessment route is:

Paper 3: Drama (Open Text) (45 minutes, 25% of the grade) - based on t Midsummer Night's Dream

Component 5: Coursework (25% of the grade) - a portfolio of two assignm words each) on different texts

Paper 1: Reading and Writing Paper 2: Listening

2 hours (50%) This written paper has six exercises that test a range of reading and writing skills

Paper 3: Speaking

Approx 50 minutes (25%) Candidates listen to several recordings and answer multiple-choice and 10-15 minutes (25%) Internally assessed, externally moderated Candidates complete three speaking tasks which are assessed by

The breakdown typically includes a mix of question types such as multip answer, and longer structured problems, designed to test a range of mathem understanding.

Year 10

Year 11

Cells

Animals and Plants

Disease and Drugs

Ecosystems

Reproduction

Inheritance

Variety and Selection

Atoms, Elements and Compounds

Acids, Bases and Salts

Organic Chemistry

Energetics

Metals

Chemistry of the Environment

Forces and Motion

Energy and Matter

Waves

Electricity

Magnetism

Space and Atoms

Paper 1: Short Answer & Data Response

1 hour and 30 minutes (50%)

Candidates answer 4 questions in total

2: Case Study

1 hour 30 minutes (50%)

Candidates answer 4 questions based on a pre-released case study.

speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress

The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture of countries where Mand spoken, encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towar other languages.

All candidates take: and:

Reading, Directed Writing and Classical Chinese

60 marks

Structured and extended writing questions

Questions are based on four reading texts

All candidates take: and:

Reading and Writing 60 marks

Written examination consisting of five exercises that test a range of reading and writing skills

Types of task include: information transfer, shortanswer questions, multiplematching, functional writing and extended writing

Externally assessed 60%

Listening 30 marks

Written examination consisting of four exercises that test listening skills Candidates listen to recordings of short and longer spoken texts.

Types of task include: short-answer questions, gap-fill sentences, information correction and multiplechoice questions.

All listening material is recorded in Mandarin Chinese Externally

and:

Component 3

Speaking

60 marks

The Speaking test is conducted in Mandarin Chinese

The Speaking test consists of three parts: candidates give a two- to threeminute presentation, followed by a short discussion with the examiner about the presentation, followed by a short conversation with the examiner about general topics.

Internally assessed and externally moderated

All candidates take: and:

Listening 30 marks

Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer multiple-choice and matching questions Externally assessed

Reading 40 marks

Candidates read a number of texts and answer multiple-choice and matching questions as well as questions requiring short answers

3

Speaking 40 marks

Candidates complete one role play and conversations on two topics.

Internally assessed and externally moderated

Writing 45 marks

Candidates complete one formfilling task, one directed writing task and one task in the format of an email/letter or article/blog

Assessment Component

Paper 1 –Computer Systems

(75 marks)

Paper 2 –Algorithms, Programming and Logic 1

(75 marks)

Topics 1–6 (Knowledge and Understanding)

Topics 7–10 (Application and Problem Solving).

Short-answer and structured questions No calculators permitted

Includes a 15-mark scenario question Requires practical programming experience. No calculators permitted

Performance coursework (60% - 120 marks)

Written exam (40% - 80 marks)

Candidates submit three pieces of practical work:

• individual performance based on an extract from a play

• group performance based on an extract from a play

• group performance based on an original devised piece Internally assessed and externally moderated

Students study two plays and respond in a 2hr45 written exam:

• all questions in Section A

• two questions in Section B (one compulsory question and one question from a choice of two)

• both questions in Section C

Paper 1: Multiple choice

45 minutes (30% of total marks) Candidates answer 30 MCQs

Paper 2: Structured questions

2 hours 15 minutes (70% of total marks) Candidates answer one compulsory case study and three structured questions.

Internally marked, externally moderated No written exams; practical coursework is the primary form of assessment.

The International World: Study of global cultures, customs, and langua intercultural communication.

These topics encourage learners to apply their language skills in practical con both personal and academic growth

How will you be assessed?

Assessment in IGCSE French consists of four components, weighted as follow

Paper 1 – Listening (25% - 40 marks): Candidates listen to recordin multiple-choice and matching questions This paper tests comprehen topics.

Paper 2 – Reading (25% - 40 marks): Candidates read various texts multiple-choice and matching questions, assessing their reading skills and of written French

Paper 3 – Speaking (25% - 40 marks): Candidates participate in a spe includes a role play and conversations on familiar topics. This compon assessed and externally moderated.

Paper 4 – Writing (25% - 40 marks): Candidates complete tasks includ directed writing, and an extended writing task This paper assesses communicate effectively in writing

Overall, the assessment structure is designed to evaluate all four language reading, speaking, and writing, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of t

Proficiency in French not only enhances career prospects in these fields students with critical skills such as communication, cultural sensitivity, a which are highly sought after by employers across various industries.

Link to access the syllabus online: Cambridge IGCSE French 0520 Syllabus https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/743340-2028-2030-syllabus.p

Paper 1: Physical Geography Paper 2: Human Geography Coursework

1 hour and 45 minutes (36%)

Candidates answer 1 compulsory topic in Section A, 1 hour and 45 minutes (36%) Candidates answer 1 compulsory topic in Section

Candidates will explore a human/natural environment to conduct a Geographical investigation Students will

Arts in society

Change in culture

Climate change

Conflict and peace

Trade and aid

Digital world

Education for all

Employment

Environment and pollution

Globalisation

Health and wellbeing

Law and criminality

Media and communication

Migration

Political power

Poverty and Inequality

Social identity and inclusion

Sport and recreation

Technology and innovation

Transport, travel and tourism

Values and Beliefs

Written Exam

Students will answer 4 questions based on the source material This will present a global issue from a range of perspectives, and will be drawn from the list of topics above.

Individual Report

Students will selectONEof the topic areas and devise a global research question

Coursework assessment: 2000 word research paper

Team Project

Students will devise and develop a collaborative project into an aspect of one of the global topics

Coursework assessment: 1000 word reflection paper

How will you be assessed?

Paper 1 –Depth Studies 1 hour 30 minutes A mixture of extended writing and essaybased questions, based on two selected depth studies.

Paper 2 –Investigatio n and Breadth studies 1 hour 30 minutes

Comprised of two sections, with a mixture of extended writing and essaybased questions. Section A is based on a selected historical investigation and Section B on a breadth study in change.

Listening

Performing Composing

1 solo performance

How it is assessed 1hr 15min. exam

Brief

Questions will be set on eight short, recorded extracts of music, which will include at least one extract from each area of study The question paper will state which area of study the extract is taken from and, where appropriate, the tradition or genre from which it is drawn. For seven of the extracts there will be a variety of multiple choice and short answer questions; for the other extract, a short descriptive question will be set. This exam is primarily listening based but also requires students to understand and write using music notation

1 Free Composition

1 ensemble/group performance 1 Composition to a brief

Students use an instrument of their choice to perform as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble. It is recommended that students perform at around an ABRSM Grade 3 or above in their instrument.

Students are required to submit two original compositions for assessment. There must be some difference between the two compositions in the selection of instrument(s), voice(s) or electronic sounds

Students will develop knowledge about the link between health and per explore the contribution that physical activity and sport make to health,

being.

Component Details

Exam

Coursework

Paper 1: Theory from component 1 (1 hour 30 minutes) (80 marks)

Paper 2: Theory from component 2 (1 hour 15 minutes) (60 marks)

Component 3: Coursework

Students will be assessed in all practical activities with their strongest three marks counting towards their overall grade. This will be internally assessed/externally moderated (105 marks – 35 marks per activity)

Component 4: Coursework

Students will be assessed in the ability to design, carry out and evaluate a Personal Exercise Programme. This will be internally assessed/externally moderated (20 marks)

These topics provide a rich context for learning vocabulary and gramm practical application of language skills

How will you be assessed?

Assessment for IGCSE Spanish consists of four components, weighted as follow

Paper 1 – Listening (25% - 40 marks): Candidates listen to recordin multiple-choice and matching questions, testing their comprehension of f

Paper 2 – Reading (25% - 40 marks): Candidates read various texts multiple-choice and matching questions, assessing their reading skills in S

Paper 3 – Speaking (25% - 40 marks): Candidates engage in a speaking te a role play and conversations on familiar topics This component is interna externally moderated.

Paper 4 – Writing (25% - 40 marks): Candidates complete tasks includ directed writing, and an extended writing task, evaluating their written skills.

This assessment structure ensures a comprehensive evaluation of all four listening, reading, speaking, and writing

Proficiency in Spanish not only enhances career prospects in these fields students with critical skills such as communication, cultural sensitivity, a which are highly sought after by employers across various industries

Link to access the syllabus online: Cambridge IGCSE Spanish 0530 Syllabus https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/743350-2028-2030-syllabus.p

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