Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives

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Morris Lambert
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1 Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives Syllabus outline

Developing skills through the study of key global issues In a world where there are often no right or wrong answers, Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives broadens learners knowledge

2 Developing skills through the study of key global issues In a world where there are often no right or wrong answers, Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives broadens learners knowledge and understanding of global issues while developing and enriching their skills in thinking and reasoning, analysis, research and communication. This exciting new syllabus has skills development at its core. Learners research and consider global issues from different perspectives. By focusing on issues that are relevant and have meaning for today s learners, the syllabus helps them engage with and develop an understanding of these key global issues. They also develop valuable skills which can be used in their study of other subjects. Studying Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives gives learners the opportunity to consider topics as diverse as genetic engineering and global climate change, or sustainable futures and the religious secular divide. They can choose topics that are relevant to them both at a local and a global level. Their consideration of real-world, 21st-century issues helps to prepare learners for their future study and beyond into the world of work. Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives encourages learners to closely examine their own beliefs and attitudes in contrast to those of other people. They develop their skills in self-reflection and independent thinking as well as an understanding of alternative perspectives and the dynamics that affect the global community. The techniques our students use for Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives are immediately applied to other areas of study. Head, Argentina

A twenty-first century approach to connecting learning with real-world issues The ability to think critically, to be able to assess the merits and flaws of an argument or perspective, is a vital

3 A twenty-first century approach to connecting learning with real-world issues The ability to think critically, to be able to assess the merits and flaws of an argument or perspective, is a vital skill for young people. Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives gives learners the skills to analyse and explore an argument or reasoning effectively. They research global issues and question the evidence. Learners are then encouraged to reflect on what they have discovered and in turn, communicate their findings and ideas as reasoned arguments. One of the unique features of Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives is the Critical Path. This approach to analysing and evaluating different perspectives helps students develop essential thinking and reasoning skills. By following the Critical Path, students learn how to deconstruct, construct, reflect and communicate arguments. They learn the skills of: Deconstruction Reconstruction Reflection Communication The analysis of an argument or reasoning The analysis of the context and evidence of an argument The exploration of the impact of research on personal viewpoints The communication of views, information and research effectively and convincingly By following this approach, learners develop other skills, including: confidence, through working with information and ideas responsibility and respect for others, through examining others points of view innovation, by facing new and future challenges, and engagement, by becoming involved intellectually and socially, and ready to make a difference The Cambridge International AS Level in Global Perspectives challenges students to further develop skills obtained in the Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives. Teacher, The Netherlands

4 Flexible and relevant Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives offers a wide range of global topics for teachers and learners to choose from. This flexibility means that learners can study topics and issues that are relevant and of interest to them in their local or national circumstances. Learners choose a minimum of four topics from this list. Learners apply the Critical Path approach when studying these topics. They consider them through a number of different themes culture, economics, environment, ethics, politics and science and technology. Global topics Alternatives to oil Artificial intelligence Biodiversity and threats to the world s natural heritage Endangered cultures Ethical foreign policies Genetic engineering Global climate change Globalisation of economic activity Globalisation versus new nationalisms Impact of the internet Incorporating technology into buildings Industrial pollution Integration and multiculturalism International law Medical ethics and priorities Migration and work Online and interactive communities Standard of living/quality of life Sustainable futures Technology and lifestyles The challenge of GM crops The economic role of women The emergence of a global superpower The ethics and economics of food The religious secular divide The speed of change in technology and global trade Transnational organisations (UN, World Bank, EU, NATO) Urbanisation and the countryside Culture Economics Science & technology Global topic Environment Politics Ethics

Assessment at a glance The assessment has three components: Written exam: Learners analyse and evaluate arguments, interrogate evidence and compare global perspectives by answering a series of

5 Assessment at a glance The assessment has three components: Written exam: Learners analyse and evaluate arguments, interrogate evidence and compare global perspectives by answering a series of compulsory questions. Essay: Learners choose one of the global issues covered and write a word essay based on their research. Learners themselves devise the question as the subject for the essay. Learners are assessed on their ability to identify and explore arguments from different global perspectives and, in turn, critically assess them to reach their own personal, informed point of view. Presentation: Learners research, develop and produce a 15-minute presentation on a global issue that illustrates their understanding of and empathy with alternative perspectives. Cambridge provides pre-release materials which learners use as the start-point for their presentation. Learners are assessed on their ability to communicate a coherent argument; understand and relate to different perspectives; develop a line of reasoning; express, evaluate and justify their own personal perspective and present convincing and well-supported conclusions. The presentation should be clearly communicated and suitable for a non-specialist audience. Reporting achievement Achievement is reported on a scale of five grades: A, B, C, D and E. Grade A is awarded for the highest level of achievement and grade E indicates a minimum satisfactory performance. Taking steps on your Cambridge Global Perspectives journey Cambridge has developed a comprehensive suite of qualifications based around skills development through the study of key global issues. In addition to Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives, we offer: Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research Further information on these qualifications is available at International recognition Cambridge International AS Levels are internationally benchmarked qualifications providing excellent preparation for university education. They are part of the Cambridge Advanced stage which includes Cambridge International AS and A Level and Cambridge Pre-U. Taken in over 125 countries and offering a choice of 60 different subjects, Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications are widely recognised and valued by universities and employers alike. Every year, thousands of Cambridge International A Level students gain places at the best universities worldwide including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Schools and learners find Cambridge International AS and A Levels very flexible. Schools can offer almost any combination of the wide choice of subjects available. Learners have the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them they either follow a broad course of study, or specialise in a particular area. Learn more about the full range of subjects and qualifications that we offer at

6 Cambridge foundation for success University of Cambridge International Examinations is the world's largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds. We are part of the University of Cambridge, one of the world's top universities, and trusted for excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the world's universities and employers. Join the Cambridge community for world-class support Support for teachers Take advantage of the range of support, training and events for teachers that we offer. Support online: Cambridge schools can access all the materials they need to teach Cambridge syllabuses including past question papers, mark schemes, examiner reports, schemes of work, lesson plans and online progress tests. Learn more at Expert advice: Our subject experts are there to help you at all stages of your teaching year with a range of discussion forums and Ask the Examiner sessions. Training and professional development: Cambridge teachers can build their knowledge and skills through the Cambridge professional development programme. Whether you are interested in furthering your subject knowledge, developing your teaching skills or networking with other professional colleagues there are online and face-to-face opportunities. Textbooks and resources: We have a wide range of textbooks published to support our syllabuses and these are kept under constant review check on the website for the latest materials Support for learners Cambridge provides tailored resources to help learners succeed. Past papers, resource lists, revision checklists and useful web links for many subjects are on the Cambridge Students website. Learn more at Support for exams officers Cambridge exams officers can trust in reliable, efficient administration of exams entry and excellent customer support from the Cambridge Customer Services team. International recognition Cambridge qualifications are recognised around the world by schools, universities and employers. Learn more at Regular updates and news Cambridge has a regular publishing programme which includes Outlook magazine and regular newsletters which are distributed by . Our website is the main hub for information for the international Cambridge community. Learn more! For more information on Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives please visit or contact Customer Services on or us by visiting University of Cambridge International Examinations, October 2011

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