IGCSE Information Booklet 2018-2019
Lucton School Shanghai, a British Education A British education is acknowledged around the globe as a proven route to the world s best universities. The aim of a British education is to produce well rounded individuals who are not only equipped with knowledge and skills but are also able to think independently, critically and creatively. Drawing on more than 300 years of educational tradition; teaching at Lucton School Shanghai recognises that practice is a vital part of learning, but the practice used must also develop conceptual understanding. Students are encouraged to apply facts, skills and concepts in unfamiliar situations and in problem solving scenarios. Students are taught through whole-class interactive and collaborative teaching, where the focus is on working together. This ensures that all students master concepts before moving to the next part of the curriculum sequence, allowing no student to be left behind. If a student fails to grasp a concept or procedure, this is identified quickly and teacher intervention ensures students are ready to move forward with the whole class in the next lesson in a carefully sequenced journey through learning. In a typical lesson the teacher leads back and forth interaction, including questioning, short tasks, explanation, demonstration, and discussion. The bedrock of the Lucton approach to teaching is its curriculum and its qualifications; The British National Curriculum is world renowned for its rigour and coherence and it provides the framework upon which all of the qualifications taken by students at Lucton School Shanghai are based. In Year 10 and Year 11 Lucton Students will take International General Certificate of Education or IGCSE courses in a number of subjects. IGCSE is the world s most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds, taken in more than 160 countries. More than 3000 schools worldwide offer IGCSEs and many of the top UK independent schools have recently switched to IGCSEs. The IGCSE is recognised around the world by employers and universities as a gold standard in education. Every year more than a million students from more than 10000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future with an international education from becoming confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged students, 2
equipped for success in the modern world. The IGCSE programme at Lucton is designed to prepare learners for the transition to Advanced Levels or A Levels and offers students breadth of study whilst allowing for some specialisation. The exam boards we use to provide our qualifications: Cambridge Assessment International Examinations and Oxford International AQA Examinations are internationally respected providers. Their examinations prepare students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. Cambridge IGCSEs offer a flexible and stimulating curriculum, supported with excellent resources and training. IGCSE develops skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving. International GCSEs give students the chance to achieve an 'exceptional' grade 9, reflecting the new 9-1 grading introduced in England in 2017. Oxford AQA allows students to enhance their programmes with student-led, research-based projects. These help to foster creativity, initiative and learner independence helping students to prepare for their next stage of education and stand out from the crowd when they apply to university. 3
Students joining Lucton School in Year 10 and Year 11 are entering a crucial phase of their education. Perhaps for the first time, they are making choices about which courses they will study. This information booklet is designed to outline the possible choices students have and to give them information about the individual courses so that they can make an informed choice about which subjects they will study. The choices students make for IGCSE may have an impact on what they go on to study at Advanced Level and subsequently their degree choice at university, it is therefore critical that students are aware of all the relevant information when they make their choices. Students are expected to study a range of IGCSE subjects, some of which are compulsory and some of which the students choose, these are the Optional subjects. It may suit some students to have a reduced programme of IGCSEs so they can concentrate on extra language or other support to achieve their best in examination courses. Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language staff may offer their advice and guidance to parents in such cases. Although we offer advice and may make recommendations we do not make choices of optional subjects for students. We do however recommend that the following advice and guidance is taken into account when making decisions about options: students should consider subjects which they already enjoy and have a talent for, they should look ahead, giving thought to the future and students should take into consideration those subjects which they may want to study at A Level and possibly at university. 4
Core Curriculum Year 10 Students starting in Year 10 on a two-year IGCSE programme, have three (3) compulsory subjects and may choose four (4) optional subjects. Compulsory IGCSE English as Second Language IGCSE Mathematics IGCSE Global Perspectives Optional IGCSE Additional Mathematics IGCSE Physics IGCSE Chemistry IGCSE Business Studies IGCSE Economics IGCSE Art IGCSE ICT IGCSE Physical Education (PE) In addition to their IGCSEs students may choose a Project Year 11 Students starting in Year 11 on one-year IGCSE programme, have two (2) compulsory subjects and three (3) optional subjects. Compulsory IGCSE English as Second Language IGCSE Mathematics Optional IGCSE Additional Mathematics IGCSE Physics IGCSE Chemistry IGCSE Business Studies IGCSE Economics IGCSE Art IGCSE ICT IGCSE Physical Education (PE) IGCSE Global Perspectives 5
Compulsory Subjects English as a Second Language Oxford International AQA Examinations Summary Designed for students whose first language is not English, but who use English for their studies. The course will enable students of all abilities to develop the four essential language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking to support effective communication in their further study or career. In addition, the courses seek to develop learners speaking and listening skills, including their ability to formulate both written and spoken Standard English. Independent learning is an essential component of this course. English is a vital part of every learner s education and will inform and aid their learning across all curriculum areas. Students will read, understand and analyse a variety of texts, presented in different styles covering a range of topics, including factual and literary text. Assessment Paper 1: Writing. Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 60 marks (30%). There are four tasks which test a range of writing skills. Paper 2: Reading. Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 60marks (30%). Short answer questions and multiple choice questions in response to written passages 60 marks. Paper 3: Listening. Written exam: 45 minutes 40 marks (20%). Students will be asked to listen to and answer questions on a range of spoken texts 40 marks. 6
Paper 4: Speaking. Non-exam assessment 10 minutes +preparation time 40 marks (20%). Photo-card 15 marks (3 4 minutes) General conversation 25 marks (6 7 minutes). Audio recorded by teacher and marked by examiner. 7
Compulsory Subjects Mathematics Oxford International AQA Examinations Summary Mathematics is a core aspect of a balanced and varied education. In Mathematics we aim to instil in our students the ability to reason creatively and critically and to approach problem solving logically. The Oxford AQA course is designed to provide a solid platform for further study, including Additional Maths and Maths A Level. Oxford AQA International GCSE Mathematics has two tiers, Core (grades 1 5) and Extension (grades 4 9). Candidates may follow either the Core curriculum or the Extension curriculum. Syllabus summary Number, Structure and calculation, Fractions, decimal and percentages, Ratio and proportion, Algebra, Notation and manipulation, Functions, graphs and calculus, Solving equations and inequalities, Sequences, Geometry and measures, Properties and constructions, Mensuration and basic calculus, Transformations, Matrices and Vectors, Probability and statistics, Presentation and analysis, Interpretation, Probability. Assessment Students must take two question papers at the same tier. Core students must take Papers 1C and 2C. Extension students must take Papers 1E and 2E. Each Core Paper: Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks Scientific calculator allowed 50% of the International GCSE Mathematics. A mix of question styles, from short, single mark questions to multi-step problems. 8
The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper. Each Extension Paper: Written exam: 2 hour 100 marks Scientific calculator allowed 50 % of the International GCSE Mathematics A mix of question styles, from short, single mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper. 9
Compulsory Subjects (Compulsory in Year 10 only) Global Perspectives Cambridge Assessment International Examinations Summary Global Perspectives is an interdisciplinary course which reaches across traditional subject boundaries. It taps into the way today s learners enjoy learning including group work, seminars, projects, and engaging with other learners around the world. The emphasis is on developing the ability to think critically about a range of global issues where there is always more than view. Students 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. Global Perspectives aims to develop learners who become independent and empowered to take their place in an ever-changing, information-heavy, interconnected world. 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. Assessment 1. Written Exam (35%) 2. Individual Report (30%) 3. Team Project (35%) a) Team Element: Students produce as a team one outcome and one explanation as a collaboration. The Explanation must be 200 300 words. (10 marks) 10
b) Personal Element: Students each write a reflective paper on their research, contribution and personal learning. The paper must be 750 1000 words. (60 marks) 11
Optional Subjects Additional Mathematics Cambridge Assessment International Examinations Summary Additional Mathematics extends skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the IGCSE Mathematics course and learners apply more advanced techniques. It is only available to learners who can demonstrate already high mathematical confidence and competencies. Learners that complete this course will receive a separate GCSE certificate. The course prepares the learners well for the CIE Advanced Level Mathematics. This syllabus is intended for high ability learners who have achieved, or are likely to achieve, grade A*, A or B in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics examination. Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics enables learners to extend the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics course and use skills in the context of more advanced techniques. The syllabus has a Pure Mathematics only content which enables learners to acquire a suitable foundation in mathematics for further study in the subject. Assessment Paper 1 10 12 questions of various lengths No choice of question 2 hours 80 marks Paper 2 10 12 questions of various lengths No choice of question 2 hours 80 marks 12
Optional Subjects Art and Design Cambridge Assessment International Examinations Summary Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design has been designed to offer a broad choice of media and approaches that allows students to produce a personal response to a stimulus whilst be guided by teachers in terms of their expertise and interests. Art and Design requires students to use their imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. Developing confidence and enthusiasm in practical skills; students work in two and three dimensional form and composition, and are able to identify and solve problems in visual forms. Learners also discover how to develop ideas and create processes that reach final outcomes. The broad areas of study are: painting and related media printmaking three-dimensional studies photography, digital and lens-based media graphic communication textile design Assessment Component 1 Broad-based assignment 50% 100 marks Unlimited preparatory period during which time candidates produce supporting studies (up to two sheets, maximum size A2) in advance of the eight-hour examination (maximum size A2) Component 2 Component 3 Component 4 Design-based assignment 50% 100 marks Critical and historical assignment 50% 100marks Coursework assignment 50% 100 marks Candidates produce a portfolio 13
All candidates take Component 1 and choose either Component 2 or Component 3 or Component 4. Available options: Option A Component 1 and Component 2 Option B Component 1 and Component 3 Option C Component 1 and Component 4 14
Optional Subjects Business Oxford International AQA Examinations Summary Business equips learners with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to be informed and responsible consumers and prepares them for being the workforce leaders of tomorrow. It develops students understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Students explore the setting up and operation of a business, the activities of business and the reasons for success or failure. It encourages learners to appreciate that businesses must operate within society and that this involves businesses engaging with a wide range of stakeholders who will hold differing perspectives. Students apply their knowledge and understanding to different business contexts ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts. Students also develop an understanding of how these contexts impact on business behaviour. Students will apply their knowledge and understanding to business decision-making including: the interdependent nature of business activity, influences on business, business operations, finance, marketing and human resources, and how these interdependencies underpin business decision-making how different business contexts affect business decisions the uses and limitations of quantitative and qualitative data in making business decisions Assessment Paper 1 Influences of operations and human resources on business activity. 2 hours 90 marks 50% 15
Paper 2 Influences of marketing and finance on business activity. 2 hours 90 marks 50% 16
Optional Subjects Chemistry Oxford International AQA Examinations Summary Chemistry is comprised of a broad range of topics designed to engage students in the subject whilst providing the knowledge and understanding required for progression to A-level. Practical experiments in this course include investigating factors affecting the rate of a reaction and testing for the presence of a double bond in an unknown hydrocarbon. Exam questions will be asked on the practicals, but there is no coursework or practical exam. Chemistry is an enquiry-based discipline involving practical and investigational skills as well as knowledge. There is an emphasizes on scientific knowledge, the application of science and the scientific process. Students explore fundamental ideas behind scientific enquiry that are delivered through teaching of the content. The experimental and investigative skills are assessed throughout the course and there are a number of required practicals identified in the specification, which students will need to cover as part of the content of course. Summary of syllabus Atomic structure and the periodic table Structure, bonding and the properties of matter Chemical changes Chemical analysis Acids, bases and salts Quantitative chemistry Periodicity The rate and extent of chemical change Energy changes 17
Organic chemistry Assessment Paper 1: Content from any part of the specification maybe assessed. Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 90 marks Questions: Structured and open questions. Paper 2: Content from any part of the specification may be assessed. Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 90 marks Questions: Structured and open questions. 18
Optional Subjects Computer Science (ICT) Oxford International AQA Examinations Summary Computer Science devotes the whole of Paper 1 to a programming task - so programming skills make up half of this qualification. That makes for a motivating, hands-on course. With 50% emphasis on AO3, students will complete the course with valuable lifelong programming skill s, as well as problem solving and critical thinking skills that prepare them for A-level and higher educa tion. Algorithms, Programming, Data representation, Computer systems, Computer networks, cyber security, Re lational databases andstructured query language (SQL), Web page design Assessment Paper 1: Programming On-screen programming exam 2 hours 80 marks Weighting 50% Paper 2: Concepts and principles of computer science Written exam 2 hours 80 marks Weighting 50% 19
Optional Subjects Economics Cambridge Assessment International Examinations Summary The study of Economics equips students with the fundamental tools of the economist. It helps them understand their place in, and contribution to, the local, national and global economy as consumers, workers and citizens. Students investigate how the actions of governments, companies, consumers and workers affect the operation of the economy, exploring a range of contemporary issues, and analysing evidence from different perspectives. Economic concepts and theories are also explored and students apply these to a range of economic issues locally, nationally and globally. The Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus develops an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles. Students study the economics of different countries and how these interrelate. They also learn to work with simple economics data and using the tools of economic analysis. Assessment The assessment has two components: Paper 1: Multiple choice 45 minutes Weighted at 30% of total available marks. Paper 2: Structured questions. 2 hours 15 minutes Candidates answer one compulsory question, which requires them to interpret and analyse previously u nseen data relevant to a real economic situation, and three optional questions from a choice of six. Weighted at 70% of total available marks. 20
Optional Subjects Physical Education Cambridge Assessment International Examinations Summary Physical Education provides candidates with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of Physical Education. It is designed to foster enjoyment in physical activity by providing learners with an opportunity to take part in a range of physicalactivities. Learners will be able to develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance and to appreciate the necessity for sound understanding of the principles, practices and training that underpin improved performance, better health and well-being. 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. The Coursework component requires candidates to offer a minimum of four practical activities from at least two of the seven categories. Each activity is marked out of 50 marks and the Analysing and Improving out of 10 marks. Game Activities Gymnastic Activities Dance Activities (max. 2 dance styles) Athletic Activities Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (including Equestrianism) Swimming Combat Activities 21
Assessment Component 1 Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes Section A: Candidates answer short answer questions on each of the three units: Factors affecting performance; Health, safety and training; Reasons and opportunities for participation in physical activity. Section B: Candidates answer three structured questions, one from each of the three units they have studied. 40% of total marks Component 2 Coursework Centre-based assessment Candidates choose to undertake four practical activities from at least two of the seven categories listed (50% of total marks). Candidates must show the ability to analyse and improve practical performance in one of their four chosen practical activities (10%of total marks). 22
Optional Subjects Physical Oxford International AQA Examinations The Physics course is designed to engage students in physics. It encourages a questioning approach to scientific ideas and prepares students for working scientifically. The new addition of Space physics to the syllabus enables the underlying principles of physics to be approached in a fascinating topic. Practicals experiments are a crucial part of the course and include investigating factors that determine the strength of an electromagnet and investigating the relationship between force and extension for a spring. Exam questions will be asked on the practicals, but there is no coursework or practical exam. Summary Forces and their effects Energy Waves Particle model of matter Electricity and magnetism Generating and distributing electricity and household us Nuclear physics Space physics Life cycle of a star Solar system and orbital motion Red shift and the expanding universe 23
Assessment Paper 1: Content from any part of the specification maybe assessed. Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 90 marks Questions Structured and open questions. Paper 2: Content from any part of the specification may be assessed. Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 90 marks Questions Structured and open questions. 24
Optional Subjects International GCSE Projects Plus Oxford International AQA Examinations Summary An exciting new way to foster creativity, develop research skills and encourage independent learning at GCSE level. International GCSE Plus is an optional project that students can complete as part of their Oxford AQA International GCSEs. It provides an opportunity for students to achieve an additional Pass, Merit or Distinction alongside their 9-1 grades. International GCSE Plus helps students prepare for their next stage of education by fostering creativity, initiative and independent learning, as well as developing higher-level concepts and skills and creativity in the subjects they are most interested in without requiring them to take an additional International GCSE qualification. This makes International GCSE Plus flexible and easy to integrate into your curriculum, enabling your school or college to demonstrate its commitment to preparing pupils for success at Key Stage 5 and beyond. International GCSE Plus will develop and extend from one of the student s study areas. It will be based on a topic chosen by the student and agreed as appropriate by the school or college. This topic will either be one that (a) the student is studying as part of one of their International GCSEs, and that they develop in a new direction, or (b) is not studied as part of one of their International GCSEs but is clearly an established area of one of the subjects they are studying. Please see the teaching guidance for examples of topics. Students are free to take more than one International GCSE Plus but it is recommended that, over the course of two years of GCSE study, no more than five International GCSE Plus endorsements be completed. Each project requires 20 hours of supervised independent study following 10 hours of taught skills. Students submit a 2000-word report alongside their Progress Diary. Projects are graded by the supervisor using the assessment criteria provided in the specification. International GCSE Plus is designed for maximum flexibility: projects can be started in Year 9, 10 or 11. Students can submit one or more International GCSE Plus projects alongside any of the following Oxford AQA International GCSEs they are entered for: Whilst each project must explore its associated International GCSE subject, there are opportunities for students to connect the subject to another area of interest and apply their research across various disciplines. 25
Assessment International GCSE Plus entries should be made when candidates are entered for their standard International GCSE assessments, in a similar way to coursework. Supervisors attribute a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction to the overall project using guiding descriptors for each of the four Assessment Objectives (AO1 = Organisation; AO2 = Research; AO3 = Realisation; AO4 = Review). Students who do not achieve their desired grade need not have their International GCSE Plus submissions entered. Supporting assessment resources include exemplar titles, exemplar Progress Diaries and written reports for each grade. Schools will be required to participate in standardisation training prior to submissions. First assessment Candidates must be entered for an Oxford AQA International GCSE in order to be entered for the International GCSE Plus endorsement. The International GCSE Plus entries are made alongside candidates Oxford AQA International GCSE exam entries. Therefore the first assessment of International GCSE Plus is 2019 for schools that are entering candidates for Oxford AQA International GCSE exams in 2019, and 2020 for schools entering candidates for Oxford AQA International GCSE exams in 2020. Taught Skills 1. Developing ideas into research questions 2. Research skills 3. Report writing 26