Grade 8 IGCSE Option Choices Students will take 9 IGCSEs Maths and English Language are compulsory Students must take at least two Science subjects New subjects on offer Option to do 8 IGCSEs if the student opts for EAL but is a native speaker, in order to improve their written work It is very unlikely that a perfect solution exists These are option preferences, we cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to choose all the subjects they want
The Option Blocks I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX English Language Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology French EAL ICT English Literature Spanish Economics Art and Design History Students will have to choose one option from each of the nine columns. The following subjects will also be offered if there is enough interest, and could be placed in any of the columns from III-IX; Geography Music Drama Additional Mathematics Global Perspectives
Due to changes in the UK Curriculum, the vast majority of subjects which we offer will now be graded from 1 to 9. The New IGCSE Grading System
English Language (Cambridge 0990) Topics covered Essay writing Presentation skills Writing a variety of texts in English Grammar Spelling Audience awareness This course is for students whose first language is English and is designed to fine-tune communication and accuracy across a variety of texts. Students are encouraged to read widely and their writing and speaking will be developed in a number of areas to make it as effective as possible. Assessment: Two 2h exams
Mathematics Edexcel 4MA1 You have to do it! It is split into Core and Extended. Extended The vast majority of you will take this Stronger focus on Algebra Grades 4-9 available (although you can still get a 1) Essential if you want to study Mathematics, a Science or Economics at A-Level Core Focus on numerical skills, numeracy Not as easy as it used to be! Only grades 1-5 are available Will limit your choices of A-Level subjects Assessment: Two 2h exams
Physics (Edexcel 4PH1) Topics we will cover: Forces and motion 2 Electricity 3 Waves 4 Energy resources and energy transfers 5 Solids, liquids and gases 6 Magnetism and electromagnetism 7 Radioactivity and particles 8 Astrophysics Essential if you want to do Physics at A-Level, or are thinking of the following career choices: Astronaut Engineer Mechanics Technology Assessment: One 2h exam, one 1h15 exam
Chemistry (Edexcel 4CH1) Topics we will cover: 1 Principles of chemistry 2 Inorganic chemistry 3 Physical chemistry 4 Organic chemistry Essential if you want to do Chemistry at A-Level, or are thinking of the following career choices: Medicine Psychology Pharmaceuticals Engineer Technology Assessment: One 2h exam, one 1h15 exam
Biology (Edexcel 4BI1) Topics we will cover: 1. The nature and variety of living organisms 2. Structures and functions in living organisms 3. Reproduction and inheritance 4. Ecology and the environment 5. Use of biological resources Essential if you want to do Biology at A-Level, or are thinking of the following career choices: Medicine Dentistry Psychology Pharmaceuticals Technology Assessment: One 2h exam, one 1h15 exam
French (Edexcel 4FR1) Topics covered; Home and abroad Education and employment Personal life and relationships The world around us Social activities, fitness and health In grade 9 and 10 you will review and learn new grammar points and go through new topics. As in previous years, you will keep doing listening, reading, writing exercises and oral work. Assessment * an oral exam (10 minutes) 25% * a listening exam (30 minutes) 25% *reading and writing exam (1h45) - 50%
Spanish (Edexcel 4SP1) Topics covered; Home and abroad Education and employment Personal life and relationships The world around us Social activities, fitness and health In grade 9 and 10 you will review and learn new grammar points and go through new topics. As in previous years, you will keep doing listening, reading, writing exercises and oral work. The exam: * an oral exam (10 minutes) 25% * a listening exam (30 minutes) 25% *reading and writing exam (1h45) - 50%
English as an Additional Language (EAL) (Cambridge 0991) Not only for students who don t speak English as a first language! These extra three hours a week could vastly improve your essay writing skills in all subjects Focused on reading, writing, listening and speaking Assessment: Two hours written exam, 50 minute listening, 10 minute oral exam
Economics (Cambridge 0455) Topics we will cover: 1. Resources 2. Markets 3. The individual 4. The firm 5. The government 6. Economic indicators 7. Developed and developing countries 8. International aspects Not essential if you want to study Economics at A-Level, very useful if you are thinking of a career in business or management or understanding how the financial world works. You will finally be able to understand articles in the newspaper. Assessment: One 2h15 exam, one 45 minute exam
Art and Design (Cambridge 0989) Overall skills developed throughout the course: Observation Experimentation Exploration Inspiration from artists work and respond Different Techniques and media 1. Fine art 2. 3D studies 3. Photography 4. Graphic Communication observational drawing: tonal pencils Assessment: Two portfolios worked on in lessons and an 8 hour exam
History (Edexcel 4HI1) Four separate areas: 1. The development of dictatorship in Germany 1918-1945 2. The USA 1917-1941 based on sourcework 3. A world divided: the Cold War 1941-1972 4. The history of medicine: 1845-1945 Essential if you want to study History at A-Level, and very useful if you are interested in journalism, creative writing, politics, international relations and law. Assessment: two 1h30 exams
ICT (Edexcel 4IT1) Topics we will cover: Digital devices Connectivity Operating Online Online goods and services Applying ICT Software skills Essential if you want to study ICT at A-Level, and very useful if you are thinking of a career in business, programming or technology Assessment: One 1h30 exam, one 3h practical
English Literature (Cambridge 0992) Topics covered: Essay writing Presentation skills Novels Plays Poetry Shakespeare English Literature is where the action happens. It is also where the romance, drama and poetry happen. This classic GCSE prepares students with the skills they need for university preparation and a life of reading. Texts in previous years have included Macbeth, Hard Times and the poetry of Bronte and Yeats. Assessment: Two written exams 1h30 each
Music (Cambridge 0978) You do not need to be a musical prodigy to take this course! Listening (40%) Historical context The music industry World music Exam is an analysis of an audio recording Performing (30%) Start / continue learning an instrument Emphasis on progress Private lessons strongly recommended Exam is a recording of a performance Composition (30%) Theory Harmonic analysis Both classical and freestyle Submitted as coursework Assessment: One 1h15 exam for the Listening component and coursework
Geography (Cambridge 0976) This subject is very broad and covers three main themes: Population and settlement The natural environment Essential if you want to study Geography at A-Level, and very useful if you are interested in politics, international relations and the environment. Economic development Assessment: One 1h30 exam and one 1h45 exam
Drama (Cambridge 0994) This course aims includes; practical and theoretical study the role of actor, director and designer in creating a piece of theatre acting skills, both individually and in groups devising original drama communicating feelings and ideas to an audience the performance process and enable candidates to evaluate the various stages of that process Encouraging the enjoyment of drama Assessment: One 2h30 exam(40%) and coursework (60%)
Additional Mathematics (Edexcel 4PM1) A very demanding course, focused on algebra. A great stepping-stone for AS and A-Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics Much harder than IGCSE Mathematics Consult your Maths teacher before selecting this course Assessment: Two 2h exams
Global Perspectives (Cambridge 0457) A course that stretches across subject boundaries and develops transferable skills. Includes team work, presentations, projects, and working 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 one point of view. Candidates choose from the following topics: Belief Systems Biodiversity and Ecosystem Loss Climate Change Conflict and Peace Disease and Health Education for All Employment Family and Demographic Change Fuel and Energy Humans and Other Species Language and Communication Law and Criminality Poverty and Inequality Sport and Recreation Technology and the Economic Divide Trade and Aid Tradition, Culture and Identity Transport and Infrastructure Urbanisation Water, Food and Agriculture Assessment: Individual Research (40%), Group Project (30%) Written Exam 1h15 (30%)