2012 IGCSE Options Booklet
2012 IGCSE Options Booklet
2012 IGCSE Options Booklet
1 Moo 7, Banchang-Makham Koo Road, Banchang, Rayong 21130 Tel:+66 3803 0701-3 Fax: +66 3889 3720 E-mail: [email protected]
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 2014 examination session St Andrews School will be offering examinations through two examination boards: the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and 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, PE (non exam) and PSHE (personal, social and health education). Should you or your parents have any questions about IGCSEs please make an appointment to meet with Mr Wrightson.
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English
1 or 2 IGCSEs (6 periods) IGCSE Language and IGCSE Literature IGCSE Second Language
1st Language Speakers 2nd Language Speakers 2. Maths IGCSE Maths 3. Science
1 IGCSE (5 periods)
2 IGCSEs (8 Periods)
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Language Option
0 or 1 IGCSE (4 Periods)
IGCSE French (for suitable candidates) IGCSE Dutch (for suitable candidates) IGCSE Thai (for suitable candidates) IGCSE Mandarin (for suitable candidates)* Thai Studies (non IGCSE course) 5. Humanities Options 1 IGCSE (4 periods) IGCSE History IGCSE Geography IGCSE Business Studies 6. Additional Subjects Options IGCSE Visual Art IGCSE Drama* GCSE Music GCSE Physical Education IGCSE ICT 1 IGCSE (3 or 4 periods)
*Note: this is a potential course that we may be able to offer and is subject to demand
Art and Design encourages students to develop investigative, analytical, experimental, interpretative, practical, technical and expressive skills which aid effective and independent learning. In Year 10, students are taught to use a variety of materials and techniques, how to apply the creative process, make effective design decisions and solve technical problems. Students reflect on their own progress, identifying strengths and weaknesses and areas in need of improvement. In Year 11, students undertake the externally assessed components of the course. We combine components 1 and 4. Component 1: Coursework Assignment (worth 50% of the total final mark). The coursework consists of two parts One final outcome A supporting portfolio (8 sides of A2)
The theme for the coursework is set by the teacher and all students will work with this theme to develop their own, original artwork. Emphasis is placed on working independently to develop and refine personal ideas. Component 4: Observational/Interpretative Assignment (worth 50% of the total final mark) The Externally Set Assignment consists of two parts: Examination Piece completed during a tined test (8 hours) Supporting Studies (4 sides of A2)
The examination board proposes approximately 14 themes for students to choose from. Students select only one that they then use to develop via direct observational drawing. Students are given approximately 8 weeks to prepare for the examination. Both components are externally examined. It should be noted that this programme is not an easy option! Due to the time consuming nature of Art and the assessment in this subject, students will be required to work studiously and consistently for the whole 2 years, both at school and at home. Students in Year 10 and 11 can expect at least 2-3 hours of Art homework per week. This is not a subject where you can operate in isolation. Good communication skills are essential, both in written and spoken form.
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 look at how businesses plan and develop their growth to include market research and marketing strategies. The course then develops by looking into financial information and decision-making within a business under the constraints, rules and regulations commonly in place within the international community.
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.
Assessment Assessment is primarily by two examination papers and can additionally include a coursework element. The decision as to whether students do coursework will be made according to the option groups aptitude and preferred learning styles.
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.
Key subject aims 1. To develop candidates understanding of Drama through practical and theoretical study. 2. To enable candidates to realise the performance possibilities of text and other stimuli. 3. To encourage the use of dramatic forms and structures to communicate feelings and ideas to an audience. 4. To help candidates to acquire and develop skills in Drama, both individually and in groups. 5. To develop understanding of the processes leading to performance and the elements involved in creating a performance; to be able to evaluate the various stages of performance work. 6. To encourage enjoyment of drama.
ASSESSENT: a) Understanding Candidates will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate understanding of: The performance possibilities of text and other stimuli, and The differing roles of actor, director, stage manager and technician in its realisation. b) Devising Candidates will be assessed on their ability to devise dramatic material and reflect on its effectiveness. c) Performing skills Candidates will be assessed on their performing skills in Drama.
% of GCSE 25 % 25 % 25 % 25 %
The IGCSE certificate is equivalent to a HAVO diploma in the Netherlands. Obtaining this certificate enables students to follow up their studies in the Netherlands on HBO level.
to develop an understanding of the spoken word and the capacity to participate effectively in a variety of speaking and listening activities to develop the ability to read, understand and respond to material from a variety of sources, and to recognise and appreciate themes and attitudes and the ways in which writers achieve their effects to develop the ability to construct and convey meaning in written language, matching style to audience and purpose. ASSESSENT Paper 1: Reading and Writing examination (70%) There are three sections:Section A: Reading: Questions on an unprepared non - fiction text. Section B: Reading and Writing: based on a text from the Anthology section A Section C: Writing: a writing task to inform, explain and describe Paper 3: Reading and writing coursework (20%) Two coursework assignments internally assessed Unit 1 a piece of writing responding to Section B of the anthology Unit 2 a piece of personal and imaginative writing to explore, imagine, entertain or to argue, persuade, advise Paper 4: Speaking and listening coursework (10%) Two coursework assignments internally assessed An individual talk and one group work assignment
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. 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: Drama and Prose Paper code: 4ET0/01 Students will study the following texts which will be assessed through a one- hour and 30 minute examination, set and marked by Edexcel. This exam will account for 70% of the total IGCSE marks Prose text: Of Mice and Men- John Steinbeck Play: A View From The Bridge- Arthur Miller Paper 3: Poetry coursework Paper code: 4ETO/03 Study will focus on three/ four poems in Section C of the Edexcel Anthology for IGCSE English Language and Literature. Students will then complete one coursework assignment, internally set and assessed and moderated by Edexcel. This coursework will account for 30% of the total IGCSE marks.
It also offers valuable insights into the culture where French is spoken. 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 tense. 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 (weighting of 33.3%) Paper 2: Reading and Writing (weighting of 66.6%) Paper 3: Speaking (separate grade)
The course is 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 this subject. The course is best suited to students who enjoy language learning and have an interest in learning about other cultures.
3.
The course is best suited to students with an enquiring mind, who have an interest in why the world is like it is. The ability to use English effectively is a great asset as students will be required to explain their ideas and reasoning in clearly structured essays and open ended data response tasks.
Course content Everyday activities Personal and social life The world around us The world of work The international world
Assessment Paper 1 Listening The Listening Examination is provided to Centres on a pre-recorded CD. Paper 2 Reading and Directed Writing All candidates must attempt all three sections. There are a variety of question types on the Reading and Directed Writing Paper. Paper 3 Speaking Test 1: Role Plays Test 2: Topic Presentation/Conversation. Test 3: General Conversation Paper 4 Continuous Writing Extended candidates only Candidates should write their answers in characters. Question 1: candidates are given a choice of two fairly structured tasks and must complete one of these. Question 2: candidates are given a more open task (narrative, descriptive, etc.) which is compulsory for all candidates.
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.
The course will cover the following broad topics: integers, decimals, percentages, sets, standard form, estimation, limits of accuracy, ratios, proportion, rate, calculators, measures, time, money, 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, locus, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics, probability, vectors in two dimensions, transformations and 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 C to G. For the Higher Curriculum the grades available are from A* to D. All students will sit two written examination papers at the end of Year 11. Each paper lasts two hours and each is worth 50% of the final mark. Calculators are allowed for both papers. The course is best suited to students with logical minds, a strong sense of shapes and how they can behave, and the ability to apply different techniques to a given situation. All students will require scientific calculators and geometrical equipment to include a set of compasses and a protractor.
This course is an intensive but an extremely interesting and rewarding one. It is suited to students who have an interest in music and are prepared to work hard.
The nature and variety of living Principles of chemistry organisms Structures and functions in Chemistry of the elements living organisms Reproduction and inheritance Ecology and the environment Organic chemistry Physical chemistry
Electricity
Chemistry in society
Solids, liquids and gases Magnetism and electromagnetism Radioactivity and particles
Assessment The course will be assessed by three written papers. Paper 1 will test students understanding of Biology while paper 2 Chemistry and paper 3 Physics. All students sit all three papers and their performance in all three will determine the overall grades. Students will receive an award of two IGCSE grades, (e.g. A*A*,AA, AB, BB, BC etc)
Students study a range of extended texts and they learn how to scan for and extract specific information. They learn how to identify main and subordinate topics and show a sense of audience. Time is spent learning how to recognize and to respond to linguistic devices and figurative language. 2 Continuous writing
In this area students develop their ability to express thoughts and feelings in order to interest and inform the reader. They develop an increasingly sophisticated use of vocabulary and structures. 3 Usage
Throughout the course, students develop their ability to accurately control their vocabulary, syntax, grammar and spelling. They develop an increased awareness of the need for paragraphing and the use of varied sentence structures. Assessment Assessment is made by two examinations at the end of Y11. These will test the students ability to: 1. 2. Select, compare and summarise specific information from selected passages; Respond to a passage in a variety of forms (eg selective summary, a letter, a report, a speech etc); Produce a piece of continuous writing based upon a narrative or argumentative response in an appropriate style.
3.
The course is only suited to students with a well developed command of Thai. This is a 'first language' course and as such it is specifically aimed at Thai students who are successfully studying the language at the highest level in Year 9.