Programme

The International GCSE Physics course is a linear course assessed through two written examinations at the end of study.

International GCSE Physics is a core science and is a requirement of a multitude of careers. Study at International GCSE level will lead to A level Physics, which is a required subject for university courses such as Engineering.

The International GCSE Spanish qualification is a linear course assessed through three different assessments. The first assessment is a 30-minute listening examination. The second assessment is a 105-minute reading and writing examination. The third assessment is a 10-minute speaking assessment.

IGCSE Spanish will go some way towards providing students with the language skills that are currently so sought after by a range of employers. The course will also offer them the chance to broaden their cultural horizons and thus equip themselves to impress university admissions tutors when the time comes. If students are even vaguely considering a Modern Languages degree at university, they are strongly advised to study languages at IGCSE level.
 

English Language is the study of written and spoken English. Over the IGCSE course students will study and create a range of spoken, creative and non-fiction texts. English Language students develop a range of skills including original writing skills, the close study of texts, speaking skills and listening skills. These 21st Century Skills are nurtured through wide reading of a range of texts fluently and with a good understanding of each. Students will learn to read critically and to use the knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing. Through the study of English Language, students will be taught a wide range of language skills, engaging with a diverse range of materials.

The International GCSE English Language course is a linear course which is assessed through two separate components. The first assesses non-fiction texts and transactional writing – developing the skills to analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects, exploring links and connections between texts and developing transactional writing skills for a variety of purposes and audiences. The second exam assesses a student’s development of language analysis with poetry and prose texts, and the writing task is an imaginative one from a choice of three.

It is anticipated that the love of English Language will lead to many students continuing their studies of the subject to A Level. However, for other students the skills learnt throughout this course will be excellent preparation for future study in all fields., Students will learn to communicate accurately and confidently through discussion, debate and presentations. These attributes are highly valued by all employers and universities.

The French IGCSE course provides a valuable opportunity to make significant progress towards becoming a specialist in the language, the culture of France and the French-speaking world. Students will develop their language skills in three key areas: grammatical awareness, comprehension and communication. As a result, they will become capable of understanding the language in a variety of registers as well as writing and speaking it accurately and increasingly fluently. The development of language skills will take place within a framework of topics and issues of interest and relevance to all students as well as to young people in the French-speaking world.

The International French GCSE qualification is a linear course assessed through three different assessments. The first is a listening examination, the second assessment is a reading and writing examination and the third assessment is a shorter speaking assessment. 

The IGCSE French course equips students with a number of key transferable skills such as: communication (oral and written); analytical and logical thinking; creativity; literacy; independent learning; cultural and geographical awareness; team work; presentation skills. These skills alongside French language skills are highly prized by employers and many students will continue to study French at A Level. The course will also offer students the chance to broaden their cultural horizons, thus equipping themselves to impress university admissions tutors when the time comes. 

The Double Science International GCSE incorporates key elements of all three core sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with reduced overall content for each compared to taking the single International GCSE in each of these sciences separately. This International GCSE is a double award, counting for 2 International GCSE qualifications. 

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) comprises three end of course exams:
• Biology Paper 1 • Chemistry Paper 1 • Physics Paper 1.

International GCSE Science (Double Award) prepares students for A Level studies and pathways beyond. Students with a particular focus on Biology, Chemistry or Physics for further A Level study might consider the three single sciences rather than this double award. 

The Global Citizenship IGCSE is an engaging and relevant course that aims to widen students’ knowledge of contemporary issues. Through the study of stimulating and exciting modern material the subject encourages all students to reflect on what makes them a ‘global citizen’, and how their learning will develop their skills and knowledge within their local and national communities. Through the content studied and assessment, students will engage in responding to issues and take part in the community project, which allows them to ‘engage’ with global society. Students will develop an understanding of key changes affecting societies across the world, enabling them to have a global outlook and understand diverse points of view. For students who are internationally mobile, or wish to study and work in fields that require a global outlook, this qualification will support them to become global citizens, and understand how they can affect positive change. 
The course content is organised around the following key themes: Politics and Governance, Economic Development and the Environment, Culture and Community, and Technology.

This linear course is assessed by one examination that lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and is worth 100% of the qualification. The paper consists of three sections: in section A students are assessed on their previously completed citizenship community action project. In sections B and C the assessment is key questions on four main themes (Politics and Governance, Economic Development and the Environment, Culture and Community, Technology). Section D is a synoptic essay. 

Global Citizenship students are well prepared for a wide variety of A Level pathways, especially into subjects such as Economics, History and Geography. The breadth of study will also be an attractive asset for universities and employment applications. 

International English as a Second Language GCSE is specifically designed for students whose first language is not English. Students develop the skills to read in different ways for different purposes, to read and understand a wide range of texts, assessing purpose of writing and distinguishing bias, opinions, ideas and facts. Students learn to write for a variety of audiences and for a range of purposes, using a wide range of grammatical forms and structures and a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary. Optionally, students can also learn to convey information in speech on a range of topics, speaking fluently and coherently. 

The International GCSE in English as a Second Language (ESL) qualification comprises two assessments at the end of the course: Paper 1 is a written examination paper assessing reading and writing;  Paper 2 is a written examination paper assessing listening skills. Separately, students may also be entered for the optional, separately assessed and separately endorsed English speaking examination.

Studying this course supports students in successful progression to a wide variety of A Levels, including further study in English at A Level, as well as developing the English language skills to access further education and career pathways.