Secondary

Since careers in Biology are so diverse, the IGCSE course engages stu- dents in one of the most varied, interesting and relevant subjects avail- able. Biologists are involved in some of the most exciting areas of re- search, such as developing cures for diseases or saving species from extinction.

Students develop scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of biology, in relation to the four main areas of syllabus content: charac- teristics andclassification of living organisms; organisation and maintenance of the organism; development of the organism and conti- nuity of life; and finally, relationships of organisms with one another and with their environment

A two-year course following the Cambridge Coordinated Science Syl- labus, covering all three of the sciences, biology, chemistry and phys- ics, leading to a double award grade. At the end of the two years stu- dents are expected to be able to sit the extended Cambridge IGCSE though some student may choose totake the core content paper

This course will enable students to take any of the sciences at A level.

Business Studies provides students with a practical introduction to all elements of organising and running a business. Students draw upon a range of case studies and real-world scenarios to become experts in the areas of finance, human resources, marketing and operations. Lessons begin by looking at the smaller forms of business organisation, such as sole traders and partnerships as well as the characteristics of entrepre- neurs. As the course progresses students are introduced to and learn about larger businesses, such as franchises and public limited compa- nies. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to examine business decisions from a range of stakeholder perspectives. Students are also advised to keep up to date with business news. This is an important el- ement in helping to solidify their understanding and improve their writ- ten answers with supporting examples. By the end of the course, stu- dents will have developed their skills in numeracy, literacy, enquiry and in using relevant qualitative and quantitative sources to reach well supported justifications.

Toggle Content

The Chemistry syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practi- cal elements leading to an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry. Thetopics studied include atoms, chemical equations, speeds of reactions, metals,air and water, polymers and organic chem- istry. The IGCSE course is excellentpreparation for the study of Chemistry at A Level and beyond. In addition, it will prepare students to become confident citizens in a technological world, and to take an informed interest in scientific matters. Careers in chemistry are vast and varied. Employers from all sectors view students with a chemistry background as someone who is well informed, has an ability to problem-solve, work well in teams, and communicatecomplicated ideas well.

Chemistry-centered careers include: chemical engineering, pharma-ceutical research, agricultural analysis, and scientific communication.

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science provides an ideal foundation incomputer science. Learners gain confidence in computational thinking andprogramming, an appreciation of automated and emerging technologies and the benefits of their use. They develop an understanding of the main principles of problem-solving by creating computer-based solutions using algorithms and a high-level program- ming language. Learners also develop a range of technical skills in- cluding the ability to test effectively and to evaluate solutions.

The 0500 First Language English course aims to enhance the read- ing, writing and speaking and listening skills of all students. The skills of Reading and Writing are assessed in the final exam. The 0500 pro- gramme enables students to develop the ability to read, understand, and respond to a variety of text types; explore how writers achieve their ef- fects and recognize and appreciate themes and attitudes, as well as to construct and convey meaning in written language through a variety of tasks that befit style, audience and purpose. The students will also con- sider strategies for how to retrieveinformation for the purpose of study.

Throughout the two-year programme, students focus on the develop- ment, and understanding of, the spoken word; they will participate in Speaking and Listening tasks which will aim to ensure that they can communicate confidently and appropriately in both formal and infor- mal settings.

Content overview Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to develop practical communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Learners will be pre- sented with a variety of stimuli that will build up their skills in reading and writing.

They will learn to select relevant details, understand the difference be- tween what is directly stated and implied, and practice writing for dif- ferent purposes and audiences. Learners will listen to a range of spo- ken material, including talks and conversations, in order to develop listening skills. Learners will engage in conversations on a variety of topics and develop their skills in responding to different situations and audiences with a degree of accuracy and clarity.

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language will enable learners to become independent users of English, and to be able to use English to communicate effectively in a variety of practical contexts.

The Mathematics syllabus encourages students to make use of Mathe- matics in other subjects and provides a firm foundation for the contin- ued study ofMathematics and other disciplines. Students will be encouraged to develop their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides enjoy- ment. They will develop a feel for numbers and for patterns and relationships in Mathematics. There is a strong emphasis on problems solving as well as presenting and interpreting results. Students will be encouraged to communicate clearly and reason logically using mathe- matical concepts.

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential mathematical knowledge and abil- ity. The Additional Mathematics syllabus is intended for high ability candidates whohave achieved, or are likely to achieve, Grade A*, A or B in the CambridgeIGCSE Mathematics examination. Successful Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics candidates gain lifelong skills,including:

• the further development of mathematical concepts and principles
• the extension of mathematical skills and their use in more advancedtechniques
• an ability to solve problems, present solutions logically and interpret results
• a solid foundation for further study

The Physics syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practical studies leading to an understanding of the basic principles of physics. Students will de- velop scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of Physics; these will be of use in everyday life and can form a basis for more advanced study. Students will gain an awareness of the study and practice of science and will understand that scientific applications have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the individual and the environment. The course will prepare students to become confident citizens in a techno- logical world, and to take aninformed interest in scientific matters.