THE SULTAN'S SCHOOL IGCSE OPTION GUIDE

Transcription

1 THE SULTAN'S SCHOOL IGCSE OPTION GUIDE 1

2 INSIDE Introduction Subjects 5 Arabic 8 Mathematics 9 English Language 10 English Literature 12 Biology 13 Physics 14 Chemistry 15 Drama 16 Enterprise 17 Economics 18 Geography 19 Art and Design 20 Information Technology 22 Music 24 Physical Education 26 The Sultan s School offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Years 10 and 11 (as preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Years 12 and 13). International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) syllabi are designed as two-year courses for examination at age 16-plus. Students entering Year 10 must study six (6) compulsory courses; school based Islamic Education & PE plus 4 compulsory IGCSEs, Arabic, English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. Students should then choose four (4) further subjects according to the following guidelines: Students must choose one subject from Columns B, C and D and then can choose one additional subject. This means that students will have at least one Science, one Humanity and one Creative subject and not more than two sciences. This option choice structure leads seamlessly into the IB option pattern required in Years 12 and 13. Special consideration may be given to do 3 Sciences based on the agreement of the Head of Science. 3

3 A Compulsory Subjects Physical Education B Science Subjects Biology (IGCSE) Arabic (IGCSE) English Language (IGCSE) English Literature (IGCSE) Chemistry (IGCSE) Physics (IGCSE) Islamic Education Mathematics (IGCSE) C Humanities Subjects Enterprise (IGCSE) D Creativity Subjects Art & Design (IGCSE) Economics (IGCSE) Drama (IGCSE) Geography (IGCSE) Music (IGCSE) Physical Education (IGCSE) InformationTechnology (IGCSE) in The Sultan s School. This information will assist students and parents in areas where they are making a choice. 5

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5 Career Choice Guidance When choosing subjects for study at IGCSE it is advisable for students to select subjects based upon career aspirations and future study at International Baccalaureate level. It is wise to consider the following advice: INTRODUC- TION Seek careers advice before choosing your subjects (The Sultan s School has a Careers Advisor); The Sultan s School offers the Try to choose subjects that you are good at and subjects that you enjoy, International General Certificate of Secondary Education as this will make learning interesting and fun; (IGCSE) in Years 10 and 11 (as If you are unsure whether to take one or two sciences, consult the Careers Advisor preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma in and the Head of Science; Years 12 and 13). International Many subjects at IB have compulsory pre-requisites at IGCSE Level. General Certificate of Secondary If you do not study (and pass with a C or better) Chemistry at IGCSE for instance, Education (IGCSE) syllabuses are then you CANNOT opt for Chemistry Standard level at IB in Year 12. designed as two-year courses The same applies to many other subjects; for examination at age 16-plus. Do not be influenced by the choices made by your friends. Choose what is right for you. Students entering Year 10 are able to choose a certain number Remember IGCSE grades are a good indicator of future success at IB. of their courses. These students will have the opportunity to enter IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 in subjects in wa 7

6 Arabic Arabic IGCSE is taught as a first language; it is a twoyear course aimed at enhancing students language skills to achieve the following: continuous effective writing reinforcing the skills of analysis, discussion, and deduction encouraging students to appreciate, evaluate, and enjoy the texts they read enabling students to develop language skills that keep them up to date with scientific and universal issues The IGCSE programme encourages independent study, enabling students to develop the skills of reflection and enquiry using traditional and modern resources; these include poetry (traditional and modern), literature, newspapers, research as well as access to the Internet and the latest information software. Arabic, as a first language programme, encourages students to explore Arabic language and literature within the framework of their own cultural beliefs thus enriching their knowledge of the language and keeping abreast of developments within the modern world. helping students express their experiences and views, both objective and imaginative, when communicating with others building grammar skills through practical methods that differ from traditional methods 8

7 Mathematics The Cambridge IGCSE course in Mathematics provides a very good foundation appropriate to the further study of Mathematics and of other disciplines. Students will have the opportunity to learn mathematical skills and will be expected to apply them in the solution of problems. The syllabus is divided into two parts, core (which is studied by all students), and supplement (which is studied in addition to the core by more able students). the syllabus. The remaining students will continue to study both the core and the supplement components of the course. This decision will determine which examination the student will take. (See assessment below). Assessment The IGCSE grade is based solely on the result of the external examinations taken in May of Year 11. There is a choice of two different examinations: Year 10 On the basis of previous year s achievements and teacher recommendation students will be placed in an Extended group or the Core group. All students will study core and the Extended groups will also study the supplement topics. Students progress will be monitored by tests set internally based on past IGCSE examination questions. These tests will not contribute to the final IGCSE grade. Year 11 At the beginning of Year 11, the Extended students who have achieved an E in Year 10 will be placed in a Core group class that will only study the core component of Core - This examination covers only the core part of the syllabus. Students taking this examination can only be awarded grades C to G. Extended - This examination covers both the core and the supplement part of the syllabus. Students taking this examination can only be awarded grades A to E. Both examinations consist of two papers. The first paper contains short answer questions and accounts for 35% of the final grade; the second paper contains longer structured questions and accounts for 65% of the final grade. 9

8 English Language The Sultan s School is a bilingual school so students are expected to be able to speak, write and understand English to a high level of proficiency. A good command of English increases their employability and gives them access to the ideas and culture of a major world language. Throughout the two year IGCSE course, students will not only develop language skills but will also study a wide range of literary texts. Textual analysis is an integral part of the IGCSE English Language course. We currently offer two separate routes to IGCSE English Language, as follows: 1) IGCSE English as a First Language; 2) IGCSE English as a Second Language. Decisions concerning the most suitable course for each individual student will be made at the end of Year 9, based on the following criteria: Performance in internal tests and examinations; Class performance in oral and written tasks; General level of proficiency in the English language; Recommendation by the English teachers and Head of Department. 10

9 IGCSE English as a First Language The majority of our students will be entered for IGCSE English as a First Language; these students will then progress to the International Baccalaureate (IB) English A Language and Literature in Year 12. Employers and universities recognize that a lower grade from the First Language course is worth more than a higher grade from The Second Language course. The course which has recently changed includes the following components: Reading and Writing worth 50%, testing textual analysis, comprehension and language skills; Directed Writing and Composition worth 50%, testing the ability to articulate ideas and thoughts. Language and Literature course. This course is fully recognised by a growing number of UK and North American universities. The course culminates with three separate examination papers at the end of year 11: Reading and Writing -testing comprehension and creative skills; Listening and Writing in which students must listen to a series of questions and conversations and produce a brief written response; Oral Test students must speak for approximately ten minutes on a topic given by the examiners. English as a Second Language A smaller number of students will be entered for this IGCSE English as a Second Language, which is chosen as a more suitable route for them to gain proficiency in English Language to be able to access the IB A Students will be expected to achieve a passing grade of A*- C for their English Language course to best equip them for the IB Diploma English A course. In the event a student fails to achieve this, then a decision will be made regarding their progress in consultation with the Head of Department and relevant staff. 11

10 English Literature All students, where possible, will embark on the IGCSE English Literature course. This is invaluable preparation for the IB Diploma A Language and Literature course, regardless of whether a student studies First or Second Language English. Throughout the course, students are taught to analyse the techniques authors have used in creating their works of literature and consider their impact on the reader. Analysis is an important skill and students are taught this through the study of IGCSE set texts. These texts consist of one novel, one work of drama and a collection of fifteen poems from a range of different literary periods. This course includes the following assessment components: A coursework portfolioworth 25% - consisting of the best two pieces of written work produced throughout the course; An examinationworth 75% - which includes written essays on each of the texts studied. Study of these texts will be complemented by students private reading and the study of media and other short texts within the IGCSE English Language course. Students will be expected to achieve a passing grade of A*- C for their English Literature course to ensure success in the IB Diploma English A course. In the event a student fails to achieve this, then a decision will be made in consultation with the Head of Department and relevant staff. 12

11 Biology The Biology programme in Years 10 and 11 is a well-designed introduction to the study of living things. Primarily through practical investigative work, a variety of scientific skills, attitudes and a body of biological knowledge are acquired which is a worthwhile educational experience for all students, whether or not they go on to study biology in Years 12 and 13. The scientific method is used throughout the two-year course and its limitations are constantly discussed. Attitudes towards the biological subject matter that reflect accuracy, objectivity, thoughtful enquiry and sustainable use of environmental resources will be encouraged. The content of the two-year course is an essential biological grounding for a wide range of further studies. It includes cell biology, nutrition, transport systems, excretion, sensitivity, reproduction, genetics and ecology. Life issues such as health, human impact on the environment and sustainable resource management have become increasingly topical over recent years. The Biology programme at The Sultan s School will develop skills, attitudes and awareness that will enable our students to make informed decisions in everyday biological applications. 13

12 Physics If you wish to make sense of the world around you, understand your GSM, find out why the sky is blue, how stars shine or digital cameras work, then the study of Physics is for you. Physics is regarded as the fundamental science, through which we try to explain everything from the smallest atom to the whole universe. The study of Physics is therefore the requirement of many university courses and subsequent careers, including engineering, oil exploration, architecture, medical physics and the communications and media industry. Physicists are also readily employed by financial institutions that need analytical minds. Investigative skills play an important part in the course and are assessed by a written exam. These skills include the ability to: devise and plan investigations, selecting appropriate techniques; demonstrate or describe appropriate experimental and investigative methods, including safe and skilful practical techniques; make observations and measurements with appropriate precision and to a suitable number of significant figures, record these methodically and present them in a suitable form; IGCSE Physics offers a course that is practically based and aims to develop problem solving skills and an enquiring mind. The main topics are Forces & Motion, Electricity, Waves, Energy Resources & Transfer, Solids Liquids & Gases, Magnetism & Electromagnetism and Radioactivity & Particles. analyse and interpret data so that they can draw conclusions which are consistent with the evidence from experimental activities, using knowledge and understanding of physics to communicate findings using appropriate specialist vocabulary, relevant calculations and graphs; evaluate data and methods. 14

13 Chemistry Chemistry is all around you: The clothes you are wearing. The fabrics were cut using scissors made of steel extracted by a chemical process. The colours are from dyes synthesised by a chemical process and the fabrics themselves may well have been made from fibres synthesised by a chemical process; Your health. Chemical processes make drugs and medicines to cure and treat diseases and illnesses. Energy. The production of electricity to light and cool your house and the petrol to power your car involves chemistry. Your house. The materials used to build your house; bricks, metals, glass, cement all involved chemical processes to make them; Your food. The fruit and vegetables which you eat were probably grown using fertilizers and treated with pesticides and herbicides; all made by chemical processes. Plastics. Wherever you are there will probably be something close to you made from plastic, a synthetic polymer: Your computer, your pen, the inside of your car, carrier bags, food wrappings, fishing nets etc. All of these made by the chemist. The IGCSE Chemistry course in Years 10 and 11 introduces the three main areas of chemistry: Physical (Energy & Rates of Reaction), Inorganic (the Periodic Table / reactions of elements and compounds), and Organic ( the chemistry of carbon compounds; fuels, foods, plastics). The IGCSE certificate will enable you to study Chemistry at IB level in Years 12 and 13 which qualifies you to eventually specialise in one of the areas above at University. Chemistry is also considered a desirable qualification to accompany Maths and Physics to enter Engineering courses and an essential qualification to enter Medicine. 15

14 Drama Paper 2 Coursework (internally moderated and externally assessed). Each student will submit their 3 most successful pieces of practical work: 2 group pieces (of 15 minutes duration each) and 1 individual piece (of 5 minutes). Their coursework tests their analytical, devising and performance skills. Weighting: 60% Although Practical work is worth 60% of the final grade, it is worth remembering that the theory paper is a challenging test of their ability to coherently write about devised and published plays.this is why this subject is accepted by all universities. IGCSE Drama provides students with an exciting opportunity to not only study a variety of established dramatic texts but to also devise and perform pieces of their own making. They will be given the opportunity to be writers, actors, directors and theatre critics developing their analytical as well as creative skills. Anyone with an interest in performing, who enjoys working with others and who would like to develop their communication and analytical skills, would find this course beneficial and fun! The course is taught over two years and students are assessed in the following ways: Paper 1: A written exam-ination paper (externally assessed) of 2 hours 30 minutes. The students prepare for this paper by creating drama based on 4 pieces of prereleased material: 1 published play extract and 3 stimuli. The paper tests both their analytical (understanding) and devising skills through two essays and twelve short answer questions - Weighting: 40% 16 16

15 Enterprise IGCSE Enterprise is a new subject to the Sultan s School and encourages students to develop their understanding of the business environment and the practical skills associated with running a small business. The syllabus delivers the opportunity to study Enterprise in a local as well as a global context while also working to develop a student s skills of investigation, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and practical problem solving. This is done in a practical and engaging way through running their own enterprise project or activity. The syllabus will include work on an Introduction to Enterprise in all its forms and at all levels, Setting up a New Enterprise, Entrepreneurial Skills, Business Opportunities and Risk, Negotiation, Understanding Finance, Business Planning, Markets and Customers, Help and Support for Enterprise, Business Communications. Assessments will be looking for development of Knowledge and Understanding; the Application of Entrepreneurial Skills and the Ability to Solve Entrepreneurial Problems. Individual and group work will be assessed. The students will be examined on their knowledge through a one and a half hour exam paper at the end of the course based upon a case study they have already seen. They will answer short and structured response questions in Section A and longer, more open ended questions in Section B. These questions will be based upon the case study and organisations they have studied during the programme. This will make up 50% of the final grade. The second form of assessment will be based on a portfolio of structured evidence collected by the student during the operation of an enterprise activity or project. This will be the other half of the final grade. All external assessment is expected to be examined during the second half of the course. Enterprise provides a base for future studies in Business and Economics at higher levels, such as the IB programmes. It is designed to give students experience of actual business activity and some understanding of the theoretical subject matter. A student who completes the Enterprise programme will have something to talk about at interviews related to their own experience and should be able to talk with knowledge about what makes a business tick. 17

16 Economics Economics is the study of the production of goods and services; specifically, what things are produced, how they are produced and who they are produced for. Economics is concerned with making the best use of the world s resources. Economics is a comparatively specialised subject, while Business Studies is rather broader in nature, but the two subjects share some common elements throughout the courses. The subject is divided into Macroeconomics, which is the study of the behaviour of small groups of businesses and their customers, and macroeconomics, which involves investigating whole national economies, both local and international. Both parts will be covered with theory studies and practical examples during the course. The course covers a wide range of economic theory and includes specialised vocabulary and essay writing. Some mathematics is used. Class work will include real-life examples from newspapers and also case study material. There are three final examination papers at the end of the course involving multiple-choice questions, long and short written answers and essays. Interest and knowledge of world current affairs is a major requirement of the course. Students may be interviewed to assess their interest in the programme if the course is oversubscribed or if their Year 9 grades suggest they would struggle with the Economics material. 18

17 Geography The study of Geography involves examining spatial patterns on the earth s surface with a view to understanding the various factors, both physical and human, which have brought about a particular pattern. It is both a Humanity and a Science in that it concerns itself with human interaction and decisionmaking and also with the physical sciences such as Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography to name but a few. It is for this reason, an excellent background study for many career areas and provides students with a much deeper understanding of the world they live in. environments. Together with a wider understanding of different communities and cultures throughout the world, students will come to appreciate the contrasting opportunities and constraints presented by different environments. All candidates will take Paper 1 which will feature three topics. Population and Settlement The Natural Environment Economic Development and the use of Resources In the IGCSE curriculum, students will be encouraged to develop a sense of place and an understanding of relative location on a local, regional and global scale. Through a study of the characteristics and distribution of a selection of contrasting physical and human environments, students will come to understand some of the processes which affect the development of these environments. They will gain an insight into the spatial effects of the ways in which people interact with each other and with their Paper 2 will be mainly skills-based and will test the candidate s ability to handle geographical information. Part of this paper will involve analysis of a large scale Ordnance Survey Map. Candidates must also complete either Paper 3 which comprises coursework consisting a two school-based assignments or Paper 4, Alternative to Coursework, which will feature a number of tasks relating to one or more of the topics featured in Paper 1. 19

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19 Art and Design IGCSE Art is an exciting course that gives students the opportunity to study from a large variety of art styles, movements and materials and use what they learn to develop their own style, techniques and understanding of Art and its history. Students are encouraged to work creatively and produce imagery that reflects the world around them. The Art course is structured in such a way that students are able to research, develop, refine and conclude an idea, encouraging a subjective and individual approach to set tasks. Assessment Towards the end of the first year students select two components from the list of options below: Component 1 - Observation Paper 50% each An externally set exam paper that allows 8 weeks preparation time to complete two sheets (four sides) of supporting studies on A2 paper. In addition, an 8 hour Observational exam that requires the student to complete an A2 size artwork in any medium of their choice. OR Component 1 - Interpretive Paper 50% each An externally set exam paper that allows 8 weeks preparation time to complete two sheets (four sides) of supporting studies on A2 paper. In addition, an 8 hour interpretive exam that requires you to complete an A2 size artwork in any medium of your choice. WITH Component 3 Critical studies (50%) This component is a combination of written work, supported by drawings and other artwork. There is a word limit of no more than 2000 words, and should again be no larger than A2. This course would suit a student who has a particular ability to work through tasks in a dedicated manner and who possess a good level of natural ability and talent in drawing. 21

20 Information and Communication Technology ICT at IGCSE level is the applied study of computing. Over the two-year course, candidates will become familiar with the types of software available, the range of Information Technology knowledge and skills, and also with their uses in practical contexts through: Practical Skills Students should be able to: 1. use and the Internet to gather and communicate information; 2. use word processing facilities to prepare documents; 3. use database facilities to manipulate data to solve problems and represent data graphically; 4. integrate data from different sources into a single document or report; 5. produce output in a specified format; 6. use a spreadsheet to create and test a data model, extracting and summarising data; 7. create a structured website with style sheets, tables and hyperlinks; 8. create and control an interactive presentation. Knowledge and Understanding Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to: 1. the functions of the main hardware and software components of computer systems; 2. the networking of information-processing systems; 3. the ways in which information technology is used and the effects of its use; 4. the stages and methods of system analysis and design; 5. computing terminology. The six main over-riding aims are as follows: 1. help students to develop and consolidate their knowledge, skills and understanding in Information Technology; 22

21 2. encourage students to develop further as autonomous users of Information Technology; 3. encourage students to continue to develop their Information Technology skills in order to enhance their work in a variety of subject areas; 4. provide opportunities for students to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate Information Technology systems; 5. encourage students to consider the impact of new technologies on methods of working in the outside world and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues; 6. help students to grow in their awareness of the ways in which Information Technology is used in practical and work-related situations. This course is assessed at the end of Year 11 with each candidate sitting 3 exams: Paper 1: Theory with a combination of short and extended responses, 40% ; Paper 2: Practical exam working through Objective A, parts 1-5, 30% ; Paper 3: Practical exam working through Objective A, parts 6-8, 30%. All papers are marked externally. 23

22 Music The study of Music at IGCSE level presents students in Years 10 and 11 with a wonderful opportunity to develop their listening, composing and performing skills to a much higher level than before and to pursue their own individual interests in the process. The course as a whole offers just the right balance of discipline and flexibility, combining solid foundations with the freedom for students to express themselves in their own way. The course is divided into 3 interdependent sections: Performing (30% of the final grade). By the end of the course students will have submitted two recordings for assessment, one of a solo work and a performance as part of an ensemble. Clearly those who have been taking instrumental lessons will already be in a position to work towards top marks in this area and it is an expectation that all students will have a weekly instrumental lesson to supplement their curriculum music lessons. Composing (30% of the final grade). Students will experience composing in a wide variety of musical styles from Classical to jazz and pop. Using up to date recording and notation software as well as keyboards and their own instruments. They are introduced to a range of composing techniques taken from past and present masters, musicians from different cultures and, most important of all, their own exploration and discovery. Over the period of the course students will compose several pieces and 24 then select two compositions to be submitted for assessment. Listening (40% of the final grade). As well as supporting their composing and performing skills, the art of listening to music helps students to understand how people express themselves the world over, whether through the various periods of musical history (Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary, including jazz and pop), or through a selection of the world s cultures, such as South America, Africa, China, Japan, India and Indonesia. There is also the opportunity to study one set work and one musical culture in more detail. Assessment takes the form of a written examination in which students respond to questions based on what they hear in a series of pre-recorded musical extracts. Since the performing and composing domains are both assessed as coursework and together account for 60% of the final grade, it follows that students taking IGCSE Music will need to devote an appropriate amount of time to regular practice in these areas. It would also be essential for them to gain experience by participation in concerts and other school events. All in all, there is an exciting opportunity here not just for instrumentalists, singers and composers, but for anyone with a genuine interest in the world of music to use our excellent resources and facilities to further their musical knowledge and expand their creative skills.

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24 Physical Education The IGCSE syllabus provides students 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 the students to develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance. At the end of the course, there is a written examination paper which accounts for 40% of the final grade. Coursework counts for the other 60%. Paper 1: 40% Paper 1 is made up of three units: Factors Affecting Performance Health, Safety and Training Reason Opportunities for Participation in Physical Activity. The question paper consists of short answer and structured questions on each of the three units. Coursework: 60% Coursework is made up of six categories of practical activity: Games Gymnastic Activities Dance Athletic Activities Outdoor and Adventurous Activities Swimming Coursework requires students to offer a minimum of four activities from two of the six categories. In assessing the practical activities, the following assessment objectives must be met: Planning, Performing and Evaluating 50% (A practical element) Analysing and Improving 10% (A written piece of coursework) 26

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27 The Sultan s School IGCSE Subject Preference Form All students will study Arabic, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Islamic Studies and Curriculum PE. In addition, they need to choose FOUR extra subjects. Subject Group B- The Sciences Tick FOUR subject only ( ) First Choice Tick TWO extra subject as a reserve choice( ) Reserve Choice Please tick FOUR subjects in the first list on the left indicating your preferred choices. Then tick two subjects in the second column for your reserved choice. Please ensure you choose at least ONE science, ONE humanity and ONE creative or vocational subject. Physics Chemistry Biology Mr Trevor's Signature required for 3 sciences Please note: 3 Sciences are only offered to students who have consistently achieved excellent grades in Year 9 Science and are only accessed at the discretion of the Head of Science. Parents should also note that choosing three Sciences should only be for those confirmed in a career choice that requires three sciences and that it can limit the student's ability to change career choices. This is only required for Medicine at SQU. Parent's Signature : Date : Student's Name : Student's Signature: Group C- The Humanities Geography Enterprise Economics Group D- The Creative & Vocational Subjects Art & Design Drama Music Information Technology Physical Education Please return to school via your son or daughter s Home Room Teacher no later than Monday 19th March 2012

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