IGCSE/GCSE PROGRAMME OF STUDY - Malvern College
IGCSE/GCSE PROGRAMME OF STUDYThe Malvern CollegeIGCSE/GCSE Information Booklet for pupilstaking IGCSE/GCSEs in 2023
Table of ContentsThe IGCSE/GCSE Years: Compulsory andOptional Subjects, from September 20215COMPULSORY SUBJECTSEnglish8Mathematics8Studying Sciences for IGCSE9Biology10Chemistry10Physics11English as an Additional Languagecompulsory for pupils who are notnative-speakers of English11Life Skills & Ethics12OPTIONAL SUBJECTSArt, Craft and Design14Classical Civilisation14Computer Science15Design and k20History20Latin21Music21Photography (Lens-based Media)23Physical Education24Religious Studies25Spanish253
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The IGCSE/GCSE Years: Compulsory andOptional Subjects, from September 2021In the Remove (Year 10), pupils will study the curriculumshown below:COMPULSORY SUBJECTS English Language and English Literature (leadingto two GCSEs) Mathematics SciencesThere is a choice of taking either Double AwardScience or Triple Award Science. In order to takeTriple Award Science, pupils must use one of theirfive optional subject choices. Triple Award Scienceis a rigorous though rewarding course. Pupils arewelcome to discuss their suitability for the TripleAward course with their current science teachers.In a minority of cases, the Science department mayadvise against taking Triple Award Science. Thosepupils taking Double Award Science study all threeSciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) separatelybut are awarded two IGCSE grades for Science. Thosepupils taking Triple Award Science are awarded threeIGCSE grades.Pupils planning to study in Germany either at SixthForm or University level will need to take the TripleAward Science course because the Double Awardcourse is not recognised as a qualification in Germany. English as an Additional Language (EAL); Allnon-native English speaking pupils who arestudying English as an Additional Language (EAL)in the Foundation Year must continue with it in theRemove and Hundred. Life Skills & EthicsOPTIONAL SUBJECTSPupils may choose FIVE subjects from the list below.Pupils taking Learning Enhancement lessons maychoose FOUR optional subjects if they wish to leavespace in their timetables to accommodate their LearningEnhancement lessons.GreekHistoryLatinMusicPhotographyPhysical EducationReligious StudiesSpanishTriple Award Science (See notes in the section aboveheaded ‘Sciences’)SUBJECT BLOCKINGThe blocking of the subjects will be constructed after theinitial choices have been made so that as many pupilsas possible can study their first-choice combination ofoptional subjects.PROCEDURE FOR CHOOSING OPTIONSPupils will be asked to make provisional choices shortlyafter half term in the Lent Term, in consultationwith their Parents, Form Tutor and Housemaster orHousemistress. Such choices are not irrevocable. Theywill, however, be used to place the options into blocks.The consultation process will continue thereafter and bythe end of the Summer Term it is expected that almostall pupils will have made up their minds and chosentheir subjects.SETTING IN THE REMOVEIn most subjects, those located in the option blocks,setting will be determined by the subject combinationselected by the individual pupil, and so sets will be mixedability. The only exception here is where there is morethan one set in a subject in a particular option block,for example in Latin, and they may be set by ability inthat subject. In Mathematics and Double Award Science,setting will be by ability. In English there is a streamedtop and second set, a set for those who find Englishchallenging, and in between three mixed ability sets.Please note that Computer Science GCSE is challengingmathematically and so would not be suitable for pupilsin the lower Foundation Year Mathematics sets or fornew entrants who do not perform strongly in theirMathematics entrance test.Art and DesignClassical CivilisationComputer Science (See note above)Design TechnologyDramaFrenchGeographyGerman5
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Compulsory Subjects7
EnglishMathematicsThroughout the Remove and the Hundred Years,pupils are made aware that our higher aims (higher,that is, than the mere accumulation of precious IGCSEcertificates – none more precious than IGCSE English)are to teach effective communication in the world’s firstinternational language and to foster the enjoyment ofreading with discernment. Accordingly, we aim to buildon work completed in the Foundation Year and to lookforward to the pleasures and challenges of still deeperEnglish studies in the Sixth Form.The Mathematics Department prepares most sets forthe Higher Level Edexcel IGCSE, with the top two setsbeing prepared for the AQA Level 2 Further Mathematicscourse. These exams are sat in the Summer session,although the top set will take the IGCSE in January ofthe Hundred.Pupils have three periods of English in the Remove. Thereis some setting according to ability, though it is normalalso to have some parallel ‘middle’ sets. All sets have fourperiods per week in the Hundred. Pupils normally havethe same teacher throughout the two-year course. TheDepartment currently follows the Edexcel IGCSE EnglishLanguage and the Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Literaturecurriculums.We aspire to be genuinely independent, offering acourse that challenges and stimulates pupils beyondthe bounds of the standard GCSE curriculum. Thus,alongside functional reading and writing skills, all setsstudy a range of texts including plays by Shakespeare anda range of poetry, prose and drama selected from a broadsweep of geographical areas and historical periods. Thiswill lead to the award of two IGCSE qualifications. TheEnglish Language qualification includes a courseworkcomponent in addition to the examination, whereasthe Literature qualification is purely assessed throughexamination. Both provide the opportunity to prepareour pupils for either the IB or A Level.In the Remove all sets follow a common course untilnear the end of the first term, when some re-setting takesplace. The top set then pull away and aim to complete90% of the IGCSE syllabus by the end of the year. Thelowest set aims to complete, and be accomplished on,the Foundation Level syllabus by the end of that year.In recent years the lowest set have then attempted theFoundation exam in the summer; those that pass havethe option to push on to Higher Tier and get a highergrade, and those that do not get a pass (level 4) gradecan re-attempt in the following year.The IGCSE course is a good preparation for Mathematicsin the Sixth Form (a high 7 is really the minimum gradeneeded for progress to be made at that level, but an 8/9is recommended), as the course contains some integraltopics such as calculus and function work in additionto the standard GCSE topics of algebraic manipulation,numeracy, trigonometry, geometry and data handling.Able pupils are encouraged to look beyond thesyllabus, through opportunities to participate innational competitions such as Intermediate MathsChallenge and the Year 10 Team Challenge, as well asin-house initiatives which include a House MathematicsCompetition, occasional lectures and trips away. Forpupils who struggle with Mathematics there is extensivesupport provided either through extra tuition or severalclinics during the week.For a calculator, we strongly recommend that pupilsobtain the CASIO ClassWiz as the model which willbest support them. This is most desirable for progressingto A-level and has superior functionality to more basicmodels.8
Studying Science Subjects in The Removeand HundredAt the end of the Foundation Year the science optionsare:Either: Double Award IGCSE ScienceIn this option pupils continue to take each Sciencesubject for two periods per week. The qualification isequivalent to 2 IGCSEs in Science.Or: Triple Award IGCSE ScienceIn this option pupils study each Science subject for threeperiods per week. The Science subjects are assessed andgraded separately and pupils will achieve 3 IGCSEs inBiology, Chemistry and Physics.Pupils planning to study in Germany either at Sixth Formor University level will need to take the Triple Award sciencecourse because the Double award course is not recognised asa qualification in Germany.REASONS FOR DOING DOUBLE AWARD SCIENCE:You do like Science, but you want to study anothersubject at GCSE which would not be possible if you didTriple Award Science.You don’t like Science and want to do as little of it aspossible!REASONS FOR DOING TRIPLE AWARD SCIENCES:You really like Science and you want to do as much ofit as possible.You like Science and doing all three Sciences doesn’tprevent you from doing all the other subjects you wantto do at GCSE.You are considering studying a Science subject atuniversity or in following a career involving some aspectof Science.Although Double Award Science is a reasonablepreparation for studying Science subjects in the SixthForm, it is recommended that anyone wishing totake science in the Sixth Form at A Level or IB Higherlevel should consider taking the Triple Award Sciencecourses. The additional syllabus material covered inTriple Award Science subjects provides a more extensivesubject knowledge base and explores the applications ofScience and the impact of Science in society in greaterdetail. The extra time allocated to Triple Award Sciencesalso provides a greater opportunity to develop thosepractical, analytical and interpretive skills that are soimportant in modern Science courses in the Sixth Formand at university.9
BiologyChemistryThe Edexcel IGCSE Biology course provides a broadfoundation for pupils who may wish to continue thesubject in the Sixth Form or at university after leavingschool. Biology is a very important subject for anyoneconsidering Medicine or Veterinary Medicine as a careerbut it is also valuable as a qualification for any numberof other career areas.The Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry courses provides a goodpreparation for both ‘A’ level and the Higher Level of theInternational Baccalaureate, and is a stimulating andchallenging course with plenty of good opportunitiesfor interesting practical work. Chemistry is essential forany pupils who wish to apply for medical, veterinaryor dentistry courses, as well as some engineeringcourses. As well as this Chemistry is the most widelyaccepted subject for University courses such as Law andAccountancy since it develops mathematical as well aslogical reasoning skills.The course sets out to provide pupils with solid knowledgeand understanding of biological facts and principlesas well as associated ethical, social, environmental,economic and technological issues. Pupils will betaught to apply their knowledge to new situations andassess the validity of biological information. Practicalwork will form an important part of the course andpupils will develop skills in planning and carrying outinvestigations, making and recording observations andmeasurements, drawing conclusions and evaluatingdata.There will be no assessment of practical courseworkin the IGCSE course. Instead pupils will sit writtenexaminations that assesses both theoretical knowledgeand practical skills.The major themes studied in the course are: The nature and variety of living organismsStructure and function of living organismsReproduction and inheritanceEcology and the environmentThe use of biological resourcesThese themes are common to both the Double Awardand Triple Award Biology courses. In the Triple AwardBiology course these themes are explored in greaterdepth.SPECIFICATION DETAILS:Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Science (DoubleAward) (4SD0)Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1)The topics you will study are briefly listed below:Principles of ChemistryStates of matter, atoms, atomic structure, bonding,electrolysis*, formulae and equations, practicaltechniques, calculating amounts of substancesInorganic ChemistryThe periodic table, group 1, group 7, gases in theatmosphere, reactivity series, extraction and uses ofmetals*, acids and alkalis, salts, tests for ions and gasesOrganic chemistryCrude oil, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols*, carboxylic acids*,esters*, polymersPhysical chemistryEnergetics, rates of reaction, equilibriaChemistry taken as part of Triple Award Science covers allthese topics whilst Chemistry taken as part of the DoubleAward deals with the same topics, except those markedwith an asterisk*, but in slightly less depth and detail.There will be no assessment of practical courseworkin the IGCSE course. Instead, pupils will sit writtenexaminations that assess both theoretical knowledgeand understanding of practical procedures.SPECIFICATION DETAILSPearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (DoubleAward) (4SD0)Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)10
PhysicsThe Physics element of both Double Award and TripleAward Science provides a good preparation for both‘A’ level and the International Baccalaureate and is astimulating and challenging course with plenty of goodopportunities for interesting practical work. There is nocoursework element.The topics you will study are briefly listed below: Motion and ForcesEnergy, Work and PowerThermal Physics and HeatSound and Light WavesElectricity and MagnetismAtomic Physics and RadioactivityAstrophysics.The basic topics are the same whether you do DoubleAward or Triple Award Science, but if you do Triple AwardSciences each topic is looked at in slightly more depth.SPECIFICATION DETAILSPearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (DoubleAward) (4SD0)Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)English as anAdditional Language(compulsory for pupils who arenot native-speakers of English)All pupils whose first language is not English studyEAL. The work in the Remove focuses on not only theproduction of grammatically correct English but also thespecific writing styles and techniques needed in otheracademic subjects. We use course books and authenticmaterial to develop vocabulary and include culturaltopics in which the diversity of background within thesmall group can be exploited and enjoyed.As part of their language development pupils areprepared in the Hundred for the International EnglishLanguage Testing System (IELTS) examination, whichis accepted by all British universities and many othersaround the world, as the most effective test of Englishlanguage and skills. This gives a score rather than a pass/fail result.The course covers the wide range of skills needed tostudy successfully in an English academic environment,including detailed Reading and Listening, differentwriting styles and expression for specific academictopics. It also requires an awareness and knowledge ofthe culture and society of both the United Kingdom andthe native country, for discussion in both the longeressay and the Oral examination. The scores gained in thefour sections are averaged to produce the Band Score. Abasic band score of 6.5 is the minimum level for entryto the Sixth Form in the absence of GCSE English atgrade C.11
Life Skills & EthicsIn the Remove pupils have one lesson of Life Skills andEthics per week and these focus on mental health,healthy relationships and sex education, role modelsand social and emotional risks of drug/alcohol use,Philosophy and Ethics, finance and citizenship.The pupils have five lessons on each topic and rotatearound the teachers all of who deliver a specialist area,supported by the Head of Life Skills.Topics Mental health and Stigma, positive on-linereputation Financial Risk and Awareness and Citizenship Relationship and sex education Role Models social and emotional risks of Alcoholand Drugs Online Reputation Philosophy Ethics Careers exploration12
Optional Subjects13
Art, Craft and DesignClassical CivilisationArt, Craft and Design provides an opportunity forstudents to express their creative ideas whilst developingwork that is of a technically high standard. This OCRGCSE can offer the first step for those who may wish topursue an eventual career in any visual, media or creativediscipline. Art is often required for related Universitystudies, for example Architecture, Restoration, andHistory of Art.Classical Civilisation is aimed at pupils who have aninterest in learning more about the myths, culture,literature and society of the Classical Greek and Romanworlds. The two-year OCR GCSE course in the Removeand Hundred comprises the detailed study of three ofthe following topics:The OCR GCSE course encourages pupils to developpersonal projects across a range of relevant media andprocesses. A series of workshops in areas such as painting,printmaking, textiles, digital imaging, and photographyfurther strengthen the range of media contained withinprojects. Students are encouraged to study the work ofothers’ through visual analysis and reflective writing.A number of visits to galleries and museums informand give context to projects. The course demands highstandards and to be successful students need to be opento exploring new ideas, have a capacity for hard work anda growing passion for Art, craft and design.COURSE STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENTThe course is assessed by means of a coursework portfoliocomprising work produced throughout the two yearcourse; this comprises 60% of the qualification. TheExternally Set Component is completed in the secondyear of the course and consists of a preparatory periodand 10 hour controlled test, comprising 40% of theGCSE.AREAS OF STUDY Drawing and Painting Digital Imaging Textiles Printmaking Photography Installation Myth and ReligionWomen in the Ancient WorldThe World of HomerRoman City LifeWar and WarfareMany learners come to Classical Civilisation due to a loveof the mythology of the ancient world – so mythologyforms a central part of this GCSE course. Learners willstudy myths relating to the role of the gods and heroes inthe founding of Athens and Rome and the importance ofHeracles/Hercules to both the Greek and Roman world.Also, the study of temples, sacrifice, festivals, deathand beliefs in the afterlife will give a broad overview ofreligion in the ancient world, and provides opportunityfor the study of a wide variety of material remains. Thereare many famous women in classical myth and legend –from Helen of Troy to Cleopatra – and learners will enjoylearning about these figures in more depth and exploringhow the ancient world thought about these figures. Sincethe exploits of epic heroes are one of the most popularareas of study for learners, Homer’s Odyssey forms theliterature element of the World of Homer component.For the Roman City Life Component, examining typicalRoman housing makes learning tangible and relatablefor learners, as does the study of education and thelives of young people in the Roman world. The War andWarfare component focuses on Athens and Sparta in the5th century BC and on Rome in the Imperial period, andlearners will also study key battles, the way in whichwarfare was and is viewed and the cultural impact ofconflicts, including the human cost of war – all of whichmake this component a moving area of study for learnerswhich has clear relevance to the modern world.Pupils are assessed at regular intervals throughout thecourse and also by internal examinations in June of theRemove year, and Trial Examinations in January andthree 9-1 GCSE examination papers in May-June of theHundred year.The course not only provides useful backgroundknowledge and skills for pupils wishing to study ClassicalCivilisation in the Sixth Form, but also complementsthe study of Latin, Classical Greek, English, History,Philosophy and, of course, Modern Languages.14
Computer ScienceThe OCR GCSE Computer Science course serves asan introduction to the world of professional softwaredevelopment. It combines the development of atheoretical basis for how computers work with ahands-on practical approach allowing the studentsto develop programming skills by writing high-levelprogramming languages. The course will be taughtwith the program
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1) The Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry courses provides a good preparation for both ‘A’ level and the Higher Level of the International Baccalaureate, and is a stimulating and challenging course with plenty of good opportunities for interesting practical work. Chemistry is essential for
IGCSE First Language English 12 IGCSE World Literature 13 IGCSE English as a Second Language 14 . IGCSE Business Studies 19 IGCSE Global Perspectives 21 IGCSE Geography 22 IGCSE History 23 IGCSE Sciences 24 IGCSE Cambridge Mathematics Extended & Core 26 . At BISP, Year 12 and 13 (Key Stage Five) students study the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP .
IGCSE ARABIC for Native Arabic Speakers - Edexcel 11 GCSE ART & DESIGN - Edexcel 13 IGCSE BUSINESS STUDIES - Cambridge 15 IGCSE ECONOMICS - Cambridge 17 IGCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE - Cambridge 19 GCSE DRAMA - Edexcel 20 IGCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE - Cambridge 22 IGCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE - Edexcel 22 IGCSE GEOGRAPHY - Edexcel 25
University of Cambridge International Examinations London GCE AS/A-Level / IGCSE / GCSE Edexcel International. 6 Examination Date in 2011 Cambridge IGCSE Oct/Nov X 9 Cambridge GCE / May/Jun 9 9 London GCE London GCSE May/Jun 9 X Chinese London IGCSE Jan X 9 Cambridge IGCSE / May/Jun 9 9 London IGCSE London GCE Jan 9 9 Cambridge GCE Oct/Nov X 9 Private Candidates School Candidates Exam Date. 7 .
IGCSE English Literature and IGCSE First Language English Students begin a two-year course, covering two IGCSE subjects: 1) English Literature, and 2) First Language English. The study culminates in the examinations of the IGCSE papers set by the Cambridge International Examinat
IGCSE Mathematics –the motivation for top end . B ABCambridge IGCSE November 2013 Paper 4 (Extended) Question 2 OCR Linear GCSE November 2013 Paper 4 (Higher) Question 16. New GCSE AO1 GCSE–Use and apply standard techniques .
14 GCSE Maths in a Week (Foundation) GCSE MATHS EXAM STRUCTURE Your GCSE Maths (Foundation) examination is comprised ofthree sections: Paper 1: Non-Calculator 1 hour and 30 minutes 33.3% of GCSE Marks out of 80 Paper 2: Calculator 1 hour and 30 minutes 33.3% of GCSE Marks out of 80 Paper 3: Calculator 1 hour and 30 minutes 33.3% of GCSE Marks .
Specifications for GCSE Physics include the physics and How Science Works content from GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science. In addition, they include further extension topics in physics. Taken together, GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics cover the entire science Programm
SHAPING A BETTER WORLD SINCE 1845. VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS 10 –12 SEPTEMBER 2020 . Average 6B (1A in profile) at GCSE or average BBB at AS-level . PPE 1A 6B at GCSE or BBB at AS-level 1A 6B at GCSE or BBB at AS-level MEng GCSE - 6B GCSE - 6B Midwifery GCSE - 5B including Maths and Science GCSE - 5B inc
