IGCSE Information Booklet 2020-2021 en

LUCTON SCHOOL SHANGHAI

IGCSE Information Booklet 2020-2021

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IGCSE Information Booklet

2020-2021



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Lucton School Shanghai,

A British Education.

A British education is acknowledged around the globe as a proven route to the world’s best universities. The aim of a

British education is to produce well rounded individuals who are not only equipped with knowledge and skills but are

also able to think independently, critically and creatively.

Drawing on more than 300 years of educational tradition; teaching at Lucton School Shanghai recognises that practice is

a vital part of learning, but the practice used must also develop conceptual understanding. Students are encouraged to

apply facts, skills and concepts in unfamiliar situations and in problem solving scenarios. Students are taught through

whole-class interactive and collaborative teaching, where the focus is on working together. This ensures that all students

master concepts before moving to the next part of the curriculum sequence, allowing no student to be left behind. If a

student fails to grasp a concept or procedure, this is identified quickly and teacher intervention ensures students are

ready to move forward with the whole class in the next lesson. As part of a carefully sequenced journey through learning,

a typical lesson involves the teacher leading back and forth interaction, questioning, short tasks, explanation,

demonstration, and discussion. We insist that our students are productively and actively engaged in all our lessons.

The bedrock of the Lucton approach to teaching is its curriculum and its qualifications; The British National Curriculum

is world renowned for its rigour and coherence and it provides the framework upon which all of the qualifications taken

by students at Lucton School Shanghai are based. In Year 10 and Year 11 Lucton Students will take International General

Certificate of Education or IGCSE courses in a number of subjects. IGCSE is the world’s most popular international

qualification for 14-16 year olds, taken in more than 160 countries. More than 3000 schools worldwide offer IGCSEs and

many of the top UK independent schools have recently switched to IGCSEs. The IGCSE is recognised around the world

by employers and universities as a gold standard in education.

Every year more than a million students from more than 10000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future with an

international education from becoming confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged students, equipped for

success in the modern world. The IGCSE programme at Lucton is designed to prepare learners for the transition to

Advanced Levels or A Levels and offers students breadth of study whilst allowing for some specialisation. The exam

boards we use to provide our qualifications: Cambridge Assessment International Examinations and Oxford International

AQA Examinations are internationally respected providers. Their examinations prepare students for life, helping them

develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. Cambridge IGCSEs offer a flexible and stimulating

curriculum, supported with excellent resources and training. IGCSE develops skills in creative thinking, enquiry and

problem solving. International GCSEs give students the chance to achieve an 'exceptional' grade 9, reflecting the new 9 -

1 grading introduced in England in 2017. Oxford AQA allows students to enhance their programmes with student-led,

research-based projects. These help to foster creativity, initiative and learner independence – helping students to prepare

for their next stage of education and stand out from the crowd when they apply to university.

Students joining Lucton School in Year 10 and Year 11 are entering a crucial phase of their education. Perhaps for the first

time, they are making choices about which courses they will study. This information booklet is designed to outline the

possible choices students have and to give them information about the individual courses so that they can make an



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informed choice about which subjects they will study. The choices students make for IGCSE may have an impact on

what they go on to study at Advanced Level and subsequently their degree choice at university, it is therefore critical that

students are aware of all the relevant information when they make their choices.

Students are expected to study a range of IGCSE subjects, some of which are compulsory and some of which the students

choose, these are the Elective subjects. It may suit some students to have a reduced programme of IGCSEs so they can

concentrate on extra language or other support to achieve their best in examination courses. Special Educational Needs

and English as a Second Language staff may offer their advice and guidance to parents in such cases.

Although we offer advice and may make recommendations we do not make choices of electives subjects for students. We

do however recommend that the following advice and guidance is taken into account when making decisions about

options: students should consider subjects which they already enjoy and have a talent for, they should look ahead, giving

thought to the future and students should take into consideration those subjects which they may want to study at A Level

and possibly at university.

Core Curriculum

Year 10 Students starting in Year 10 on a two-year IGCSE programme, have four (4) compulsory subjects and may choose four

(4) elective subjects.

Compulsory Elective IGCSE English as Second Language

or

IGCSE English Language

IGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE Global Perspectives

IGCSE Chinese Language

IGCSE Additional Mathematics

IGCSE Physics

IGCSE Chemistry

IGCSE Business

IGCSE Economics

IGCSE Art and Design

IGCSE Computer Science

IGCSE Physical Education (PE)

GCSE Psychology

IGCSE Design and Technology

IGCSE Music

IGCSE Biology

GCSE Japanese

In addition to their IGCSEs students may choose an International GCSE Plus. This is a 2000 word project or essay on a

subject of their own choosing.



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Compulsory Subjects

English as a Second Language Oxford International AQA Examinations

Summary

Designed for students whose first language is not English, but who use English for their studies. The course will enable

students of all abilities to develop the four essential language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking to support

effective communication in their further study or career. In addition, the courses seek to develop learners’ speaking and

listening skills, including their ability to formulate both written and spoken Standard English. Independent learning is an

essential component of this course. English is a vital part of every learner’s education and will inform and aid their learning

across all curriculum areas.

Students will read, understand and analyse a variety of texts, presented in different styles covering a range of topics,

including factual and literary text.

Assessment

Paper 1: Writing.

Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 60 marks (30%).

There are four tasks which test a range of writing skills.

Paper 2: Reading.

Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 60marks (30%).

Short answer questions and multiple choice questions in response to written passages – 60 marks.

Paper 3: Listening.

Written exam: 45 minutes 40 marks (20%).

Students will be asked to listen to and answer questions on a range of spoken texts – 40 marks.

Paper 4: Speaking.

Non-exam assessment 10 minutes +preparation time 40 marks (20%).

Photo-card – 15 marks (3 – 4 minutes)

General conversation – 25 marks (6– 7 minutes).

Audio recorded by teacher and marked by examiner.



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Compulsory Subjects

English Language Oxford International AQA Examinations

Summary

This International GCSE qualification enables students to develop specific skills in inference, exploration, language

analysis and deduction, alongside the more general skills of selection, synthesis and organisation.

The alternative Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) option to Paper 2 will appeal to students of all abilities who wish to

pursue an individual area of study. With its focus on independent research and learning and the development of study

skills, it provides an invaluable preparation for higher level study.

Subject Content

1. Literary non-fiction and composition

2. Source-based reading and directed writing

3. Non-exam assessment

4. Speaking and listening (Elective endorsement) ‘

Assessment

Speaking and listening (Elective endorsement) +

Each student will undertake one extended task, which will be a presentation or an interview with extended turns.

Teacher assessed and AQA moderated

Paper 1: Literary non-fiction and composition

Students answer all questions from Section A and answer one question from Section B.

Written exam: 2 hours 80 marks 60% of International GCSE

Questions

Section A: Literary non-fiction (40 marks)

Students will be given a single text for close study. The text will be divided into sections with questions.

At least one question will relate to the whole text.

Section B: Composition (40 marks)

There will be three tasks from which students choose one: descriptive, imaginative, argumentative and/or discursive.



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Compulsory Subjects

Mathematics Oxford International AQA Examinations

Summary

Mathematics is a core aspect of a balanced and varied education. In Mathematics we aim to instil in our students the

ability to reason creatively and critically and to approach problem solving logically. The Oxford AQA course is designed

to provide a solid platform for further study, including Additional Maths and Maths A Level.

Oxford AQA International GCSE Mathematics has two tiers, Core (grades 1 – 5) and Extension (grades 4 – 9).

Candidates may follow either the Core curriculum or the Extension curriculum.

Syllabus summary

Number, Structure and calculation, Fractions, decimal and percentages, Ratio and proportion, Algebra, Notation and

manipulation, Functions, graphs and calculus, Solving equations and inequalities, Sequences, Geometry and measures,

Properties and constructions, Mensuration and basic calculus, Transformations, Matrices and Vectors, Probability and

statistics, Presentation and analysis, Interpretation, Probability.

Assessment

Students must take two question papers at the same tier.

Core students must take Papers 1C and 2C.

Extension students must take Papers 1E and 2E.

Each Core Paper:

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks Scientific calculator allowed 50% of the International GCSE Mathematics

A mix of question styles, from short, single mark questions to multi-step problems.

The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.

Each Extension Paper:

Written exam: 2 hour 100 marks Scientific calculator allowed 50 % of the International GCSE Mathematics

A mix of question styles, from short, single mark questions to multi-step problems.

The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.



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Compulsory Subjects (Compulsory in Year 10 only)

Global Perspectives Cambridge Assessment International Examinations

Summary

Global Perspectives is a challenging skills-based course which will push students to extend their vocabulary, analytical

skills and general knowledge. Students explore stimulating topics that have global significance. an interdisciplinary

course which reaches across traditional subject boundaries. It taps into the way today’s learners enjoy learning −

including group work, seminars, projects, and engaging with other learners around the world. The emphasis is on

developing the ability to think critically about a range of global issues where there is always more than view.

Students learn to collaborate with others from another culture, community or country. They assess information

critically and explore lines of reasoning. They learn to direct their own learning and develop an independence of

thought. Global Perspectives aims to develop learners who become independent and empowered to take their place in

an ever-changing, information-heavy, interconnected world.

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives emphasises the development and application of skills rather than the acquisition

of knowledge. Candidates develop transferable skills that will be useful for further study and for young people as active

citizens of the future.

Assessment

1. Written Exam (35%)

2. Individual Report (30%)

3. Team Project (35%)

a) Team Element: Students produce as a team one outcome and one explanation as a collaboration.

The Explanation must be 200–300 words. (10 marks)

b) Personal Element: Students each write a reflective paper on their research, contribution and personal learning.

The paper must be 750–1000 words. (60 marks)



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Compulsory Subjects

Chinese First Language Cambridge Assessment International Examinations

Summary

The Cambridge IGCSE First Language Chinese syllabus is designed for learners whose first language is Chinese. The

syllabus develops learners' ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. They learn how to employ a wide-

ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the

audience being addressed.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and in order to develop an appreciation of

how writers achieve their effects. The syllabus also complements other areas of study by encouraging skills of more

general application.

Assessment

All candidates take two papers.

All candidates take:

Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes Reading, Directed Writing and 50% Classical Chinese 60 marks Questions will be based on

syllabus content Externally assessed

and:

Paper 2: 2 hours Writing 50% 50 marks Questions will be based on syllabus content Externally assessed

Note other Chinese options are available for students whose first language is not Chinese.

These are: Chinese as a Second Language and Chinese as a Foreign Language.



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Elective Subjects

Additional Mathematics Cambridge Assessment International Examinations

Summary

Additional Mathematics extends skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the IGCSE Mathematics course and

learners apply more advanced techniques. It is only available to learners who can demonstrate already high mathematical

confidence and competencies. Learners that complete this course will receive a separate GCSE certificate. The course

prepares the learners well for the CIE Advanced Level Mathematics. This syllabus is intended for high ability learners who

have achieved, or are likely to achieve, grade A*, A or B in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics examination. Cambridge

IGCSE Additional Mathematics enables learners to extend the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding

developed in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics course and use skills in the context of more advanced techniques. The

syllabus has a Pure Mathematics only content which enables learners to acquire a suitable foundation in mathematics for

further study in the subject.

Assessment

Paper 1

10–12 questions of various lengths

No choice of question.

2 hours

80 marks

Paper 2

10–12 questions of various lengths

No choice of question.

2 hours

80 marks



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Elective Subjects

Art and Design Cambridge Assessment International Examinations

Summary

Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design has been designed to offer a broad choice of media and approaches that allows students

to produce a personal response to a stimulus whilst be guided by teachers in terms of their expertise and interests. Art

and Design requires students to use their imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and

analytical ability. Developing confidence and enthusiasm in practical skills; students work in two and three dimensional

form and composition, and are able to identify and solve problems in visual forms. Learners also discover how to develop

ideas and create processes that reach final outcomes.

The broad areas of study are:

� painting and related media

� photography, digital and lens-based media

� printmaking

� graphic communication

� three-dimensional studies

� textile design

Assessment

Component 1 Broad-based assignment 50% 100 marks Unlimited preparatory period during which time candidates

produce supporting studies (up to two sheets, maximum size A2) in advance of the eight-hour examination (maximum

size A2)

Component 2 Design-based assignment 50% 100 marks

Component 3 Critical and historical assignment 50% 100marks

Component 4 Coursework assignment 50% 100 marks Candidates produce a portfolio

All candidates take Component 1 and choose either Component 2 or Component 3 or Component 4.

Available options:

Option A – Component 1 and Component 2

Option B – Component 1 and Component 3

Option C – Component 1 and Component 4



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Elective Subjects

Business Oxford International AQA Examinations

Summary

Business equips learners with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to be informed and responsible

consumers and prepares them for being the workforce leaders of tomorrow. It develops students’ understanding of

business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Students explore the

setting up and operation of a business, the activities of business and the reasons for success or failure. It encourages

learners to appreciate that businesses must operate within society and that this involves businesses engaging with a wide

range of stakeholders who will hold differing perspectives. Students apply their knowledge and understanding to different

business contexts ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and

global contexts. Students also develop an understanding of how these contexts impact on business behaviour. Students

will apply their knowledge and understanding to business decision-making including:

• the interdependent nature of business activity, influences on business, business operations, finance, marketing and

human resources, and how these interdependencies underpin business decision-making

• how different business contexts affect business decisions

• the uses and limitations of quantitative and qualitative data in making business decisions

Summary

Paper 1: Influences of operations and human resources on business activity. 2 hours. 90 marks. 50%

Paper 2: Influences of marketing and finance on business activity. 2 hours. 90 marks. 50%



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Elective Subjects

Chemistry Oxford International AQA Examinations

Summary

Chemistry is comprised of a broad range of topics designed to engage students in the subject whilst providing the

knowledge and understanding required for progression to A-level. Practical experiments in this course include

investigating factors affecting the rate of a reaction and testing for the presence of a double bond in an unknown

hydrocarbon. Exam questions will be asked on the practicals, but there is no coursework or practical exam. Chemistry is

an enquiry-based discipline involving practical and investigational skills as well as knowledge. There is an emphasizes on

scientific knowledge, the application of science and the scientific process. Students explore fundamental ideas behind

scientific enquiry that are delivered through teaching of the content. The experimental and investigative skills are assessed

throughout the course and there are a number of required practicals identified in the specification, which students will

need to cover as part of the content of course.

Summary of Syllabus

• Atomic structure and the periodic table

• Structure, bonding and the properties of matter

• Chemical changes

• Chemical analysis

• Acids, bases and salts

• Quantitative chemistry

• Periodicity

• The rate and extent of chemical change

• Energy changes

• Organic chemistry

Assessment

Paper 1: Content from any part of the specification maybe assessed.

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 90 marks

Paper 2: Content from any part of the specification may be assessed.

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 90 marks



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Elective Subjects

Computer Science Oxford International AQA Examinations

Summary

Computer Science devotes the whole of Paper 1 to a programming task - so programming skills make up half of this

qualification. That makes for a motivating, hands-on course.

With 50% emphasis on AO3, students will complete the course with valuable lifelong programming skills, as well as

problem solving and critical thinking skills that prepare them for A-level and higher education.

Algorithms, Programming, Data representation, Computer systems, Computer networks, cyber security, Relational

databases and structured query language (SQL), Web page design

Assessment

Paper 1: Programming

On-screen programming exam

2 hours.

80 marks

Weighting 50%

Paper 2: Concepts and principles of computer science

Written exam

2 hours.

80 marks

Weighting 50%



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Elective Subjects

Economics Cambridge Assessment International Examinations

Summary

The study of Economics equips students with the fundamental tools of the economist. It helps them understand their

place in, and contribution to, the local, national and global economy as consumers, workers and citizens. Students

investigate how the actions of governments, companies, consumers and workers affect the operation of the economy,

exploring a range of contemporary issues, and analysing evidence from different perspectives. Economic concepts and

theories are also explored and students apply these to a range of economic issues locally, nationally and globally. The

Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus develops an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles.

Students study the economics of different countries and how these interrelate. They also learn to work with simple

economics data and using the tools of economic analysis.

Assessment

The assessment has two components:

Paper 1: Multiple choice

Paper 1 Multiple choice 45 minutes

Weighted at 30% of total available marks.

Paper 2: Structured questions.

Paper 2 Structured questions 2 hours 15 minutes

Candidates answer one compulsory question, which requires them to interpret and analyse previously unseen data

relevant to a real economic situation, and three Elective questions from a choice of six.

Weighted at 70% of total available marks.



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Elective Subjects

Japanese Edexcel Examinations

Summary

The Pearson Edexcel Level GCSE (9–1) in Japanese is an introduction to Japanese language and culture. The course

consists of four externally examined papers based on the following skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students

must complete their speaking assessment in April/May and all other assessments in May/June in any single year. Students

are assessed on their understanding of standard spoken Japanese by one or more speakers in a range of public and social

settings. Students will respond to multiple-response and short-answer open-response questions based on a recording

featuring male and female Japanese speakers. Students are assessed on their ability to communicate and interact effectively

through speaking in Japanese for different purposes and in different settings and on their understanding of written Japanese

across a range of different types of texts, including advertisements, emails, letters, articles and literary texts. Students are

required to respond to multiple-response and short-answer questions based on these texts and must answer questions

set in English. Instructions to students are in English and answers include translation from Japanese into English. Students

will learn to communicate effectively through writing in Japanese for different purposes and audiences and will be required

to produce responses of varying lengths and types to express ideas and opinions in Japanese.

Assessment

There are four examinations at the end of the course:

Paper 1: Listening and understanding in Japanese 45 minutes

Paper 2: Speaking in Japanese 10–12 minutes plus 12 minutes’ preparation time

Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Japanese 1 hour 5 minutes

Paper 4: Writing in Japanese 1 hour 25 minutes



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Elective Subjects

Physical Education Cambridge Assessment International Examinations

Summary

Physical Education is an academic subject that requires a great deal of subject specific vocabulary and introduces aspects

human physiology. Candidates are provided with opportunities to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of Physical

Education. It is designed to foster enjoyment in physical activity by providing learners with an opportunity to take part in a

range of physical activities. Learners will be able to develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance and to

appreciate the necessity for sound understanding of the principles, practices and training that underpin improved

performance, better health and well-being. The syllabus provides candidates 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 candidates to develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance.

The Coursework component requires candidates to offer a minimum of four practical activities from at least two of the seven

categories. Each activity is marked out of 50 marks and the analysing and Improving out of 10 marks.

• Game Activities

• Gymnastic Activities

• Dance Activities (max. 2 dance styles)

• Athletic Activities

• Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (including Equestrianism)

• Swimming

• Combat Activities

Assessment

Component 1

Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes

Section A: Candidates answer short answer questions on each of the three units: Factors affecting performance; Health, safety

and training; Reasons and opportunities for participation in physical activity.

Section B: Candidates answer three structured questions, one from each of the three units they have studied.

40% of total marks

Component 2

Coursework Centre-based assessment. Candidates choose to undertake four practical activities from at least two of the

seven categories listed (50% of total marks).

Candidates must show the ability to analyse and improve practical performance in one of their four chosen practical activities

(10%of total marks).



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Elective Subjects

Physics Oxford International AQA Examinations

The Physics course is designed to engage students in physics. It encourages a questioning approach to scientific ideas and

prepares students for working scientifically. The new addition of Space physics to the syllabus enables the underlying

principles of physics to be approached in a fascinating topic.

Practical experiments are a crucial part of the course and include investigating factors that determine the strength of an

electromagnet and investigating the relationship between force and extension for a spring. Exam questions will be asked

on the practicals, but there is no coursework or practical exam.

Summary

• Forces and their effects

• Energy

• Waves

• Particle model of matter

• Electricity and magnetism

• Generating and distributing electricity and household us

• Nuclear physics

• Space physics

• Life cycle of a star

• Solar system and orbital motion

• Red shift and the expanding universe

Assessment

Paper 1: Content from any part of the specification maybe assessed.

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

90 marks

Paper 2: Content from any part of the specification may be assessed.

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

90 marks



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Elective Subjects

Psychology Cambridge Assessment International Examinations

Summary

Psychology students will acquire knowledge and understanding of psychology, developing an understanding of self and

others, and how psychological as well as learning how to explain everyday social phenomena. Students will learn how

psychological research is conducted, including the role of scientific method and data analysis to present information,

develop arguments and draw conclusions through a critical approach to psychological evidence. As they develop as

reflective thinkers, they will explore the relationship between psychology and personal, moral, social and cultural issues,

and develop an understanding of ethical issues. Investigations of the contribution of psychology to individual, social and

cultural diversity are also a central part of the course and more generally how psychology contributes to society.

There are compulsory and optional topics in this specification, including:

• biological – an understanding of biological concepts in psychology, including neuroscience and genetics as

contributors to behavior.

• cognitive – an understanding of thought, information and mental processing as contributors to behavior.

• social – an understanding of the social area of psychology, the impact of social and environmental factors on

behaviour and the influence of groups.

• developmental – an understanding of how individuals change throughout their lives, with a particular focus on

childhood and how both nature and nurture can affect individuals.

• individual differences – an understanding of the complex nature of human behaviour and experiences and why

and how people are different.

Students will also gain knowledge and understanding of:

• debates in psychology, including ‘reductionism/holism’ and ‘nature/nurture’.

• how psychological knowledge and ideas change over time and how they inform our understanding of behavior.

• the contribution of psychology to an understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity.

• the interrelationships of the core areas of psychology.

• how the studies for topics relate to the associated theory.

Assessment

The course is assessed by two examinations:

Paper 1: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Paper 2: 1 hour and 20 minutes



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Elective Subjects

Design and Technology Edexcel International

The GCSE in Design and Technology is an exciting opportunity for students to begin to understand design processes

through which they explore, create and evaluate a range of outcomes. The qualification enables students to use creativity

and imagination to design and make prototypes (together with evidence of modelling to develop and prove product

concept and function) that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

It gives students opportunities to apply knowledge from other disciplines, including mathematics, science, art and design,

computing and the humanities.

Assessment

The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Design and Technology consists of one externally-examined paper

and one non-examined assessment component. Students must complete all assessment in May/June in any single year.

Component 1

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 50% of the qualification 100 marks

Calculators may be used in the examination.

Section A: Core This section is 40 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-response,

graphical, calculation and extended-open-response questions. There will be 10 marks of calculation questions in Section

A.

Section B: Material categories This section is 60 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-

response, graphical, calculation and extended-open-response questions. There will be 5 marks of calculation questions in

Section B.

Component 2

Non-examined assessment 50% of the qualification 100 marks.

Students will undertake a project based on a contextual challenge released by us a year before certification. The project

will test students’ skills in investigating, designing, making and evaluating a prototype of a product. Task will be internally

assessed and externally moderated.

Content overview There are four parts to the assessment: 1 – Investigate This includes investigation of needs and research,

and a product specification 2 – Design This includes producing different design ideas, review of initial ideas, development

of design ideas into a chosen design, communication of design ideas and review of the chosen design 3 – Make This

includes manufacture, and quality and accuracy 4 – Evaluate This includes testing and evaluation.



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Elective Subjects

International GCSE Projects Plus Oxford International AQA Examinations

Summary

An exciting new way to foster creativity, develop research skills and encourage independent learning at GCSE level.

International GCSE Plus is an Elective project that students can complete as part of their Oxford AQA International

GCSEs. It provides an opportunity for students to achieve an additional Pass, Merit or Distinction alongside their 9-1

grades. International GCSE Plus helps students prepare for their next stage of education by fostering creativity, initiative

and independent learning, as well as developing higher-level concepts and skills and creativity in the subjects they are most

interested in – without requiring them to take an additional International GCSE qualification. This makes International

GCSE Plus flexible and easy to integrate into your curriculum, enabling your school or college to demonstrate its

commitment to preparing pupils for success at Key Stage 5 and beyond. International GCSE Plus will develop and extend

from one of the student’s study areas. It will be based on a topic chosen by the student and agreed as appropriate by the

school or college. This topic will either be one that (a) the student is studying as part of one of their International GCSEs,

and that they develop in a new direction, or (b) is not studied as part of one of their International GCSEs but is clearly

an established area of one of the subjects they are studying. Please see the teaching guidance for examples of topics.

Students are free to take more than one International GCSE Plus but it is recommended that, over the course of two

years of GCSE study, no more than five International GCSE Plus endorsements be completed.

Each project requires 20 hours of supervised independent study following 10 hours of taught skills.

Students submit a 2000-word report alongside their Progress Diary. Projects are graded by the supervisor using the

assessment criteria provided in the specification.

International GCSE Plus is designed for maximum flexibility: projects can be started in Year 9, 10 or 11. Students can

submit one or more International GCSE Plus projects alongside any of the following Oxford AQA International GCSEs

they are entered for:

Whilst each project must explore its associated International GCSE subject, there are opportunities for students to

connect the subject to another area of interest and apply their research across various disciplines.

Assessment

Supervisors attribute a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction to the overall project using guiding descriptors for each of the

four Assessment Objectives (AO1 = Organisation; AO2 = Research; AO3 = Realisation; AO4 = Review).

Supporting assessment resources include exemplar titles, exemplar Progress Diaries and written reports for each grade.

Schools will be required to participate in standardisation training prior to submissions.

Taught Skills

1. Developing ideas into research questions

2. Research skills

3. Report writing



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Elective Subjects

Music Edexcel Examinations

Inspiring the next generation of musicians our new Edexcel GCSE qualification will inspire the next generation of students

in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge,

understanding and skills. Students will be encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music, develop

an understanding of the place of music in different cultures and contexts, and reflect on how music is used in the

expression of personal and collective identities.

Syllabus Summary

An engaging range of Set Works to nurture in-depth musical understanding Our Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Music qualification

enables students to engage in our new areas of study and set works. Includes four areas of study, each containing two Set

Works. Supports the teaching of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language through specific pieces of music,

across the different areas of study. Shows real examples of how key musical content is used within specific pieces of music.

Allows students to learn in-depth appraising skills in preparation for their assessments.

Set Works

Instrumental Music 1700–1820

J.S. Bach: 3rd Movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major

L. van Beethoven: 1st Movement from Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor ‘Pathétique’

Vocal Music

H. Purcell: Music for a While

Queen: Killer Queen (from the album ‘Sheer Heart Attack’)

Music for Stage and Screen

S. Schwartz: Defying Gravity (from the album of the cast recording of Wicked)

J. Williams: Main title/rebel blockade runner (from the soundtrack to Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope)



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Fusions

Afro Celt Sound System: Release (from the album ‘Volume 2: Release’)

Esperanza Spalding: Samba Em Preludio (from the album ‘Esperanza’)

Component Overview Assessment

Component 1

Performing

30% NEA

2 performances

Solo - minimum 1 piece - minimum 1 minute

Ensemble - minimum 1 piece - minimum 1 minute

Together total minimum of 4 minutes across the

solo and ensemble pieces

Minimum total 2 pieces 30 marks each

Total of 60 marks

Component 2

Composing

30% NEA

2 compositions

1 to set brief – minimum 1 minute

1 free composition – minimum 1 minute

Together total minimum of 3 minutes

2 pieces 30 marks each

Total of 60 marks

Component 3

Appraising

40% Exam

4 Areas of Study with 2 Set Works each:

• Instrumental Music 1700–1820

• Vocal Music

• Music for Stage and Screen

• Fusions

Exam 1hr45mins

Total of 80 marks



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Elective Subjects

Biology Oxford International AQA Examinations

Summary

If you want to know more about animals, plants and the human body, then our A Level Biology course will interest you.

Find out about living cells and how main systems of the body work. Discover causes of many diseases and how the body’s

immune system fights back. Studying Biology opens up careers in scientific research or in the medical and caring

professions.

The course is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of biology. Teaching of practical skills is integrated

with the theoretical topics and they are assessed through the written papers. Practical activities are embedded within the

learning outcomes of the course which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement as well as enhancing

learners’ understanding of biological theory and practical skills.

Students studying Biology will develop a wide range of skills – mathematical skills, ICT, graphical and literacy skills.

Ecology

Materials including carbon and water are continually recycled by the living world, being released through respiration of

animals, plants and decomposing microorganisms and taken up by plants in photosynthesis. All species live in ecosystems

composed of complex communities of animals and plants dependent on each other and that are adapted to particular

conditions, both abiotic and biotic.

Organisms’ Interaction with the Environment

Changes in environmental conditions can result in responses from an organism which protect the organism from harm

and support maintenance of the species. Such responses may impact the internal stability of the organism or promote

certain behaviours to protect it.

Inheritance

Genetic information in a cell is held in the chemical DNA. Genes determine the development and structure of

organisms. In asexual reproduction all the genes in the offspring come from one parent. In sexual reproduction

half of the genes come from each parent.



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Organisation

All organisms are constituted of one or more cells. Multicellular organisms have cells that are differentiated according to

their function.

Variation and Evolution

All life today is directly descended from a universal common ancestor that was a simple single-celled organism. Over

countless generations changes resulted from natural diversity within a species which makes possible the selection of those

individuals best suited to survive under certain conditions. Species not able to respond sufficiently to changes in their

environment are at risk of becoming extinct.

Assessment

The course is assessed by two examinations:

Paper 1 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Paper 2 1 hour and 30 minutes

Documents

IGCSE Information Booklet 2020-2021 en