BYRON COLLEGE

YEAR 9 IGCSE OPTIONS

Discussion Evening

4.00 - 6.00pm

Wednesday 23rd March, 2016

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Core Subjects

CORE SUBJECTS For each core subject we have provided a brief description of the course content and assessment, followed by a short statement (in italics) on the course aims and relevance.

________________________________________________________ IGCSE First Language English (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0500) is offered to pupils whose English is of native, near-native or advanced standard. Both Core and Extended options are available. Over the two years, pupils develop their reading and writing skills in order to become discerning readers and proficient users of English, able to communicate through a wide variety of written forms. These skills are of great importance to anyone hoping to pursue an academic career in an English-speaking environment such as college/university.

________________________________________________________ IGCSE English Literature (Exam Board: Edexcel. Syllabus Code: 4ETO) is available to pupils who have shown an interest in the study of literary texts at KS3. The Edexcel syllabus is the basis of the two-year course of study. Literature from a range of writers and literary traditions is studied, and pupils are introduced to different literary forms and genres such as drama, prose and poetry. Through in-depth class discussions where they engage with sophisticated literary concepts, pupils develop critical thinking skills that are necessary for a plethora of academic options and careers.

IGCSE English as a Second Language (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0511) is aimed at pupils whose first language is not English, but who use it as a language of study. Both Core and Extended options are available. Pupils develop not only knowledge and understanding, but also skills in

creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving, helping them to perform

well and prepare for the next stage of their education. Successful

candidates have better employment prospects and gain lifelong skills,

including a greater international perspective.

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IGCSE Mathematics (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0580) is an essential subject for all learners, Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build learners' confidence by helping them develop a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships, and places a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Learners also gain an understanding of how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts. The course is differentiated and is taught at two levels: Mathematics CORE - for pupils who need a basic menu of essential mathematical skills; Mathematics EXTENDED - for pupils who wish to continue with mathematics at Advanced level. Both options are assessed in terms of a short-answer paper and a longer-answer paper.

This course is recommended to pupils who are considering studying Engineering, Sciences, Economics, Management or Mathematics at University.

GCSE Arabic encourages pupils to: develop understanding of the written forms of Arabic from a variety of registers; increase their sensitivity to language and language learning; communicate clearly and imaginatively in Arabic through both the written and the spoken word, using increasingly accurate and varied language, and to develop positive attitudes to foreign language learning.

Studying Arabic gives you the ability to discover the culture and develop an understanding of an increasingly important language.

IGCSE Modern Greek (Exam Board: Edexcel. Syllabus Code: 4MGO/01) is offered as an optional course. Assessment is by a written three-hour examination.

Pupils develop their understanding of contemporary texts in Modern Greek and develop linguistic skills required to translate texts into English and vice versa. The course offers an insight into the written forms of the language within defined contexts. Furthermore, pupils have the opportunity to explore Greek literature and critically evaluate Greek literary works. Through this course pupils build a solid foundation for further study of Modern Greek.

Modern Languages

Other: Pupils will be supported, through supervised private study, to prepare for their native language at IGCSE level. Past papers will be provided, as well as scheduled sessions with a specialist language teacher who will monitor pupils’ progress.

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P.E. Practical In line with the school’s policy of promoting health and fitness, pupils will participate in weekly sporting activities/training sessions.

How many ticks for:

A B C D E F

Now turn over to find out what options might be your best fit…

A

Overcoming challenges

Working with others

Solving problems

Acquiring physical and practical skills

Socializing

B

Visualizing stories

Observing nature

Going to museums

Displaying things

Working in the entertainment industry

C

Examining cause and effect

Listening to / Reading the news

Travelling to other countries

Planning trips or activities

Interest in environmental issues

D

Strategy and memory games

Solving puzzles

Finding out how things work

Doing research

Organizing things

E

Social communication

Critical thinking

Translating texts

Reading ‘classic’ literature

Working in the tourist industry

F

Writing and directing plays

Informing and persuading

Reading a wide range of texts

Discussing politics

Developing personal interpretations

Find out what options might suit you by ticking boxes that apply to you...

IF YOU TICKED... MOSTLY A’s You seem to like practical tasks and teamwork. Look for options where you can use your practical skills, do something active and work on different types of projects. Subject ideas: Physical Education, Design and Technology MOSTLY B’s You sound creative. Look for options where you can express yourself and work on new ideas. Subject ideas: Art, Drama

MOSTLY C’s You seem to take an interest in social matters and finding out about the world. Look for options where you can work with other people to find out more about how society works. Subject ideas: History, Geography, Business Studies

MOSTLY D’s It seems you like investigating things. Choose options where you can use your number and thinking skills to find out more about why things are the way they are. Subject ideas: Maths, Additional Maths, Science, Computer Science, Business Studies

MOSTLY E’s You sound like an enterprising person with a desire for new horizons. Look for options where you can use your energy and communication skills. Subject ideas: Modern Foreign Languages (e.g. Spanish), Arabic

MOSTLY F’s Communication is very important to you. You like to find out how people have expressed themselves throughout history. Subject ideas: English Language, English Literature and Classical Civilisation

B

Visualizing stories

Observing nature

Going to museums

Displaying things

Working in the entertainment industry

D

Strategy and memory games

Solving puzzles

Finding out how things work

Doing research

Organizing things

F

Writing and directing plays

Informing and persuading

Reading a wide range of texts

Discussing politics

Developing personal interpretations

OPTIONS

For each optional course we have provided a brief description of the course content and assessment, followed by a short statement (in italics) on the course aims and relevance.

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The Cambridge IGCSE Biology / Chemistry / Physics (Core and Extended) syllabi help learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each particular science through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, which are useful in everyday life. As they progress, learners understand how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.

IGCSE Biology (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0610) is offered as an optional course.

Pupils sit three exams in Year 11 at the end of the two year course. Candidates who have studied the core curriculum can obtain a maximum of Grade C; while pupils who have studied the extended curriculum will sit a different theory paper and can attain Grades A* to E. Biology is the study of life, including topics such as disease, genetics, biotechnology, and human, plant and environmental biology. Pupils have the opportunity to relate what they learn to what is happening around them, such as new cures for disease (as well as their outbreaks), applications of genetic engineering and stem cells, and various health and environmental issues that dominate the headlines.

One of the aims of the course is to develop abilities and skills that are not only relevant to the study and practice of Biology, but which are also useful in everyday life. The course complements IGCSE Geography, PE and Chemistry.

IGCSE Physics (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0625) is an optional course that is offered to all pupils entering Year 10 at Byron College. All examinations are sat at the end of Year 11 once the entire course has been covered. Pupils are assessed through three papers and they can choose from either the Core or Extended options. The course introduces pupils to concepts such as mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity, magnetism and atomic physics. Pupils develop abilities and skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Physics is an essential subject not only to those who want to study Physics

at a higher level, but also to those who wish to study Civil, Mechanical and

Computer Engineering.

IGCSE Chemistry (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0620) is taught as an option at Byron College.

We follow the Cambridge International Examinations Board which is assessed via: one multiple choice paper (30% weighting); one paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions (50% weighting); and an alternative to practical paper (20% weighting).

Pupils develop an understanding of topics such as the particle theory, chemical bonding, equilibrium, mole calculations, industrial manufacturing, separating techniques, environmental chemistry and organic chemistry.

Chemistry links closely with Biology and Physics and offers essential knowledge for the study of Sciences, Medicine and Engineering at University.

GCSE Classical Civilisation (Exam Board: OCR. Syllabus Code: J280/J080)

Have you always been interested in the ancient cultures of the Classical world? Or are you taking Greek and/or Literature GCSE and want to further your knowledge of the Classics?

Even if your only acquaintance with the Classical world comes from seeing films like Gladiator or Troy, Greek myths or books like the Percy Jackson series, Classical Civilisation has a great deal to offer you as you consider your GCSE subject choices.

What is Classical Civilisation? Think of Classical Civilisation as a cross between English Literature and History, with a dash of Drama and Art on the side, focusing entirely on the Greek and Roman world. One text is studied as in English literature; the remaining modules are historical in scope, dealing with social history: how the ancients lived, socialised, governed themselves and, to an extent, worshipped. Unlike History GCSE, there is very little focus on the narrative of events in world history.

Why study Classical Civilisation? The first—and most important—reason is because it’s a fascinating subject, with a huge breadth of subject matter. It is also a very useful subject. Like History, Classical Civilisation offers an important insight into where we come from and why modern society is the way it is. Classical Civilisation raises vital questions about matters that we take for granted by comparison to very different societies. Like English, it develops your appreciation of literature and your use of the language.

Classical Civilisation trains pupils to collect a diverse range of information and to synthesise this information into clear, concise arguments. In learning about the ancients, you will develop more familiarity with many of the references to the Classical world which abound in English (and European) literature.

The GCSE Classical Civilisation is completed through the Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations Body . It offers an enjoyable, modern approach to the study of Classical Civilisation through a wide choice of topics in the areas of archaeology, art and architecture, history and literature.

The study of Classical Civilisation complements many other GCSEs, including English, English/World Literature, Art, Drama, History and Citizenship Studies.

IGCSE Geography (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0460) consists of five main sections: Population and Settlement, The Natural Environment, Economic Development, Geographical Skills and Exam Preparation. Each section is further segmented into related chapters.

Some of the aims of this subject are to encourage candidates to develop an understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale, an awareness of the characteristics, distribution and processes affecting contrasting physical and human environments, an understanding of the ways in which people interact with each other and with their environment, an appreciation of and concern for the environment, an appreciation of the earth including its people, places, landscapes, natural processes and phenomena.

The assessment is made through three Papers. The course is quite intense but interesting at the same time. By the end of it, the pupils will have achieved a deeper understanding of the changing world and how they fit in it as evolving entities.

Pupils develop skills such as: using and understanding geographical information; understanding and explaining how the natural environment works; how people around the world live in and affect their environment; and a sense of location on a local, regional and global scale.

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IGCSE History (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0470) aims to stimulate interest in and enthusiasm about the past, and to promote the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of human activity in the past. The curriculum is designed to ensure that the candidates’ knowledge is rooted in an understanding of the nature and use of historical evidence, as well as promoting an understanding of the nature of cause and consequence, continuity and change, and similarity and difference.

The course provides a sound basis for further study and the pursuit of personal interest. In addition, it encourages international understanding and the development of linguistic and communication skills. IGCSE History is one of the most interesting subject areas any young person can study and gives them invaluable knowledge, understanding and skills to progress further academically.

IGCSE P.E. (Exam Board: Edexcel. Syllabus Code: 1PE0) is a two year

course. The course has a practical unit (40% of the final mark) and a theoretical

unit (60% of the final mark). A full course and a short course are offered.

For the practical unit pupils perform in physical activities in the role of player/ participant. Pupils have to perform in three activities (full course); an individual activity, a team activity and a free choice of one more activity from the set list. In addition, pupils need to design and present a performance analysis evaluating their own performance in a chosen activity.

The theoretical unit helps learners develop an appreciation of the benefits of a

healthy and active lifestyle. This includes: how and why people take part in

physical activity; exercise and fitness; physiology and anatomy; personal health

and well-being; and performance and involvement in physical activity and

sport. The theoretical content is assessed by a two-paper written examination

comprising multiple choice, short-answer questions and longer-answer

questions (full course).

Students will receive a well-rounded and full introduction to the world of PE,

sport and sport science by developing an understanding of how the mind and

body works in relation to performance in physical activity. Moreover, they will

understand how sport physiology and sport psychology contribute to their

general fitness, performance and wellbeing.

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IGCSE Business Studies (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0450) develops learners' understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Learners find out how the major types of business organisation are established, financed and run, and how their activities are regulated. Factors influencing business decision-making are also considered, as are the essential values of cooperation and interdependence. Learners not only study business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry. The syllabus provides both a foundation for further study at Cambridge International A Level and an ideal preparation for the world of work.

IGCSE Computer Science (Exam board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0478) is the study of the foundational principles and practices of

computation and computational thinking and their application in the design and development of computer systems. Learning computational thinking involves learning to program, that is to write computer code, because this is the means by which computational thinking is expressed.

Computer Science enables learners to gain confidence in computational thinking and programming. They develop their understanding of the main principles of problem-solving using computers. Learners apply their understanding to develop computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language. They also develop a range of technical skills, as well as the ability to test effectively and to evaluate computing solutions.

Candidates take two components: Components Weighting Paper 1: Theory 60% Paper 2: Problem-solving and Programming 40%.

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science is an ideal foundation for further study in Computer Science. Understanding the principles of Computer Science provides learners with the underpinning knowledge required for many other subjects in science and engineering, and the skills learnt can also be used in everyday life.

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IGCSE Art and Design (Exam Board: Edexcel. Syllabus Code: 0400) is

a two-year course culminating in a 10-hour timed examination at the end of Year 11. Pupils are given six weeks to prepare for this exam, which is based around one title. The preparation period also forms a major part of the pupils' final IGCSE exam grade. Observational drawing is an essential skill that is developed throughout the two years.

Year 10 focuses on the understanding of the formal elements of Art. Art history is taught in conjunction with topic work where pupils practise and develop a range of skills, and use of different media. Each topic will be centred on one formal element, such as: tone; colour; texture.

Year 11 pupils are given the opportunity to start developing their own style, with more open topics delivered.

Pupils wishing to take A-Level Art need to take the IGCSE Art option, as this course gives pupils the confidence and knowledge to tackle demands at a higher level.

Drama IGCSE (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0411) gives pupils the opportunity to explore human presence, drawing on experiences from real life, the imagination and the realms of media. IGCSE Drama engages with the making and communicating of meaning involving performers and audiences. It provides a medium for personal exploration, social criticism, as well as entertainment. Pupils who study IGCSE Drama are actively participating in a way of learning that combines intellectual and emotional experience, and offers a unique means of inquiry that contributes to knowing and understanding themselves and the world. This course is a balance of practical and theoretical aspects of drama and consists of two components: Component One (40%) is a written examination exploring critical and theoretical understanding of pieces that candidates have performed. IGCSE Drama provides pupils with a range of skills transferable to a variety of future pathways. Component Two (60%) requires that candidates submit three pieces of practical work. This component will allow candidates to discover movement, space, script, dramatic styles and the creation of original theatre (devising). Many professions contain elements of performance: lawyers must present their case clearly and draw the attention of the jury – their audience; doctors need to understand how empathy works in the day-to-today work with patients; architects need to consider not only the dimensions of a space but also how a space is lived in. All these skills are developed through the study of drama at IGCSE level. Importantly, following a creative subject like IGCSE Drama will strengthen a pupil's profile when applying to university. Admission panels want to see potential students who have a well rounded education that includes creative pursuits; IGCSE Drama offers you the opportunity to build a well rounded profile and it complements the study of other IGCSE subjects like English, History and Art & Design.

Additional Mathematics (Exam Board: Cambridge. Syllabus Code: 0606) 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. Knowledge of the content of the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics

syllabus (or an equivalent syllabus) is assumed.

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IGCSE Spanish (Exam Board: Edexcel. Syllabus code: 4SP0) is offered as an optional course. The syllabus is designed for learners who are learning Spanish as a foreign language. The Edexcel GCSE Spanish consists of four units based on the following skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking and these are built on as learners progress through their studies. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the solid knowledge of grammar and into the culture and civilization of Spain and Spanish speaking countries.

Knowledge and understanding of foreign languages is an increasingly

important asset in today’s global society. The study of Spanish at GCSE can

facilitate and help promote the learning of other languages. The

qualification may also add to an individual’s employability profile.

QUESTIONS FROM OPTIONS EVENING: “What I’d like to know is...”

Now have a think about anything you’d like to ask about the options on offer that isn’t covered in this booklet: