IGCSE for Years 10 and 11
At MIS we offer our Year 10 and 11 students courses that lead to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams. These exams are the international equivalent of the British GCSEs and, therefore, provide continuity with the English National Curriculum-based syllabus that we deliver throughout the school. The IGCSE is an internationally recognised qualification which supports access to further education courses such as A levels, the International Baccalaureate and SATs.
We offer the Cambridge International IGCSEs exclusively at MIS. Cambridge International were the founders of the IGCSE programme and they remain the most respected and widely used IGCSE examining body around the world. Our IGCSE programme is delivered over two years, with most of the students sitting the formal exams in either May or June of Year 11. At the end of their examinations, students are awarded an IGCSE with a grade, ranging from A* – G, to indicate the level of achievement in that subject.
MIS IGCSE PROGRAMME
All students are required to select English, mathematics and one science.
Thai nationals will also be required to take the Thai First Language IGCSE. The MIS IGCSE Key Stage 4 Programme is divided into two pathways, each containing a variety of course options.
| Subject Group No. | Pathway A |
|---|---|
| 1 | Combined Science |
| 2 | English First Language English Second Language |
| 3 | Maths Core Maths Extended |
| 4 | History Business Studies |
| 5 | Travel Tourism Music |
| 6 | Art Geography |
| 7 | Chinese First Language Drama ICT |
| 8 | Design and Technology PE |
| 9 | Thai First Language Thai (Non-IGCSE) + PE (Non-IGCSE) |
| Subject Group No. | Pathway B |
|---|---|
| 1 | Biology |
| 2 | English First Language English Second Language |
| 3 | Maths Core Maths Extended |
| 4 | History Business Studies |
| 5 | Chemistry Travel Tourism Music |
| 6 | Physics Art Geography |
| 7 | Chinese First Language Drama ICT |
| 8 | Design and Technology PE |
| 9 | Thai First Language Thai (Non-IGCSE) + PE (Non-IGCSE) |
The availability of a course is dependent on student demand. Also, to ensure that all students succeed to their maximum potential, acceptance onto a course is dependent on student attainment level and teacher recommendation.
IGCSE Course Descriptions
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
The IGCSE English language course is split into two pathways:
Class 1 takes English – First language
Class 2 takes English – Second language
Students will be assigned to either Class 1 or Class 2 depending on teacher assessment and the results of their exams at the end of Year 9.
| English – First Language |
|---|
| This is designed for students whose first language is English. The course enables students to: |
| develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing |
| use a wide range of vocabulary, and the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation |
| develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed |
| Students are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. IGCSE First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as inference, and the ability to order various facts and present opinions effectively. |
| English – Second Language |
|---|
| This is designed for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language and who want to consolidate their understanding in order to progress in their academic or professional career. Through their studies, learners will improve their ability to understand and use English in a range of situations. |
| The aim of the English Second Language course is to learn how to effectively and creatively use the grammar and vocabulary they have acquired in a variety of contexts. The speaking, listening, reading and writing skills students learn during this course can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study. |
MATHS
An essential subject for all learners, IGCSE Mathematics encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a strong basis for more advanced study.
The syllabus aims to build learners’ confidence by helping them develop competence and fluency with mathematical concepts, methods and skills, as well as a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships. The syllabus also 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.
BIOLOGY
With an emphasis on human biology, the IGCSE in Biology helps 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 biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level.
As they progress, learners understand how science is studied and practised. They become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
CHEMISTRY
The IGCSE Chemistry syllabus enables learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and also take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, skills which are also 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.
PHYSICS
The IGCSE in Physics helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. They learn about the basic principles of Physics through theoretical and practical studies. Learners also develop a good understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level and beyond.
As they progress, learners gain an understanding of how science is studied and practised, and also become aware that the results of scientific research can have good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
SCIENCE - Combined Science
IGCSE Combined Science gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. This is a single award qualification, earning one IGCSE. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study.
They learn 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. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live and to take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION
The Information Communication Technology syllabus encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, which will be useful to them in their work across the curriculum and prepare them for future employment. They will develop understanding of the implications of technology in society, including social, economic and ethical uses and awareness of the ways ICT can help in home, learning and work environments.
The syllabus combines theoretical and practical studies focusing on using a variety of software applications, including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, interactive presentation software, web browsers and website design. Learners analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems, ensuring that they are fit for purpose.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
The IGCSE Design and Technology syllabus enables learners to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with different, materials and tools. As a result, learners develop skills, such as initiative, resourcefulness, and problem-solving. Also, communication and collaboration skills are studied due to their centrality to design making and evaluation.
IGCSE Design and Technology provides an ideal basis for further study and prepares learners for their future careers within a rapidly changing technological society.
HISTORY
The IGCSE History syllabus looks at some of the major international issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as covering the history of particular regions in more depth. Emphasis is on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research.
Learners develop an understanding of the nature of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference and find out how to use and understand historical evidence as part of their studies. The work involved in studying history helps to develop a number of skills such as research and analytical techniques; critical thinking; statistical analysis; evidence gathering and interpretation and persuasive writing.
GEOGRAPHY
Through the IGCSE Geography syllabus, learners will develop a ‘sense of place’ by looking at the world around them on a local, regional and global scale. Learners will examine a range of natural and man-made environments, and study some of the processes which affected their development. They will also look at the ways in which people interact with their environment, and the opportunities and challenges an environment can present, thereby gaining a deeper insight into the different communities and cultures that exist around the world.
Students will encounter the following topics:
- Environmental issues such as climate change and oceanic pollution
- Travel and tourism and their effects on economics and ecologies
- Population, land use and migration patterns
- Weather patterns and extreme weather
TRAVEL AND TOURISM
IGCSE Travel and Tourism is designed to help meet the need for skilled and knowledgeable individuals in this rapidly diversifying industry. The syllabus develops practical skills across a range of working roles, as well as providing a global and local perspective on travel and tourism. Learners gain an overview of the industry, and learn about popular destinations, customer care, working procedures, travel and tourism products and services, and marketing and promotion.
CHINESE - First Language
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; 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.
THAI - First Language
Thai nationals attending MIS are required to study Thai language and culture. Non-Thai nationals who wish to take the Thai First Language IGCSE and who have demonstrated sufficient aptitude, will also be given the opportunity to take this course.
The First Language syllabus develops learners’ ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. Students learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary; use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation; develop a personal style and gain an awareness of the audience being addressed. Learners are also encouraged to read widely for their own enjoyment and to develop an appreciation of verbal and written expression.
BUSINESS STUDIES
The IGCSE in Business Studies 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, such as the essential value of interdependence. Learners not only study business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry. The syllabus provides a good foundation for further study at A Level and is an ideal preparation for the world of work.
ART & DESIGN
Engaging with art and design helps to stimulate imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. Learners gain confidence and enthusiasm as they develop technical skills in form and composition, and are able to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile forms. At the same time, students will continue to develop their skills in a range of artistic techniques including drawing, painting, modelling and printing.
MUSIC
When studying the IGCSE in Music learners have to listen to, perform and compose music, encouraging aesthetic and emotional development, self-discipline and importantly, creativity. As a result, learners enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of music, an achievement that forms an ideal foundation for future study and enhances life-long musical enjoyment.
Learners study music of all styles; each style is placed in its historical and cultural context, and they are encouraged to be perceptive, sensitive and critical when listening. Although the majority of the syllabus examines Western European music, the music of other cultures is always represented.
DRAMA
Through practical and theoretical study, learners develop an understanding and enjoyment of drama, developing group and individuals skills and studying ways to communicate ideas and feelings to an audience. They learn how to discover the performance possibilities of a text and other stimuli, and devise dramatic materials of their own. Learners also develop their performance skills, the demonstration of which will form part of the final assessment.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The syllabus provides learners with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of physical education. It is designed to encourage enjoyment in physical activity by providing learners with an opportunity to take part in a range of physical activities and also develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance. This helps learners to develop an appreciation of the necessity for sound understanding of the principles, practices and training routines that underpin improved performance, better health and well-being.