cambridge Secondary

MIS students follow a Key Stage 4 curriculum that consists of six compulsory subjects and four elected option subjects. The curriculum also includes somesubjects to provide balance, that are not examined at IGCSE, such as PSHEand Physical training.

The option blocks are redesigned each year to best meet the needs of the Year 9 cohort, in order to ensure that students have the correct variety of subjects to enter the A LevelProgramme.

Students are required to choose one subject from each of the following blocks:

Option choices will be collated on an electronic form, sent to parents and then confirmed in writing before the start of the new academic year. It is imperative that this process takes place as early as possible so that the school is able to recruit the necessary teachers for each course.

In most subjects, candidates are able to sit the IGCSE examinations at one of two levels: Core or Extended. The possible attainment grades for each level are different. MIS endeavours to enter all of our students for Extended examinations.

Included in the following pages is an introduction to each IGCSE subject, along with the relevant syllabus codes and a link to the ap- propriate section of the CIE website for each subject/course. We have also included an outline of the areas of study to be examined in May/June 2023 / 24.

The Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design certificate is universally recog- nised by universities, art colleges and employers across the globe. It is evidence that astudent has gained a certain level of experience and skill through developing and producing a range of artefacts and de- signs. The holder of the certificate has demonstrated a high level of visual knowledge and understanding alongwith cultural awareness.

The syllabus is designed to encourage and guide students through aes- thetic awareness, knowledge and a critical understanding of art. It also provides opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills. Crucial- ly, a personaland independent perspective is encouraged throughout the course. IGCSE Art and Design accommodates a wide range of abil- ities, materials and resources and allows the skills and knowledge of the teacher to be implemented at eachstep.

Art transcends cultural boundaries and its importance should be uni- versally recognised as one of great value. The understanding of art is both enlightening and fascinating, thus giving the owner of artistic knowledge great pleasure that can be shared.

Since careers in Biology are so diverse, the IGCSE course engages students in one of the most varied, interesting and relevant subjects available. Biologists are involved in some of the most exciting areas of research, such as developing cures for diseases or saving species from extinction.

Students develop scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of biology, in relation to the four main areas of syllabus content: characteristics and classification of living organisms; organisation and maintenance of the organism; development of the organism and continuity of life; and finally, relationships of organisms with one another and with their environment

A two-year course following the Cambridge Coordinated Science Syllabus, covering all three of the sciences, biology, chemistry and physics, leading to a double award grade. At the end of the two years students are expected to be able to sit the extended Cambridge IGCSE though some student may choose to take the core content paper

This course will enable students to take any of the sciences at A level.

Business Studies provides students with a practical introduction to all elements of organizing and running a business. Students draw upon a range of case studies and real-world scenarios to become experts in the areas of finance, human resources, marketing and operations. Lessons begin by looking at the smaller forms of business organisation, such as sole traders and partnerships as well as the characteristics of entrepreneurs. As the course progresses students are introduced to and learn about larger businesses, such as franchises and public limited companies. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to examine business decisions from a range of stakeholder perspectives. Students are also advised to keep up to date with business news. This is an important element in helping to solidify their understanding and improve their writ- ten answers with supporting examples. By the end of the course, students will have developed their skills in numeracy, literacy, enquiry and in using relevant qualitative and quantitative sources to reach well supported justifications.

Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise is a unique syllabus that brings the world of business into the classroom and gives learners a clear insight into what it means to think like an entrepreneur. This is the first Cam- bridge IGCSE syllabus which asks learners to adopt the thoughts and actions of entrepreneurs, developing their knowledge and understand- ing of the practicalities of setting up and running their own new enter- prise. Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise equips learners with a range of vital life skills for use in planning and organisation, communication and finan- cialmanagement.

THIS COURSE AIMS TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO:

• Understand what it means to be enterprising, and the skills required
• Develop the ability to work in an enterprising and independent way
• Develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills to enterprise issues in a range of local, national and global contexts

• Appreciate the roles and perspectives of all organisations and people involved in enterprise and the importance of ethical considerations
• Investigate the world of work and entrepreneurial organisations
• Develop the ability to communicate effectively, in a variety of situations, using a range of appropriate techniques.

The Chemistry syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practi- cal elements leading to an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry. Thetopics studied include atoms, chemical equations, speeds of reactions, metals,air and water, polymers and organic chem- istry. The IGCSE course is excellentpreparation for the study of Chemistry at A Level and beyond. In addition, it will prepare students to become confident citizens in a technological world, and to take an informed interest in scientific matters. Careers in chemistry are vast and varied. Employers from all sectors view students with a chemistry background as someone who is well informed, has an ability to problem-solve, work well in teams, and communicatecomplicated ideas well.

Chemistry-centered careers include: chemical engineering, pharma-ceutical research, agricultural analysis, and scientific communication.

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science provides an ideal foundation incomputer science. Learners gain confidence in computational thinking andprogramming, an appreciation of automated and emerging technologies and the benefits of their use. They develop an understanding of the main principles of problem-solving by creating computer-based solutions using algorithms and a high-level program- ming language. Learners also develop a range of technical skills in- cluding the ability to test effectively and to evaluate solutions.

Economics encourages students to develop a sound knowledge of economic terminology and economic theory. The course covers both microeconomics (the study of individual markets) as well as macroeconomics (the interaction of markets at a national and global level).

In microeconomics, students learn how the concepts of supply and demand help establish equilibrium prices. They then apply this to various markets from oil to housing. Lessons draw upon real world examples enabling students to gain confidence in interpreting diagrams and manipulating statistical data. Such skills al- low students to identify and discriminate between differing sources of information and to distinguish between facts and value judgments in economic issues. Macroeconomics allows students to better understand the world around them as well as their place within it. Lessons cover topics such as GDP, inflation and the economic development of countries as they transition from being an LEDC to an MEDC. An understanding of Economics allows students to under-stand and contribute to important discussions that will affect all of our futures.

The 0500 First Language English course aims to enhance the read- ing, writing and speaking and listening skills of all students. The skills of Reading and Writing are assessed in the final exam. The 0500 pro- gramme enables students to develop the ability to read, understand, and respond to a variety of text types; explore how writers achieve their ef- fects and recognize and appreciate themes and attitudes, as well as to construct and convey meaning in written language through a variety of tasks that befit style, audience and purpose. The students will also con- sider strategies for how to retrieveinformation for the purpose of study.

Throughout the two-year programme, students focus on the develop- ment, and understanding of, the spoken word; they will participate in Speaking and Listening tasks which will aim to ensure that they can communicate confidently and appropriately in both formal and infor- mal settings.

Content overview Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to develop practical communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Learners will be pre- sented with a variety of stimuli that will build up their skills in reading and writing.

They will learn to select relevant details, understand the difference be- tween what is directly stated and implied, and practice writing for dif- ferent purposes and audiences. Learners will listen to a range of spo- ken material, including talks and conversations, in order to develop listening skills. Learners will engage in conversations on a variety of topics and develop their skills in responding to different situations and audiences with a degree of accuracy and clarity.

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language will enable learners to become independent users of English, and to be able to use English to communicate effectively in a variety of practical contexts.

Both syllabi are designed for students who are learning Spanish and Chinese as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. The courses are based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and theseare built on as learners progress through their studies.

Both syllabi contents are organised around five broad topic areas which provide contexts for the acquisition of vocabulary and the study of grammatical structures. Through the study of these topic areas, candidates gain insights into target language, their relevant countries and communities. Both also aim to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of places where Spanish and Chinese are spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages.

This is a groundbreaking and stimulating course that stretches across traditional subject boundaries and develops transferable skills. It is both cross-curricular and skills-based and taps into the way learners of today enjoy learning – team work, presentations, projects, and working with other learners around the world. IGCSE Global Perspectives provides opportunities for enquiry into – and reflection upon – key global issues from different perspectives: personal, local, national and global.

The course encourages awareness of global problems and offers a range of opportunities to explore solutions through cooperation and collaboration. It is not about getting everybody to think identically; rather, it is a matter of opening minds to the complexity of the world and of human thought and encouraging empathy for the diversity of human experience and feeling. This course emphasizes the development and application of skills rather than the acquisition of knowledge.

Candidates develop transferable skills that will be useful for further study and develops young people as active citizens of the future.

The topics offer a context within which candidates can begin to develop and demonstrate an understanding of these global issues from personal, local and/or national and global perspectives. Candidates use research, reasoning and questioning to gain this understanding and form their own judgements.

• Language and communication
• Sport and recreation
• Tradition, culture and identity

Myanmar Language is an optional first language course designed to provide native speakers with a challenging academic programme at the level of national language requirements for matriculation. The learners will develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in both speech and writing. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, as well as 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 to further their awareness of the ways in which the Myanmar Language can be used. The course also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively by using Government Textbooks and Curriculums

The Mathematics syllabus encourages students to make use of Mathematics in other subjects and provides a firm foundation for the continued study ofMathematics and other disciplines. Students will be encouraged to develop their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides enjoyment. They will develop a feel for numbers and for patterns and relationships in Mathematics. There is a strong emphasis on problems solving as well as presenting and interpreting results. Students will be encouraged to communicate clearly and reason logically using mathematical concepts.

IGCSE Physical Education 0413 is a two- year course where students develop a range of skills, knowledge and understanding of Physical Education and enjoyment of physical activity; all of which provide an excellent foundation for advanced study in Sport and Exercise Science and associated subjects.

AIMS:

The syllabus aims to enable students to:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of the theory underpinning physicalperformance in the modern world
• Use and apply this knowledge and understanding to improve theirperformance
• Perform in a range of physical, developing skills and techniques, and selectingand using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
• Understand and appreciate safe practice in physical activity and sport
• Understand and appreciate the benefits of physical activity and sport for health, fitness and well-being

Gain a sound basis for further study in the field of Physical Educa- tion

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential mathematical knowledge and ability. The Additional Mathematics syllabus is intended for high ability candidates who have achieved, or are likely to achieve, Grade A*, A or B in the CambridgeIGCSE Mathematics examination. Successful Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics candidates gain lifelong skills, including:

• the further development of mathematical concepts and principles
• the extension of mathematical skills and their use in more advanced techniques
• an ability to solve problems, present solutions logically and interpret results
• a solid foundation for further study

The Cambridge Physics syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practical studies leading to an understanding of the basic principles of physics. Students will develop scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of Physics; these will be of use in everyday life and can form a basis for more advanced study. Students will gain an awareness of the study and practice of science and will understand that scientific applications have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the individual and the environment. The course will prepare students to become confident citizens in a techno- logical world, and to take an informed interest in scientific matters.