Upper Secondary / IGCSE (Ages 14-16)

Most students undertake IGCSE courses in both English Language and English Literature. These courses concentrate on honing students' reading and writing abilities, empowering them to engage critically with texts and tailor their writing to various contexts. Students develop an understanding of textual nuances, examining linguistic techniques, character dynamics, and plot progression.

Additionally, we offer support for students who are learning English as a second language, adapting our IGCSE programmes to address their individual requirements.

The IGCSE mathematics curriculum not only covers academic necessities but also emphasises the importance of mathematics in various aspects of society, employment, and further study. Beyond meeting academic standards, this course aims to instil in students a genuine appreciation for using mathematical techniques and concepts. Through practical applications, students develop confidence in employing mathematics to tackle real-world problems, fostering a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the subject.

The IGCSE science curriculum offers students a comprehensive understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics. It is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific investigation. It often includes practical laboratory work, experiments, and investigations to allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Additionally, the curriculum may incorporate relevant contemporary issues and developments in science to engage students and encourage a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Through a blend of hands-on experimentation and classroom instruction, students cultivate a sense of curiosity and a mindset of inquiry.

PREPARING FOR THE IB

For native and fluent German speakers, the IGCSE subject German as a first language aims to strengthen students' language proficiency, communication skills, cultural awareness, and appreciation for their native language and culture.

It encompasses various aspects of language learning, including:

• Reading Comprehension: Students engage with a variety of texts, including literary works, articles, and essays, to develop their reading skills. They analyse texts for content, themes, and literary devices.
• Writing Skills: The curriculum focuses on improving students' writing abilities, covering different types of writing such as narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and argumentative. Students learn to structure their writing effectively and express their ideas clearly and cohesively.
• Speaking and Listening: Oral communication skills are emphasised through activities such as presentations, discussions, debates, and role-plays. Students practice speaking fluently and articulately while also enhancing their listening comprehension through exposure to spoken German in various contexts.
• Grammar and Vocabulary: The curriculum includes a thorough study of German grammar rules and vocabulary expansion exercises. Students learn to apply grammatical concepts correctly in their writing and speaking, as well as to enrich their vocabulary for better communication.
• Cultural Understanding: Students gain insight into German culture, society, and traditions through the study of literary works, films, music, and other cultural artifacts. They explore the historical and contemporary aspects of German-speaking countries, fostering a deeper understanding of the language within its cultural context.
  The subject German in the IGCSE curriculum for students learning German as a foreign language, is designed to facilitate language acquisition and proficiency development for non-native speakers, focusing on developing functional fluency across various topics.
• Listening Comprehension: Students engage in listening activities to improve their understanding of spoken German. They listen to various audio materials, such as conversations, interviews, and presentations, and demonstrate comprehension through answering questions or summarizing the content.
• Reading Comprehension: Students read a range of texts, including articles, reports, stories, and excerpts from literary works, to enhance their reading skills. They practice identifying key information, understanding main ideas, and inferring meaning from context.
• Writing Skills: The curriculum focuses on developing students' writing abilities in German. They learn to express themselves effectively through different types of writing, such as letters, emails, essays, and narratives. Emphasis is placed on grammar accuracy, vocabulary usage, and coherent organisation of ideas.
• Speaking Skills: Oral communication skills are emphasised through interactive activities such as role-plays, discussions, presentations, and debates. Students practice speaking fluently, accurately, and confidently, with attention to pronunciation and intonation.
• Grammar and Vocabulary: The curriculum covers essential grammar rules and vocabulary relevant to everyday communication. Students learn to use grammatical structures correctly and expand their vocabulary to express themselves more precisely and fluently.
• Cultural Understanding: Students explore aspects of German-speaking culture, society, and customs to develop cultural awareness and appreciation. They learn about traditions, celebrations, historical events, and contemporary issues, gaining insights into the cultural context of the German language.

Overall, the German as a foreign language subject in the IGCSE curriculum aims to equip students with the linguistic skills, cultural knowledge, and confidence to communicate effectively in German-speaking environments and to prepare them for further language study or real-life situations where German is used as a means of communication.

Students taking the IGCSE have a wide range of additional subjects to choose from based on their interests and career aspirations. Some common additional subjects in the IGCSE curriculum include:

• Modern languages such as French or Spanish.
• Social Sciences comprising subjects such as Geography, History and Economics. These subjects provide students with an understanding of human society, culture, and the environment, equipping them with valuable analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Creative Arts with options like Art and Design, Music and Drama allow students to explore their creativity and develop skills in artistic expression.
• Physical Education (PE) focusing on physical fitness, sports, and healthy living.
• Computer Science covering topics such as programming, algorithms, computer systems, and computational thinking.