Upper Secondary – IGCSE
Upper Secondary is an important growth area for students where they are given the opportunity to select their own specialist subjects and encouraged to lean into their strengths. Students are excited to be granted the autonomy of mapping out their own education and working towards their future goals.
At HAIS, we coach and support all of our students through this decision-making process whether their passions lie in sports, arts, science or commerce. We consider each individual and their separate interests, their learning style and where they see themselves in the future. For the 2023 -2024 Academic year, we are excited to be adding three new IGCSE subjects – Vietnamese, Physical Education, and Travel & Tourism, which will allow students to further follow their passions and interests.
What is Cambridge IGCSE?
Cambridge IGCSEs are international qualifications of secondary education. They are the world’s most popular international qualification and are based on the British education system. IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Learning at IGCSE level develops deep knowledge, conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking skills to prepare learners for their future. Programmes of study at IGCSE level typically last two academic years, with learners completing their IGCSE studies at the end of year 11.
These qualifications provide a variety of pathways to future studies, one choice being Advanced Level (A Level). IGCSE qualifications are recognised by universities worldwide.
Our curriculum is designed to be internationally-minded, flexible, academically challenging and motivating.
Core Subjects
English
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 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 enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
English
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language develops skills for understanding and communicating in a range of situations in English. These skills include the ability to understand written and spoken texts, and select relevant information from them. Learners develop the linguistic skills required for progression to further studies or employment through being able to communicate clearly in writing and speaking, on both familiar and less familiar topics.
The course enables students to:
- Understand and use English in a range of situations;
- Build awareness of the nature of language and the four language-learning skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking; and
- Develop transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.
English Literature
This subject enables learners to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. Learners develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed.
The course enables students to:
- Enjoy the experience of reading literature;
- Understand and respond to literary texts in different forms and from different periods and cultures;
- Communicate an informed personal response appropriately and effectively;
- Appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects;
- Experience literature’s contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth; and
- Explore the contribution of literature to an understanding of areas of human concern.
Mathematics
An essential subject for all learners, Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill and a solid basis for more advanced study.
The course enables learners to:
- Develop competence and fluency with mathematical concepts, methods and skills, as well as a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships;
- Gain confidence in solving problems in mathematics and real-life contexts;
- Develops mathematical reasoning and communication skills by promoting appropriate presentation and interpretation of results; and
- Gain an understanding of how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.
Co-ordinated Sciences
Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically coherent syllabus. It is a double award qualification, earning two grades. 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 scientific research results 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 take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
Non-Core Subjects
Global Perspectives
Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives 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, including teamwork, presentations, projects, and working 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 one point of view.
Art and Design
Art and Design gives learners a platform to express themselves, sparking imagination, creativity, and developing transferable skills. Students explore and push boundaries to become reflective, critical and decisive thinkers. They learn how to articulate personal responses to their experiences.
What will students learn?
- Develop creative skills that will help with many aspects of their future learning and development;
- Learn to see themselves as artists and become increasingly reflective and independent;
- Develop the skills needed to express ideas creatively and to communicate visually;
- Understand their place and the place of others in a creative, innovative and interconnected world.
French
French as a foreign language aims to develop an ability to use the French language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress through their studies. In addition, the course also offers insights into the culture of countries where French is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of other languages.
Course Aims
This is a multi-skill course that develops speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities. The aims are to enable students to:
- Develop the language proficiency required to communicate effectively in French at a basic and independent level
- Offer insights into the culture and society of countries and communities where French is spoken
- Develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning
- Encourage positive attitudes towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures
- Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation
- Develop transferable skills such as memorising and drawing of inferences
- Form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for progression to work or further study, either in French or another subject area.
Business Studies
This course develops students’ understanding of the implications of technology on home, work and learning environments. Students also cover theoretical and practical areas of ICT such as ethics, software applications, databases and website design.
Learners will analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems, making sure that they are fit for their purpose. There is an emphasis on developing lifelong skills, which are essential across the curriculum and their future career.
The course enables learners to:
- Gain an understanding of the basic components, use and application of different ICT systems and networks;
- Develop the skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems;
- Develop the skills to understand the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world; and
- Develop the ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice.
Physical Education IGCSE
This is a subject for learners who are passionate about Physical Education, not only the physical aspect but also the health aspect. Students of course perform in different physical activities but will also learn to understand their movement and performance (anatomy and physiology), and the role of sport and physical activity in society. Learners will also be able to plan their own practice. This course contains both practical and theoretical examinations.
The course enables learners to:
Develop knowledge, skills and understanding a range of relevant physical activities and an ability to plan, perform and evaluate physical activities. The aims of the course are to enable students to:
- Develop their knowledge and understanding of the theory underpinning physical performance in the modern world
- Use and apply this knowledge and understanding to improve their performance
- Perform in a range of physical activities, developing skills and techniques, and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
- Understand and appreciate safe practice in physical activity and sport for health, fitness and well-being
- Gain a sound basis for further study in the field of Physical Education.
Enterprise
Enterprise brings the world of business into the classroom and gives students an insight into what it means to think like an entrepreneur. Students learn to adopt the thoughts and actions of entrepreneurs, developing their knowledge and understanding of the practicalities of setting up and running their own new enterprise. Students are equipped with a range of life skills for use in planning and organisation, communication and financial management.
The course enables learners to:
- Understand what it means to be enterprising, and the skills required to be enterprising;
- Develop the ability to work in an enterprising and independent way;
- Develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills to contemporary enterprise issues in a range of local, national and global contexts;
- 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; and
- Make effective use of relevant terms, concepts and methods when discussing enterprise and enterprising behaviour.
History
Cambridge IGCSE History looks at some of the major international issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and covers the history of particular regions and events in more depth.
The course enables learners to develop:
- An interest in and enthusiasm for learning about the past;
- The acquisition of knowledge and understanding of individuals, people and societies in the past;
- The knowledge that is rooted in an understanding of the nature and use of historical evidence;
- An understanding of key historical concepts: cause and consequence, change and continuity, and similarity and difference;
- A sound basis for further study and the pursuit of personal interest;
- International understanding; and
- Historical skills, including investigation, analysis, evaluation and communication skills.
Vietnamese First Language
Studying Vietnamese as an IGCSE subject allows learners to engage deeply with Vietnamese Language and strengthen their core skills. Not only do students develop their language skills, but they also develop understanding of content that revolves around common, basic, modern and systematic knowledge about Vietnamese history, geography, culture, traditions and customs.
The course enables learners to develop:
- Read a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding, enjoying and appreciating a variety of language;
- Read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing;
- Write accurately and effectively, using standard Vietnamese appropriately;
- Work with information and with ideas in Vietnamese language by developing skills of critical evaluation, analysis, comparison, use and inference;
- Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions.
Travel & Tourism
Students get to discover here the stories of many countries and destinations around the world that have tried (sometimes with success, sometimes in failure) to develop tourism products showcasing their environment and culture. They will learn how tourism products are developed and how destinations can navigate through a political crisis or an environmental disaster. Students will explore and reflect on how tourism is a business but can also be an agent for change to combat poverty and climate-related issues. Students will also discover the lesser-known mechanisms that influence the tourism world and the everyday miracles performed by the tourism industry workers to create lifetime memories for customers.
Course Aims
The aims of Travel & Tourism enables students to develop:
- Understanding of the nature of travel and tourism, globally, nationally and locally;
- Understanding of the positive and negative impacts of travel and tourism and how these can be managed;
- Understanding of the importance of sustainability and resilience in travel and tourism;
- Awareness of the importance of the customer in the travel and tourism industry;
- Understanding of the importance of marketing in travel and tourism;
- Communication skills and awareness of different values and attitudes in relation to travel and tourism.
Music
Music fosters creativity and builds confidence. It helps learners to express themselves and shows them the importance of communication as they learn to connect with other musicians and with audiences.
Learners explore music as performers, composers and informed listeners. They make, understand and appreciate music from different cultures, times and places, helping them to develop leadership and collaboration skills as well as self-confidence.
What will students learn?
- To cultivate a joy of music through participating in meaningful and enjoyable experiences;
- To develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to contribute as musicians;
- To collaborate with others in purposeful and expressive ways through singing and playing instruments;
- To nurture their individual and collective creativity;
- To use their growing knowledge to explore and generate music that is unique, relevant and valuable.
Physical Education
Physical Education is also offered as a non-examined subject if students do not wish to choose it as an IGCSE subject. Physical Education is a vital part of a balanced school curriculum. Regular exercise improves physical and mental health and there is growing evidence that it improves academic performance across the curriculum.
Learners develop skills through a wide variety of age-appropriate physical activities, including games, team sports, gymnastics, swimming and dance.
What will students learn?
- Increase confidence, moving with increasing control, fluency and variety;
- Improve their understanding of concepts, rules, tactics, strategies and compositional ideas;
- Participate in respectful and responsible ways, engaging appropriately and safely;
- Improve knowledge and understanding of how physical education can contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle;
- Develop transferable skills promoting physical, cognitive, and social development, and become independent, critical and reflective movers and thinkers.
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Study pathway