IGCSEs at DQ BISR

Welcome to Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 4, in line with your growing maturity, you will face option choices and have the opportunity to create an individual learning plan. It is important that you consider the choices very carefully and select the most appropriate route forward so that you take subjects that will lead ultimately to a satisfying and rewarding career.

Few students in Year 9 have a definitive idea of the career path they are likely to pursue, so it is advisable to choose a broad and balanced curriculum and in order to keep your options open. The Key Stage 4 National Curriculum still contains compulsory areas of study, covering key areas such as Mathematics, Science, English and Physical Education, although even within these subject areas there may be an element of choice regarding the depth of study.  In addition you are able to opt for extra subjects, some of which you may never have tried before, so it is important to research as much as you can before making your decision. This could include reading the subject information carefully, talking to older students, to teachers, to family and friends and also to our careers and higher education counsellor.

The curriculum on offer is designed to ensure you receive an appropriate balance of core subjects and opportunities to specialise in order to maximise your abilities and set yourself challenging goals.  A programme of GCSE subjects at BISR prepares you for both IB diploma and A Level pathways in the Sixth Form, as well as preparing you for a life beyond school. A broad range of GCSEs will enable you to face the demands placed on you by an ever-changing and very challenging world. You will have excellent teachers, and your parents will, no doubt, be very supportive, but you are entering a phase of your education when you must take an increasing role in your learning.  Choose wisely and you will enjoy this next stage of your learning journey.

Here at BISR DQ, we recognise that choosing IGCSE (International General Certificate of Education) options is a crucial point in your educational journey, and we wish to provide you with all the support you need to take this exciting step and make this a positive process for you.

Throughout your primary education, you have followed a broad curriculum that has provided you with the basic skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to continue your studies into Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9), allowing you to build a foundation of knowledge and understanding across a wide range of subjects. Hopefully, your experiences in school so far have allowed you to gain an insight into what your strengths are, where there is room for further development, and where your passions and interests lie. This is a great starting point from which to consider what you would like to do in the future.

Whereas there are certain subjects that are compulsory for you to continue studying, the optional IGCSE courses offered in Key Stage 4 (Years 10 - 11) represent the opportunity to begin specialising and personalising your course of study. As teachers, many of whom have been through a similar process ourselves as students, we know that these are not often easy decisions - this is really the first juncture in your educational experience where you have the agency and the responsibility to begin to balance your interests with your future educational and career plans, as well as aiming to keep a broad enough range of subjects so as not to limit your future options. The decisions you make now will affect not only your next two years of study, but could also impact your International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) choices, Higher Education and, eventually, your career choices, so you must make sure you are well informed. So, in selecting your subjects, please do make use of all the resources at your disposal to help you with this process: read the course information carefully, speak to your teachers, to your family, and to our Careers Advisor in order to make sure that you have all the information you need before reaching your decisions.

Your IGCSE courses are considered by many schools across the world as an excellent preparation for the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Programme and further study for several reasons:

1. Broad Subject Coverage: 

IGCSE courses offer a wide range of subjects, covering areas such as languages, sciences, humanities, and mathematics. This broad subject coverage helps students develop a foundational understanding of various disciplines, which is beneficial when transitioning to the IB Diploma Programme, where students are required to study six subjects across different groups.

2. Rigorous Curriculum: 

IGCSE courses follow a more rigorous curriculum than most alternative programmes for your age group, as they are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of each subject. This level of academic rigour helps students develop critical thinking skills, independent research abilities, and analytical reasoning—all of which are highly valued in the IB Diploma Programme.

3. Focus on Exam Preparation: 

IGCSE courses typically involve comprehensive assessments, including written examinations, coursework, and practical assessments. This focus on exam preparation helps students become familiar with the demands of external examinations, which is a significant component of the IB Diploma Programme.

4. Development of Study Skills: 

IGCSE courses often emphasise the development of study skills, such as time management, organisation, research, and effective revision techniques. These skills are also essential for success in the IB Diploma Programme, where students are required to manage multiple subjects, engage in extended research projects, and complete both internal and external assessments.

5. International Perspective: 

Compared to national curricula, IGCSE courses are widely recognised and offered in schools worldwide, providing an international perspective on education. The IB Diploma Programme also emphasises an international outlook, focusing on global issues, intercultural understanding, and developing students as global citizens. The exposure to diverse perspectives and global awareness gained through IGCSE courses can support students' transition into the IB Diploma Programme.

6. Continuity in Curriculum: 

We offer the IB Diploma Programme as an extension of our curriculum, ensuring a seamless transition for students. The IGCSE curriculum aligns well with the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme, facilitating a smooth progression in terms of subject knowledge, skills, and academic expectations.

In summation, the skills, knowledge, and academic preparation gained through IGCSE courses can undoubtedly contribute to your success in the IB Diploma Programme. 

Finally, remember that, while this can all seem very daunting, it is also a very exciting time in your life. You have the opportunity to begin to take charge of and personalise your own educational path. 

These are your own decisions, but you do not need to make them on your own - make use of all the advice and support that your family and friends, and our staff can offer in taking these first steps toward your future studies and career.