Studying IGCSEs and BTECs at GFM

Click here for the presentation that we showed on Tuesday 17 January at the Year 9 Options event.

Choosing the courses you will study in KS4 is an exciting process. Your hard work and success in these courses will lead to qualifications which will stay with you for the rest of your life. Achieving good exam results in Year 11 will open doors to a wide range of different pathways, whether that is in the world of work or in further study. We are also aware that some students find the wide range of subjects on offer confusing and can begin to worry about making these important choices. This booklet is designed to help you make these choices. As a school we will support all students, and their parents, through this process at all stages.

Your programme of study next year will include a selection of compulsory subjects alongside a set of your chosen subjects. It is therefore very important that you carefully think about which path you wish to take and which options you wish to choose.

Some of you may already know what subjects you are most interested in studying in KS4. This may be because it matches your future pathway for a career that you want to pursue, or it may just be because it is a subject you are interested in and would enjoy learning at a higher level. Some of you may still be unsure at this point – and this is perfectly understandable and not something to worry about.

Please make time to discuss these courses with your teachers in more detail. You also have access to our Director of Aspirations, (Ms Mitzi) who will be able to talk to you in more detail about your future pathways. Please do book a meeting with her should you so wish.

BTEC stands for Business and Technology Education Council. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content. BTECs are skill-based career focused qualifications for those students who are suited to this pathway. Every year over a million students across fifty countries complete BTEC qualifications. At KS4 in GFM there are four BTEC courses available. The IBTEC is the International equivalent of a BTEC studied in England.

Please note that although BTECs are increasing increasingly being recognized internationally care should be taken to ensure that selection of these qualifications does not limit some future pathway choices. In the UAE at present, BTECs are not included in the equivalency requirements at Level 2, however they are in many other jurisdictions. Please do get in touch if you have any questions about this.

To ensure compliance with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the KHDA, the following subjects will be compulsory where applicable:

• Arabic A - for Arab passport holders

• Arabic B -for non-Arab passport holders (Year 10 only)

• Islamic A and B - for Muslim students

• UAE Social Studies and Moral Education (embedded within the SMC curriculum)

The student must pass five (5) subjects at the regular level GCSE or IGCSE with the grades of A*, A, B, C, D, E (or) 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 

The student must pass two subjects at AS Level (Year 12) or one subject at A Level (Year 13) with the grades of A*, A, B, C, D, or E.

Islamic education and the Arabic language are not counted among the subjects.

BTEC Level 3 is approved as a course to gain equivalency at the end of high school.

The student who is a citizen of the country must pass:

a. Emirates Standard English Test for University Admission (EmSAT Achieve - English) with a minimum score of 1100 

b.Emirates Standard Test for Mathematics for University Admission (EmSAT Achieve - Mathematics) with a minimum average of 500   Or the Emirates Standard Test of English for admission University (EmSAT Achieve - English) with a minimum average of 1100 

There are a number of subjects/ qualifications that are compulsory for certain Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) pupils at GFM:

• IGCSE English Language/ IGCSE English as a Second Language - The English pathway selected will be dependent on levels of attainment towards the end of the Year 9 curriculum.

• IGCSE Mathematics

• IGCSE Combined Science (Double Award) or Triple Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) - The science pathway selected will be dependent on levels of attainment towards the end of the Year 9 curriculum. Some students will be eligible for our BTEC Level 2 course in Applied Sciences.

• Islamic Studies (compulsory for Muslim pupils)

o   This is not an IGCSE course

• UAE Social Studies and Moral Education (compulsory for all students)

o   This is not an IGCSE course

• Arabic A (only compulsory for Arab pupils)

o   MOE curriculum for all Arabs

• Arabic B (Arabic for non-Arabs) – compulsory in Year 10 only.

At GFM there are three IGCSE qualifications in English. As a UK curriculum school all students will study IGCSE English Language, with some groups of students also completing an IGCSE in English Literature. English as a Second Language is offered to selected students only based on their needs. The decisions as to which courses students are entered for will be made by the school based on progress and attainment towards the end of Year 9.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Cambridge English as a First Language (0990)  

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/635234-2024-2026-syllabus.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives

Our international GCSE in English Language should enable students to:

• Demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing necessary to communicate with others confidently, effectively, precisely and appropriately 

• Express themselves creatively and imaginatively 

• Understand the patterns, structures and conventions of written and spoken English 

• Select and adapt speech and writing to different situations and audiences 

• Become critical readers of a range of texts, including multi-modal texts 

• Use reading to gain access to knowledge and to develop their own skills as writers connect ideas, themes and issues, drawing on a range of texts

Exams

Paper 1: Reading (50% weighting, 2 hours written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Reading. Candidates answer three compulsory questions on three texts. These questions are based around comprehension, language and an extended response to reading – 80 marks.

Paper 2: Directed writing and composition (50% weighting, 2 hours written exam)

Paper 2 Content: Directed writing and composition. There are two questions for students to complete. The first is on directed writing based on a text, while the second assesses the candidate’s composition skills.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Edexcel International GCSE (4ET1)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/International%20GCSE/English%20Literature/2016/Specification%20and%20sample%20assessments/International_GCSE_English_Literature_specification.pdf 

Qualification aims and objectives

Our International GCSE in English Literature should enable students to: 

• Read a wide range of literature fluently and with good understanding 

• Read in depth and critically evaluate sources in order to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas 

• Develop the habit of reading widely and often 

• Write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading.

Exams and Written coursework

Paper 1: Poetry and modern prose (90 marks, 60% weighting, 2 hours written exam)

Paper 1 Poetry and modern prose: Reading. Students will study a range of poetry and prose texts.  Section A will focus on analyzing an unseen poem; Section B will be questions based on the comparison of two previously studied poems; and Section C will focus on the student understanding of a piece of modern prose writing.

Paper 2: Modern drama and literary heritage texts (60 marks, 40% weighting, 2 two coursework assignments no final exam)

Paper 1 Modern drama and literary heritage texts: There are two assignments that students will complete. These will be internally assessed. 

• Assignment A is based on modern drama text that students will study. 

• Assignment B is based on a literary heritage text that students will study.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANAGUAGE

OxfordAQA International GCSE (9280)

https://cf.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/oaqaresources/specifications/oxfordaqa-international-gcse-english-as-a-second-language-specification.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives

The study of English will broaden students horizons and encourage them to step beyond familiar cultural boundaries and develop new ways of seeing the world. Courses based on this specification will enable students to: 

• Develop their ability to communicate confidently, coherently and appropriately with native speakers in speech and writing 

• Listen to and understand clearly articulated, standard speech at near normal speed 

• Deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary to increase their independent use and understanding of English in a range of written and spoken contexts 

• Express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently 

• Acquire new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking through the ability to understand and respond to authentic spoken and written material 

• Develop language learning skills for immediate use and to prepare them for further language study in school, higher education or employment.

Exams

Paper 1: Reading (30% weighting, 1 hour 15 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Reading. Short answer questions and multiple choice questions in response to written passages – 60 marks.

Paper 2: Writing (30% weighting, 1 hour 15 minutes written exam)

Paper 2 Content: Writing. There are four tasks which test a range of writing skills. The tasks increase in level of challenge, as do the marks awarded. Each of the first three tasks will be based on one of the themes named in the Subject content. The final task will allow students to draw on their study in one or more of the named themes.

Paper 3: Listening (20% weighting, 45 minutes exam)

Paper 2 Content: Listening. Students will be asked to listen to and answer questions on a range of spoken texts – 40 marks. (Each exam includes 5 minutes reading time of the question paper before the listening stimulus is played.)

Paper 3: Speaking (20% weighting, 10 minutes non-exam assessment)

Paper 2 Content: Speaking. 

• Photocard –  (3–4 minutes)

• General conversation – (6–7 minutes) 

• Audio recorded by teacher and marked by examiner.

MATHEMATICS

As a UK curriculum school all students will study IGCSE Mathematics, with some groups of students also completing complimentary qualifications in Statistics or Further Maths. We have a range of different Mathematics pathways suited to the needs of students. These decisions will be made by the school based on progress and attainment towards the end of Year 9, and communication regarding these will be shared with you by the Maths department. 

Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (4MA1)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/International%20GCSE/Mathematics%20A/2016/Specification%20and%20sample%20assessments/International-GCSE-in-Mathematics-Spec-A.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives 

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A) qualification enables students to: Develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques; Acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas; Enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts, and become confident in using mathematics to solve problems; Appreciate the importance of mathematics in society, employment and study.

Exams

Assessment: consists of tiers of entry (Foundation and Higher) that allow students to be entered for the appropriate level, with questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities in that tier and papers that are balanced for topics and difficulty. The decision regarding which tiers to enter students will be made by the school based on student progress and attainment.

Exams

Higher Tier (Grade 9 - 4) Component/paper code 4MA1/1H and 4MA1/2H (2 x 2 hours written exam)

Externally assessed 

● Availability: January and June

● Two papers: 1H and 2H: Each paper is 50% of the total International GCSE

Content summary: Number • Algebra • Geometry • Statistics

Assessment 

● Each paper is assessed through a 2-hour examination set and marked by Pearson. 

● The total number of marks for each paper is 100. 

● Questions will assume knowledge from the Foundation Tier subject content. 

● Each paper will assess the full range of targeted grades at Higher Tier (9–4). 

● Each paper will have approximately equal marks available for each of the targeted grades. 

Foundation Tier (Grade 5 - 1) Component/paper code 4MA1/1F and 4MA1/2F (2 x 2 hours written exam)

Externally assessed

● Availability: January and June

● Two papers: 1F and 2F Each paper is 50% of the total International GCSE

Content summary • Number • Algebra • Geometry • Statistics

Assessment 

● Each paper is assessed through a 2-hour examination set and marked by Pearson. 

● The total number of marks for each paper is 100. 

● Each paper will assess the full range of targeted grades at Foundation Tier (5–1). 

● Each paper will have approximately equal marks available for each of the targeted grades. 

Sciences at GFM

There are three Science pathways available to students at GFM

Combined Science Double Award IGCSE – This is an IGCSE course that covers the three separate different disciplines of Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). This is the equivalent to two GCSEs

Triple Science – a more in depth academic study of the three Sciences for those who are looking for a science pathway for KS5 and further study. This is equivalent to three GCSEs. Selection for this course is dependent on student progress and attainment in Year 9.

IBTEC Applied Sciences – This course is designed to support students who wish to gain a qualification in Science, but the more formal academic route is not appropriate. Details on this course can be found in the BTEC section at the end of the prospectus.

Decisions will be made by the school, based on progress and attainment towards the end of Year 9.

COMBINED (DOUBLE AWARD) SCIENCE

OxfordAQA International GCSE (9204)

https://cf.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/oaqaresources/specifications/oxfordaqa-international-gcse-combined-science-specification.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives

Our International GCSE Combined Science Double Award should enable students to:

• develop their knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics

• develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the scientific process

• develop their understanding of the relationships between hypotheses, evidence, theories and explanations

• develop and apply their observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, and their understanding in laboratory, field and other learning environments

• develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions both qualitatively and quantitatively

• develop their skills in reporting and presenting information clearly and logically in different formats

• develop their skills in communication, mathematics and the use of technology in scientific contexts.

Exams

Paper 1: Biology (33.3% weighting, 1 hour 45 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Biology. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

Paper 2: Chemistry (33.3% weighting, 1 hour 45 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Chemistry. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

Paper 2: Physics (33.3% weighting, 1 hour 45 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Physics. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

BIOLOGY

OxfordAQA International GCSE (9201)

https://cf.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/oaqaresources/specifications/oxfordaqa-international-gcse-biology-specification.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives

Our International GCSE in Biology should enable students to:

• Develop their knowledge and understanding of biology develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the scientific process

• Develop their understanding of the relationships between hypotheses, evidence, theories and explanations

• Develop and apply their observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, and their understanding in laboratory, field and other learning environments

• Develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions both qualitatively and quantitatively

• Develop their skills in reporting and presenting information clearly and logically in different formats

• Develop their skills in communication, mathematics and the use of technology in scientific contexts.

Exams

Paper 1: Biology (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Biology. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

Paper 2: Biology (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Biology. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

CHEMISTRY

OxfordAQA International GCSE (9202)

https://cf.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/oaqaresources/specifications/oxfordaqa-international-gcse-chemistry-specification.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives

Our International GCSE in Chemistry should enable students to:

• Develop their knowledge and understanding of chemistry

• Develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the scientific process

• Develop their understanding of the relationships between hypotheses, evidence, theories and explanations

• Develop and apply their observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, and their understanding in laboratory, field and other learning environments

• Develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions both qualitatively and quantitatively

• Develop their skills in reporting and presenting information clearly and logically in different formats

• Develop their skills in communication, mathematics and the use of technology in scientific contexts

Exams

Paper 1: Chemistry (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Chemistry. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

Paper 2: Chemistry (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Chemistry. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

PHYSICS

OxfordAQA International GCSE (9203)

https://cf.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/oaqaresources/specifications/oxfordaqa-international-gcse-physics-specification.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives

Our International GCSE in Physics should enable students to:

• Develop their knowledge and understanding of physics

• Develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the scientific process

• Develop their understanding of the relationships between hypotheses, evidence, theories and explanations

• Develop and apply their observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, and their understanding in laboratory, field and other learning environments

• Develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions both qualitatively and quantitatively

• Develop their skills in reporting and presenting information clearly and logically in different formats

• Develop their skills in communication, mathematics and the use of technology in scientific contexts

Exams

Paper 1: Physics (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Physics. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

Paper 2: Physics (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

Paper 1 Content: Physics. Content from any part of the biology section of the specification may be assessed. Involves both structured and open questions.

ART AND DESIGN - FINE ART

Edexcel International GCSE (4FA1)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/International%20GCSE/Art%20and%20Design/2017/specification-and-sample-assessments/art-design-spec-updated.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• actively engage in the creative process of art, craft and design in order to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

• develop creative, imaginative and intuitive capabilities when exploring and making images, artefacts and products

• become confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques

• develop critical understanding through investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills

• develop and refine ideas and proposals, personal outcomes or solutions with increasing independence

• acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent

• develop knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures

• develop an awareness of the different roles and individual work practices evident in the production of art, craft and design in the creative and cultural industries

• develop an awareness of the purposes, intentions and functions of art, craft and design in a variety of contexts and as appropriate to students’ own work

• demonstrate safe working practices in art, craft and design.

Exams

Unit Component 1: Portfolio: 50% weighting. Continuous Personal Portfolio

Students create a personal portfolio of work that demonstrates the knowledge, understanding and skills for the selected endorsed titles.

Students must submit 3 sheets of supporting studies (A2 max), 1 sheet of final outcome/s (A2 max). Students’ work must show evidence of all four Assessment Objectives.

Unit Component 2: External: 50% weighting. Externally set Assignment

Students must present personal response(s) to an externally set broad-based thematic starting point, set by Pearson. Students must submit 3 sheets of supporting studies (A2 max), 1 sheet of final outcome/s (A2 max).

Students’ work must show evidence of all four Assessment Objectives in response to the Externally Set Assignment theme.

IGCSE Arabic (First Language)

Edexcel International GCSE (4AA1)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-arabic-as-1st-language-2017.html

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to develop:

Their ability to read, understand and respond to material from a variety of sources. 

Their ability to communicate accurately in writing, matching style to audience and purpose.

Their understanding of the structure and variety of language. 

An understanding of themselves and the world around them. 

An appreciation of the richness, beauty and diversity of the Arabic language. 

Exams

Paper 1: Reading, Summary and Grammar - 2 hours 15 minutes. Worth 60% of the qualification

Paper 2: Writing - 1 hour 30 minutes. Worth 40% of the qualification

Edexcel International GCSE (4FR1)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-french-2017.html

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable

students to develop:

●        understanding and use of written forms of the target language, in a range of familiar and

●        practical contexts, and for a variety of purposes

●        understanding and use of the spoken forms of the target language, in a range of familiar and practical contexts, and for a variety of purposes

●        the ability to communicate effectively in the target language through the written word, using a range of vocabulary and structures

●        the ability to communicate effectively in the target language through speaking, using a range of vocabulary and structures

●        a knowledge and understanding of the target language grammar and its practical application

●        a knowledge and understanding of countries and communities where the target language is spoken

●        positive attitudes towards modern foreign language learning a suitable foundation for further study of the target language, or another language.

Exams

Paper 1 – Written exam – 35 minutes

Worth 25%

Listening - Assesses listening skills across five topic areas: Home and abroad, education and employment, personal life and relationships, the world around us, social activities, and fitness and health. 

Paper 2 – Written exam – 1hr 45 minutes

Worth 50%

Reading and Writing - This paper assesses reading and writing skills in separate sections across five topic areas.

Paper 3 – Spoken exam – 8-10 minutes

Worth 25%

Speaking - Three tasks where students will present and answer questions on a picture. They will also discuss two different topics, chosen at random by Pearson from the following five topic areas: Home and abroad, education and employment, personal life and relationships, the world around us, social activities, and fitness and health. 

Sport at GFM

There are two Sports pathways available to students at GFM – GCSE PE, or an International BTEC in Sport

The most suitable course for a student that wishes to study Sport at GCSE level will be discussed in liaison with the student and family.

GCSE PE

Edexcel GCSE (1PE0)

Edexcel GCSE Physical Education (2016) | Pearson qualifications

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to: 

• develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge and understanding to improve performance 

• understand how the physiological and psychological state affects performance in physical activity and sport 

• perform effectively in different physical activities by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas 

• develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance in physical activity and sport 

• understand the contribution that physical activity and sport make to health, fitness and wellbeing 

• understand the key socio-cultural influences that can affect people’s involvement in physical activity and sport.

Assessment

Component 1: Fitness and the Body Systems: 36% weighting. 90 Marks

• Topic 1: Applied anatomy and physiology

• Topic 2: Movement analysis

• Topic 3: Physical training

• Topic 4: Use of data

The assessment consists of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended writing questions. Students must answer all questions.

Component 2: Health and Performance: 24% of qualification. 70 Marks

● Topic 1: Health, fitness and wellbeing 

● Topic 2: Sport psychology 

● Topic 3: Socio-cultural influences

● Topic 4: Use of data

The assessment consists of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended writing questions. Students must answer all questions.

Component 3: Practical Performance: 30% of qualification. 105 Marks

● Skills during individual and team activity

● General performance skills 

The assessment consists of students completing three physical activities from a set list. One must be a team activity. One must be an individual activity. The final activity can be a free choice. Students must participate in three separate activities.

Component 4: Personal Exercise Program (PEP): 10% of qualification. 20 Marks

● Aim and planning analysis

● Carrying out and Monitoring the PEP

● Evaluation of the PEP

The assessment consists of students producing a Personal Exercise Programme (PEP), and will require students to analyse and evaluate their performance. 

INTERNATIONAL BTEC IN SPORT – LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE

What is it?

This course is designed to support learners who wish to gain a qualification suitable for employment in the sport and active leisure sector, outside of more academic routes. It can also be used to support a route into further vocational courses in this area.

Specification for IBTEC in Sport

Content covered

• Mandatory Unit – Fitness Testing and Training

• Additional Units – Practical Sport; and Outdoor and Adventurous Activities

How is it assessed? 

BTEC assessment is project and assignment based. Some of these assignments are set by the exam board, with others directed by teaching staff. There are no formal exams, but these assignments are graded by teachers and the exam board.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P) and Unclassified (U)

BUSINESS

Edexcel International GCSE (4BS1)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/business-2017.html

Qualification aims and objectives

Our International GCSE Business should enable students to:

• Know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society

• Apply this knowledge and understanding to make sense of the world of business in an international setting

• Develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems

• Develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

• Investigate and analyse real business opportunities and issues and, by so doing construct well-argued, well-evidenced, balanced and structured arguments, demonstrating depth and breadth and understanding of business

• Develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data

• Develop the ability to analyse critically business behaviour and to be able to make judgements on the appropriateness of proposed courses of action.

Exams

Paper 1: Investigating small businesses (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minute written exam)

Paper 2: Investigating large businesses (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minute written exam)

Both papers focus on the following areas:

1. Business activity and influences on business

2. People in business

3. Business finance

4. Marketing

5. Business operations

Please note that Year 11 students will be continuing and completing exams for the previous exam board (OxfordAQA) in May/ 2024. The specification and details of the course for Year 11 students can be found here: https://www.oxfordaqa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/oxfordaqa-international-gcse-business-specification.pdf

INTERNATIONAL BTEC IN BUSINESS – LEVEL 2 AWARD

What is it?

This course is designed to support learners who wish to gain a qualification in business outside of the more academic route offered by GCSEs. It focuses on the core knowledge and skills required for entering the world of business or entrepreneurship, and can provide a base for further vocational study in this area.

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/btec-international-level-2/business/2022/specification-and-sample-assessments/business-specification.pdf

Content covered

Mandatory Units – Business Purposes; Business Organisation; Financial Forecasting for Business

There are a range of other optional units that can be selected. See the link above for details.

How is it assessed? 

BTEC assessment is project and assignment based. Some of these assignments are set by the exam board, with others directed by teaching staff. There are no formal exams, but these assignments are graded by teachers and the exam board.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P) and Unclassified (U)

COMPUTER SCIENCE

CAIE IGCSE (0478)

595424-2023-2025-syllabus.pdf (cambridgeinternational.org)

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. The aims are to enable students to develop:

• computational thinking skills

• an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers

• the skills necessary to solve computer-based problems using a high-level programming language

• an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate

• an understanding of the internet as a means of communication and its associated risks

• an understanding of the development and use of automated and emerging technologies.

Exams

Paper 1: Computer systems (50% weighting, 1 hour 45 minutes written exam, 75 marks)

• Short-answer and structured questions

• Questions will be based on Topics 1 – 6 of the subject content

All questions are compulsory. 

No calculators are permitted. 

Externally assessed.

Paper 2: Algorithms, Programming and Logic (50% weighting, 1 hour 45 minutes written exam, 75 marks)

• Short-answer and structured questions

• Questions will be based on Topics 7 – 10 of the subject content

All questions are compulsory. 

No calculators are permitted. 

Externally assessed.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

CAIE IGCSE (0417)

595352-2023-2025-syllabus.pdf (cambridgeinternational.org)

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. The aims are to enable students to develop:

• an understanding of the basic components, use and application of different ICT systems and networks

• the skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems

• the skills to understand the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world

• the ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice

Paper 1: Theory (40% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam, 80 marks)

• Questions will be based on sections 1–21 of the subject content 

• All questions are compulsory

• Externally assessed

Paper 2: Document Production, Databases  and Presentations (30% weighting, 2 hour 15 minutes practical exam, 70 marks)

• This test assesses the practical skills needed to use the applications covered in sections 17, 18 and 19 of the subject content

• Candidates must demonstrate the practical skills relevant to sections 11–16

• All tasks are compulsory Externally assessed.

Paper 3: Spreadsheets and Website Authoring (30% weighting, 2 hour 15 minutes written exam, 70 marks)

• This test assesses the practical skills needed to use the applications covered in sections 20 and 21 of the subject content

• Candidates must demonstrate the practical skills relevant to sections 11–16

• All tasks are compulsory Externally assessed.

INTERNATIONAL BTEC IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE

What is it?

This course is designed to support learners who wish to develop core skills in Information Technology with a view to entre employment in the IT sector or to progress to further vocational qualifications. It provides a route for a qualification in Information Technology outside the more academic routes of GCSEs.

Specification for International BTEC in Information Technology

Content covered 

In addition to a mandatory unit (Communicating in the IT Industry), there are a range of different units that can be selected as part of this qualification. See link above for more details.

How is it assessed? 

BTEC assessment is project and assignment based. Some of these assignments are set by the exam board, with others directed by teaching staff. There are no formal exams, but these assignments are graded by teachers and the exam board.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P) and Unclassified (U)

ECONOMICS

Edexcel International GCSE (4EC1)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-economics-2017.html

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• develop an understanding of economic concepts and apply these concepts to real life situations

• calculate, interpret and evaluate economic data in order to make reasoned arguments and informed judgements

• develop an awareness of economic change and its impact on developing and developed economies

• understand economic issues, problems and possible solutions that affect mixed economies

• participate effectively in society as citizens, producers and consumers

Exams

Paper 1: Microeconomics and Business Economics (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes, written exam)

This paper consists of four compulsory questions, each worth 20 marks. The sub questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data response and open-ended questions.

Content summary

The market system: The economic problem, Economic assumptions, Demand, supply and market equilibrium, Elasticity, The mixed economy.

Externalities Business economics: Production, Productivity and division of labour, Business costs, revenues and profit, Business competition, The labour market, Government intervention.

Paper 2: Macroeconomics and the Global Economy (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes, written exam)

This paper consists of four compulsory questions, each worth 20 marks. The sub questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data response and open-ended questions.

Content summary

Government and the economy: Macroeconomic objectives, Government policies, Relationships between objectives and policies.

The global economy: Globalisation, International trade, Exchange rates.

GEOGRAPHY

OxfordAQA International GCSE (9230)

https://www.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/subjects/geography/international-gcse-geography-9230

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• Apply and build on the fundamental building blocks of geographical knowledge

• Actively engage in the process of geographical enquiry to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

• Develop their knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts and appreciate the relevance of these concepts to our changing world

• Develop a framework of spatial awareness in which to appreciate the importance of the location of places and environments at a range of scales

• Appreciate that people have different views of, and attitudes to, the world, its environments and its issues

• Acquire, develop and apply practical geographical enquiry skills

• Undertake geographical investigations that include both primary and secondary data collection, presentation and analysis, drawing conclusions, and evaluating the whole geographical investigation

• Develop and apply their learning to the real world through fieldwork

• Develop their awareness of global issues and recognise the challenges of moving towards a sustainable future.

Exams

Paper 1: Living with the physical environment (36% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes, written exam)

The challenge of natural hazards/ The living world/Physical landscapes

Section A: answer all questions.

Section B: answer all questions.

Section C: answer all questions.

Section D: answer one question from a choice of two.

Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment (36% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes, written exam)

Urban issues and challenges/ The changing economic world/ Global issues

Section A: answer all questions.

Section B: answer all questions.

Section C: answer one question from a choice of two.

Paper 3: Geographical and Fieldwork skills (28% weighting, 1 hour 15 minutes, written exam)

Geographical skills, fieldwork skills in unfamiliar contexts and the individual fieldwork enquiry.

Section A: answer all questions.

Section B: answer all questions.

Section C: answer all questions.

HISTORY

Edexcel International GCSE (4HI1)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-history-2017.html

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods and societies in history; and of the wide diversity of human experience

• engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers

• develop the ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically and to make valid historical claims by using a range of sources in their historical context

• develop an awareness that different people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them

• organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions.

Exams

Paper 1: Depth study (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

• Germany: development of dictatorship, 1918–45

• A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72

Two topics in total, one focused on each of the two depth studies that have been selected.

Paper 2: Investigation and breadth study (50% weighting, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

• The USA, 1918–41

• Changes in medicine, c1848–c1948

Two topics in total, one focused on the historical investigation, which has been selected, and one focused on the breadth study, which has been selected.

PSYCHOLOGY

Edexcel GCSE (1PS0)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/psychology-2017.html

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• use specialist vocabulary, psychological concepts, terminology and convention to engage in the process of psychological enquiry

• acquire knowledge and understanding of psychology, developing an understanding of self and others, and how psychological understanding can help to explain everyday social phenomena

• understand how psychological research is conducted, including the role of scientific method and data analysis

• present information, develop arguments and draw conclusions through a critical approach to psychological evidence, developing as reflective thinkers

• develop an understanding of the relationship between psychology and personal, moral, social and cultural issues, and develop an understanding of ethical issues in psychology

• develop an understanding of psychological issues, the contribution of psychology to individual, social and cultural diversity, and how psychology contributes to society

Exams

Paper 1: (55% weighting, 1 hour 45 minutes, written exam)

Sections 1 – 5: Questions on topics 1 – 5 will be covered in these sections. These will include multiple-choice, short-open and open-response questions.

Section 6: This will contain two extended open-response questions. These questions will focus on debates within psychology and the interrelationships between the core areas of psychology.

Paper 2: (45% weighting, 1 hour 20 minutes, written exam)

This exam will focus on two optional topics from 6 – 10 and the compulsory topic 11. It will contain question types that include calculations, multiple-choice, short-open and open response questions, and one extended open-response question. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Section A: Research methods

All questions must be answered.

Sections B – F: Optional topic

All questions from two selected sections must be answered.

SOCIOLOGY

Cambridge (0495)

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/662464-2025-2027-syllabus.pdf

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• Through the Cambridge IGCSE Sociology syllabus, learners explore aspects of social relationships, processes and structures; as a result, they develop a greater understanding of human societies and the role of continuity and change in social life.

• Learners are encouraged to evaluate critically a variety of different social, economic and political structures, thereby learning more about the sociological method, and developing an ability to assess different forms of information and evidence. 

• By relating the syllabus to the local context, teachers can help learners apply their developing sociological knowledge and understanding to the analysis of their own lives and their participation in society.

Exams

Paper 1: (54% weighting, 2 hours in total: 15 minutes reading time and 1 hour 45 minutes written exam)

Unit  1 - Compulsory

Questions on unit 1 will be covered in this sections. These will be short-open and open-response questions.

Unit 2 or Unit 3

Questions on unit 2 and 3 will be covered in these sections. These will be short-open and open-response questions.

Paper 2: (46% weighting, 1 hours 45 minutes in total: 15 minutes reading time and 1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

Candidates will answer two optional questions from a choice of four (Sections A to D).

Each question will carry 35 of the 70 marks for the paper. Candidates should spend approximately 45 minutes answering each of the two questions.on unit 1 will be covered in this sections. These will be short-open and open-response questions. 

FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

AQA (8585)

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/food/specifications/AQA-8585-SP-2016.PDF

Qualification aims and objectives

A GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition is a creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a through understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials.

Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:

• Food, nutrition and health

• Food science

• Food safety

• Food choice

• Food provenance

Upon completion of this course students will be qualified to go on to further study or embark in a career in the catering or food industries.

Exams

Paper 1: (50% weighting, 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks written exam)

Questions based on the theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition.

The exam is made up of a series of multiple choice questions followed by more extended writing tasks based on units 1-5 in the specification.

Non-exam assessment (NEA), 50%: Two written reports into a practical investigation, including an electronic portfolio.

In the food investigation the students will produce a written report (1500-2000 words) showing their understanding of the working characteristics, function and chemical properties of ingredients.

In the food preparation assessment students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no longer than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved.