One of the great things about IGCSE Global Perspectives is you get to design your own content. Are you interested in the science and technology, social issues, or the economy? No matter what interests you, Global Perspectives has something for you.

The Cambridge IGCSE course is built around topics which each encompass a variety of issues of global importance. These topics offer you the context to research the issues that most interest you, develop essential transferable skills, and form your own opinions.

The topics are:

Candidates for Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives take three compulsory components:

Component 1 - Written Examination (35%)

Candidates answer structured questions based on a range of sources drawn from a list of topics and from a range of perspectives, personal, local and/or national and global. The assessment is focused on the skills students have developed throughout the course. Factual knowledge is not assessed.

Component 2 - Individual Report (30%)

Candidates select and research an issue of personal interest which fits within one of the assigned topic areas (from a choice of eight). For this issue they will consider its causes and consequences, evaluate the different perspectives which exist, and form personal judgements.

The students then collect this into a 1500-2000 word research report which allows them to develop and demonstrate their ability to structure in depth pieces of work, an essential skill for further education and employment in the future.

Component 3 - Team Project (35%)

Candidates devise and develop a collaborative project into an issue that they are interested in. This project will include the exploration of different cultural perspectives about the issue as part of creating something to make a small improvement to the situation. In recent years HIS students have created videos to spread awareness, run events celebrating different cultures, created social media followings to showcase their issues, and much more.

Candidates each then write a short Reflective Paper of 750 - 1000 words on their research, contribution and personal learning. This reflection is an essential part of the assessment and the skills built through the course.

The Team project is designed in such a way that students are developing their teamwork skills, but their final grade is dependent on their own engagement and work. Thus students are able to excel, even the unlikely event that their chosen teammates do not show the same dedication that they do.

There is a growing emphasis on project based and inquiry oriented learning. This includes critical thinking, problem solving, self-management and collaboration skills. Students who possess such skills are highly sought after by universities and employers alike.

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives allow the students to develop these skills, enabling them to progress either directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications. Students who are awarded grades A* to C for this qualification are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A level qualifications or their equivalent.