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Igcse Handbook 2021 2022
Igcse Handbook 2021 2022
The results received at IGCSE can be crucial when it comes to future applications to higher education colleges and universities. These institutions may, and
frequently do, request IGCSE results before offering placements to students as they are often cited as important indicators of success in higher education. To
ensure the greatest chance of our learners being successful applicants we recommend that students complete a minimum of 7 IGCSEs, though for many of the
top institutions and/or particularly competitive courses such as Medicine, 9 IGCSEs are required. The IGCSE provides a foundation to prepare and cope with A
level subjects, which is why course selection is very important. Students will also need to provide a certain standard of IGCSE grades when applying to our Sixth
Form.
Course Selection
There are a number of important factors to consider before finalising IGCSE options. If the student already has a plan for what career they would like to pursue,
it is advisable to select subjects that support that career choice. It is also advisable to select the options that are aligned with the student’s abilities and interests.
If the student is very strong in one subject and weaker in another, it is best to select the one in which they will fare better. Finally, the best possible preparation
for education beyond IGCSE and for a successful career is a good range of subjects, ideally, a combination of Arts, Language, Science and Humanities.
The timetable is tailored to the student’s individual choices, and we do our best to offer students their first choice options in the vast majority of cases.
Support
We are proud to offer our students individual academic monitoring and support in order to succeed within school and beyond. Mentors, Houseparents and
House Tutors all work closely to support decision making and supervise the progress of each student. Personal, social and health education (PSHE) and core
Physical Education (PE), although not part of the formal IGCSE requirement, is also given much emphasis at KTJ.
The IGCSE years at KTJ are focused on achieving and celebrating success in all areas of student life. Academic excellence and helping develop your children into
well-rounded young adults are at the heart of what we strive to achieve at KTJ.
ACCOUNTING
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0452)
The IGCSE Accounting Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The IGCSE Accounting Learner Guide helps learners become
acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Duration /
Components Description Marks Weighting
hours
Paper 1 This question paper 35 multiple choice questions. The questions from the whole of the syllabus. 1 .25 35 30%
This is a structured question paper. There are usually 4 to 6 questions based on topics from the
Paper 2 1.75 100 70%
whole of the syllabus.
ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0606)
It provides a strong foundation of mathematical knowledge both for candidates studying mathematics at a higher level and those who will require mathematics
to support skills in other subjects. It is designed to stretch the most able candidates and provides a smooth transition to Cambridge AS & A Level Mathematics.
The IGCSE Additional Mathematics syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The IGCSE Learners Guide helps learners become
acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
The IGCSE Art and Design syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The IGCSE Art and Design Learner Guide helps learners become
acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Components Description Duration Marks Weighting/%
BIOLOGY
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0610)
As they progress, learners understand how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and
bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
The IGCSE Biology Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The IGCSE Biology Learner Guide helps learners become acquainted
with the all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Components Description Duration/hour(s) Marks Weighting/%
Multiple Choice: 40 four-choice multiple-choice questions. Questions will be based on
0610/2 the extended subject content (Core and Supplement). 0.75 40 30
Theory. Short-answer and structured questions. Questions will be based on the Extended
0610/4 subject content (Core and Supplement) 1.25 80 50
The KTJ Careers by subject document gives some information about the types of job roles a student can access if they acquire different levels of qualification in a
certain subject. This is as a guide and other sources should be used in conjunction with this to make informed decisions about careers.
BUSINESS STUDIES
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0450)
Learners not only study business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry. The syllabus provides both a foundation
for further study at Cambridge International A Level and an ideal preparation for the world of work.
The IGCSE Business Studies Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The IGCSE Business Studies Learner Guide helps learners
become acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Components Description Duration/hour(s) Marks Weighting/%
CHEMISTRY
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0620)
As they progress, learners understand how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and
bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
The IGCSE Chemistry syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment:
Components Description Duration/hour(s) Marks Weighting/%
The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where Mandarin Chinese is spoken, encouraging positive attitudes towards
language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages.
The IGCSE Chinese as a Foreign Language Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment:
All students take the following four components:
Paper 1 :
Candidates listen to a number of recordings Approximately 35
Listening 30 25 %
and answer questions testing comprehension minutes
Externally assessed
Paper 3 :
Speaking Candidates complete two role plays, a topic approximately 15
100 25 %
Internally assessed/externally presentation/conversation and a general minutes
moderated conversation
Paper 4 :
Candidates respond in the target language to
Writing 1 hour 15 minutes 45 25 %
three tasks
Externally assessed
The syllabus focuses on the linked language skills of reading, writing, listening and oral communication. Through their study of Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a
Second Language, learners can achieve a level of practical communication ideal for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth
language study. The IGCSE Chinese as a second language Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment:
Component Description Marks Weighting in
Duration
IGCSE %
The question paper is divided into four exercises. All questions and
Paper 2:
responses will be in Mandarin Chinese.
Listening
Each exercise tests listening comprehension of spoken material (e.g. 35 - 45 mins 30 20%
dialogues, interviews, conversations, news , items, public
announcements, talks).
There is no question paper for the Speaking test. The test will be
Component 3 : 10 - 13
conducted and assessed in Mandarin Chinese, and must be recorded 60 20%
Speaking minutes
for all candidates. Dictionaries may not be taken into the test.
Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and in order to develop an appreciation of how writers achieve their effects. The
syllabus also complements other areas of study by encouraging skills of more general application.
The IGCSE Chinese as a first language Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The IGCSE Support Guide helps learners become
acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Component Description Marks Weighting in IGCSE
Duration
%
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0478)
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science helps learners develop an interest in computing and gain confidence in computational thinking. It is an ideal foundation for
further study at Cambridge International AS and A Level, and the skills learnt can also be used in other areas of study and in everyday life.
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Computer Science Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment:
Components Description Duration/hour(s) Marks Weighting/%
This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. All questions
Paper 1 Theory 1.75 75 60
are compulsory. Externally assessed.
This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. All questions
are compulsory. 20 of the marks for this paper are from questions set on the
Paper 2 pre-release material.
Problem-solving (The purpose of the pre-release material tasks is to direct students to some of the 1.75 50 40
and Programming topics which will be examined in Paper 2. The material will be made available to
centres the January before June examination, and July before the November
examination.) Externally assessed.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0445)
Cambridge IGCSE Design and Technology provides an ideal basis for further study, and prepares learners for their future within a rapidly changing technological
society.
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Design Technology Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The IGCSE support helps learners
become acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment:
Components Description Duration/hour(s) Marks Weighting/%
DRAMA
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0411)
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Drama Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment:
Components Description Duration Marks Weighting/%
ECONOMICS
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0455)
The Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus provides a foundation for further study, including Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics, or the equivalent.
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Economics Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The IGCSE Economics Learner Guide helps
learners become acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Component Description Duration/ho Marks Weighting/%
ur(s)
Students answer one compulsory question, which requires them to interpret and
Paper 2 analyse previously unseen data relevant to a real economic situation, and three 2.25 90 70
optional questions from a choice of six.
● develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking, listening, reading and writing.
● use a wide range of vocabulary, and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
● develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.
Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge
English courses also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
We would encourage our First Language students to also take the IGCSE Literature examination which can run parallel and support them in their First Language
examination.
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE English - First Language (0500), English - Second Language (0510) (with speaking endorsement), and IGCSE English - Second
Language (0511) (count in speaking) syllabi can all be accessed by following the respective links.
Assessment
Component Description Duration/hour(s) Marks Weighting
Paper 1 Reading Structured and extended writing questions
2 hours 80 50
(compulsory) Questions are based on three reading texts
IGCSE
Paper 2 Extended writing question and a composition task
ENGLISH
Directed Writing and
FIRST 2 hours 80 50
Composition
LANGUAGE
(optional)
(0500)
Component 3 Students produce three extended writing assignments over
Coursework the duration of the two year course - 50 50
(Optional)
ENGLISH LITERATURE
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0475)
The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting learners' better understanding of themselves and of the world around
them.
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE English Literature Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment
All candidates take Paper 1 Poetry and Prose, and EITHER Paper 2 Drama, OR Paper 3 Drama (Open Text) and Paper 4 Unseen, OR Paper 3 Drama (Open Text)
and Component 5 Coursework.
Duration/
Component Description hour(s)
Marks Weighting/%
Paper 1 – Set Texts (Poetry and Prose) Two questions on two texts: one poetry and one prose
1.5 50 50
Externally assessed
Paper 2 - Drama Two questions, one on each of the two texts that have been
(optional paper if not completing papers 3 studied in class. Choice of two questions (one passage-based and 1.5 50 50
and 4) one essay) on each text with one from each required
Choice of two questions - essay or passage based - on text studied,
0.75 25
Paper 3 and 4 – Drama and Unseen texts of which candidate must do one.
50
(optional papers if not completing paper 2) Requires students to apply their literary analysis skills to answer
1.25 25
one longer question on an unseen text.
Cambridge IGCSE Food & Nutrition is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of food and nutrition. Successful
Cambridge IGCSE Food & Nutrition candidates gain lifelong skills, including:
• an understanding of nutrition and health problems related to diet
• an understanding of how socio-economic factors affect diet
• an awareness of how eating patterns and dietary needs depend on age and social group
• an awareness of how the position of the consumer differs in developed and less-developed economies
• the ability to assess the effectiveness and validity of claims made by advertisers
• aesthetic and social sensitivity to dietary patterns
• an interest in the creative aspect and enjoyment of food
• skills necessary for food preparation and food preservation
• the ability to organise and manage family food resources and to use food resources effectively in
everyday life
• knowledge of safety and hygiene requirements.
Food and nutrition gives candidates the chance to develop their knowledge and skills in an area that is relevant to their own lives and also through
understanding where food and nutrition fits in the modern,changing, multi-cultural society.
Assessment
Components Description Duration Marks Weighting
Paper 2 Candidates have a Planning Session of 1 hour 30 minutes one 100 50%
week before the Practical Test of 2 hours 30 minutes.
At the start of the Planning Session, candidates are given their
allocated test question (as detailed in the Confidential
Instructions) and three Preparation Sheets. At the end of the
Planning Session, all three Preparation Sheets are returned to
the Practical Examiner.
Prior learning:
Learners beginning this course are not expected to have studied Food and Nutrition in a formal way but it is advisable that the student has completed the Food
Technology course from Forms 2 and 3.
Further studies
IGCSE Food and Nutrition prepares all students who are successful in this course to pursue a wide range of careers.
FRENCH
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA (0520)
The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture of countries where French is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and
towards speakers of other languages.
T he Cambridge Assessment IGCSE French Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment
All students take the 4 papers described as below
Duration/m Marks Weighting/%
Component Details
in(s)
Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer multiple-choice and
Paper 1: Listening 50 40 25
matching questions.
Candidates read a number of texts and answer multiple-choice and matching
Paper 2: Reading 60 45 25
questions as well as questions requiring short answers.
Paper 3: speaking Candidates complete one role play and conversations on two topics. 10 40 25
Paper 4: Continuous Candidates complete one form-filling task, one directed writing task and one task in
60 45 25
Writing the format of an email/letter or article/blog.
GEOGRAPHY
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0460)
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Geography Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The Cambridge IGCSE Learner Guide helps
learners become acquainted with the all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Components Description Duration/hour(s) Marks Weighting/%
Geographical Themes - Externally assessed
Paper 1 students answer three questions, each worth 25 marks. students must answer one 1.75 75 marks 45
question from each section. Externally assessed.
Geographical Skills - Externally assessed
Paper 2 1.5 60 marks 27.5
students answer all the questions. Externally assessed
Alternative to Coursework - - Externally assessed
Paper 4 students answer two compulsory questions, completing a series of written tasks. 1.5 60 marks 27.5
Externally assessed
The wide range of skills and knowledge developed when undertaking Geography A Level will ensure the subject is listed by Universities such as UCL and LSE on
the prefered subject list. The KTJ Careers by subject document gives some information about the types of job roles a student can access if they acquire different
levels of qualification in a certain subject. This is as a guide and other sources should be used in conjunction with this to make informed decisions about careers.
HISTORY
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) ( 0470)
Learners develop an understanding of the nature of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference and find out how to use and understand
historical evidence as part of their studies. History is a highly synoptic subject, which will engage any student interested in politics, philosophy and economics as
well as any learner already interested in the past.
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE History Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The Cambridge IGCSE Learner Guide helps
learners become acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Duration/
Components Description Marks Weighting/%
hour(s)
Written Paper. Students answer two questions from Section A (Core Content) and one question
Paper 1 from Section B (Depth Study). Questions are split into three parts: a, b and c. They focus on the 2 60 40
student’s ability to describe, explain and evaluate.
Written Paper. Students answer six q
uestions on one prescribed topic taken from the Core
Paper 2 2 50 33
Content (Option B). Questions will focus on assessing different source analysis skills.
Alternative to Coursework. Written Paper. Students answer an extended essay question taken
Paper 4 from the Depth Study. The focus of the essay is to evaluate the significance of key people and 1 40 27
events.
Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to develop an appreciation of how writers achieve their effects. The syllabus also
complements other areas of study by encouraging skills of more general application.
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Malay Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment
Component Description Duration/ Marks Weighting/
hour(s) %
Answering comprehension questions and evaluating information from texts
Paper 1- Reading and
to write an argumentative or discursive writing. Structured and extended 2 Hours 50 marks 50%
directed writing
writing questions are based on three reading texts.
Paper 2 Writing two compositions that are argumentative, discursive, descriptive 50 marks
Composition or/and narrative in nature. 2 Hours 50%
The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of Malaysia, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards
speakers of foreign languages. The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Malay Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment
Component Description Duration/ Marks Weighting/%
hour(s)
Paper 2 - Reading
Candidates read a number of texts and answer questions testing comprehension. 1 45 marks Approximately 33
Comprehension
Paper 3 - Candidates complete two role plays, a topic presentation/conversation and a approximately 100 marks
Approximately 33
Speaking general conversation. 0.25
Paper 4 -
50 marks
Continuous Candidates respond in the target language to three tasks. 1 Approximately 33
Writing
MATHEMATICS
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (4MA1)
The Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics (Specification A) (9-1) contains all the information about the course and its content. The Your guide to Pearson Edexcel
International GCSE (9–1) Mathematics helps learners become acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course
assessment objectives.
Assessment:
Components Description Duration/hour(s) Marks Weighting/%
Paper 1H (Higher) Structured questions based on the Higher Tier curriculum. 2 100 50
Paper 2H (Higher) Structured questions based on the Higher Tier curriculum. 2 100 50
MUSIC
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0410)
Learners study music of all styles; each style is placed in its historical and cultural context, and they are encouraged to be perceptive, sensitive and critical when
listening. Although the majority of the syllabus examines Western European music, the music of other cultures is always represented.
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Music Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content.
Assessment
Components Description Duration Marks Weighting
Listening
Component 1 Written examination based on CD recordings supplied by Cambridge International C.1.25 hours 70 40
Externally assessed
Performing (Coursework)- Two prepared performances, one individual and one 100 scaled
Component 2 N/A 30
ensemble Internally marked/externally moderated to 50
Composing (Coursework)
Component 3 N/A 50 30
Two contrasting compositions Internally marked/externally moderated
Assessment
The themed learning and performance criteria are as follows:
● acquired and developed skills and their performance application in conditioned situations.
● selection and application of more advanced techniques with accuracy, control and leadership under given situations
● understanding of each unit as illustrated by their performance, planning, recording and analysis.
Year Description
Practical and Theory; Students undertake seven units that are listed as: Health Optimised PE, International Games, Track Internally assessed /
Form
and Field , Sport Education and Leadership, Tournament Based PE and Alternative PE Peer Assessed /
4
Internally moderated
Practical and Theory: Students undertake five units that are listed as:. Internally assessed /
Form
Performance Optimised PE, Alternative PE, Track and Field , Project Based PE and Sport Leadership Peer Assessed /
5
Internally moderated
Assessment
Components Description Duration Marks Weighting/%
Paper 1
Theory 1 hour 45 minutes Externally assessed. Written 1hr 45minutes 100 50
Theory
Coursework Candidates undertake four physical activities Each
Component 2: from at least two of the seven categories listed. Internally activity is
2yrs 50
Practical Coursework assessed / externally moderated. marked
out of 25
PHYSICS
Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment (CA) (0625)
The Cambridge Assessment IGCSE Physics Syllabus contains all the information about the course and its content. The Cambridge IGCSE Learner Guide helps
learners become acquainted with all of the additional tools on offer and skills required to tackle the course assessment objectives.
Assessment
Components Description Duration/hours Marks Weighting/%
40 four-choice multiple-choice questions. Questions will be based on the
Paper 2 0.75 40 marks 30
Extended subject content (Core and Supplement)
Short-answer and structured questions Questions will be based on the
Paper 4 1.25 80 marks 50
Extended subject content (Core and Supplement)
Paper 5 Questions will be based on the experimental skills . 1.25 40 marks 20
Throughout the EAL for IGCSE course, students are required to actively conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the information that is gathered
from, or generated by, reading, communication, debate, observation, experience, reflection and/or reasoning. Ultimately, students are encouraged to reflect
upon, and think critically about what they learn across the curriculum. They also develop both the English language skills and critical thinking ability to identify
and evaluate the kinds of data, reasoning and evidence that writers or speakers (including their teachers and classmates) use to justify their thoughts or
positions.
Assessment as learning strategies are developed and then used throughout the course: students and teachers together, and students amongst themselves
through self-assessment and peer assessment, continually build links between language tasks and K Level assessment criteria. This allows students to be well
aware of what they need to be doing in order to fulfill the expectations of tasks and, in turn, make improvements to their English.
Further studies and careers: The language and thinking skills acquired in EAL for IGCSE can be used across the Key Stage 4 curriculum and, eventually, in Sixth
Form and university courses. The KTJ Careers by subject document gives some information about the types of job roles a student can access if they acquire
different levels of qualification in a certain subject. This is as a guide and other sources should be used in conjunction with this to make informed decisions about
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Throughout the Transferable Skills course, students will be required to actively conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the information that is
gathered from, or generated by, reading, communication, debate, observation, experience, reflection and/or reasoning.
Assessment:
Assessment will be continuous, with teachers identifying, discussing and working on learning outcomes with students, and establishing what to improve and how
these improvements ought to be made. The course, to a significant extent, will therefore be a process of assessment for learning. Once the students become
familiar and confident with this process, a structured shift to assessment as learning will occur.
Each student will use a well organised note-taking book to show clear and concise evidence of the development of these skills throughout the year. Teachers and
peers will use this resource to build links between attainment, reflection and independent learning.