IGCSE Options wcis_igcse_2018

CONTENTS WELCOME WELCOME Welcome from the Head of Senior School 3 INTRODUCTION Introduction to GCSE/IGCSE Length of Course Subject Choice and Quantity UK Exam Boards Assessment and Awards Year 10 & 11 Curriculum Summary 4 4 4 5 5 6 IGCSE COURSE IN DETAIL Art 7 Biology 8 Business studies 9 Chemistry 10 Chinese (as a first, second or a foreign language) 11 Computer science 13 Design and technology (DT) 14 Drama 15 English language (as a first or second language) 16 English literature 18 French (as a foreign language) 19 Geography 20 History 21 Information and communication technology (ICT) 22 Mathematics 23 Music 24 Physical education (PE) 25 Physics 26 Spanish (as a foreign language) 27 © Wellington College International Shanghai, March 2018 FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL The choice of IGCSE subjects, just over half-way through year 9, is a significant moment for our pupils. It represents perhaps the first occasion when they will be involved in making decisions about what they will study at school. The two crucial years that follow from this will help to shape aspects of their journey through the sixth form, university and life beyond that. This may sound daunting and as if childhood has come to a sudden and rather serious end, but that isn’t the case. Although there is some opportunity to start specialising in particular areas, the IGCSE curriculum at Wellington is deliberately kept broad so that pupils continue to learn across a wide range of disciplines, including languages, mathematics, sciences and the arts. Additionally, pupils aren’t making this choice on their own. Their teachers and their parents will support them in working out the choices that will prove most useful, challenging and inspiring. This booklet is part of that process. Another part comes with attending the Options Evening where you will have a chance to learn more from subject teachers before your child presents her or his choices. Finally, it’s worth remembering that life doesn’t stop just because IGCSEs have started. In Years 10 and 11, we will still want to see Wellingtonians playing sport and music, making friends, developing their own passions, and committing to a way of life that takes seriously the values we aspire to in this community. We want to see them continue to have fun, continue to build friendships, and continue to work towards finding their own understanding of what makes a happy, fulfilled life. The next two years will be challenging; they will also be hugely rewarding. With the right choices, the strongest support, and the truest commitment, your daughter or son should emerge from year 11 with not just good qualifications but also with an even greater sense of excitement about the future. I hope you find the information in this booklet helpful. Joseph McKee Head of Senior School 3

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