In each of the IGCSE language courses offered, you will develop your skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Each of these skill areas is worth an equal proportion. When studying any of the languages, it is particularly important that you retain vocabulary and develop your understanding of grammatical rules and are able to apply these. As preparation for IB, it is particularly important to improve your reading, writing and speaking skills as much as you can.
Foreign Language IGCSE: French (CIE 0520) , Spanish (CIE 0530)
In French and Spanish, you are given the opportunity to learn more about French and Spanish culture, in addition to the crucial language structures and using the language for practical purposes. You will also find out about French, Spanish and Latin American History and Geography.
Foreign Language: Chinese IGCSE (CIE 0547)
This course is for students who have followed the Chinese foreign language curriculum.
In all the IGCSE foreign language courses, students are exposed to a wide range of grammar, equipping them with the tools needed for further study of the language at IB level. You will study a variety of topics, many of which you have covered to some extent in Years 7 to 9. The main IGCSE topics are:
In all the IGCSE foreign language courses, students are exposed to a wide range of grammar, equipping them with the tools needed for further study of the language at IB level. You will study a variety of topics, many of which you have covered to some extent in Years 7 to 9. The main IGCSE topics are:
Topic Areas |
Topic Areas |
||
A |
Everyday activities Home life and school Food, health and fitness |
D |
The world of work Continuing education Careers and employment Languages and communication in the work place |
B |
Personal and social life Self, family and personal relationships Holidays and special occasions |
E |
The international world Tourism at home and abroad Life in other countries and communities World events and issues |
C |
The world around us Home town and local area Natural and made environment People, places and customs |
How will I be assessed?
(I)GCSE Examination Components
Paper 1 (25%) |
Listening (45 minutes) 3 sections. |
Paper 2 (25%) |
Reading (1 hour) 3 Sections. |
Paper 3 (25%) |
Speaking (15 minutes) Internally assessed. Role-Play, Presentation/Discussion, Conversation. |
Paper 4 (25%) |
Writing (1 hour) 3 questions. |
Post 16 Pathways
In all the IGCSE foreign language courses, students are exposed to a wide range of grammar, equipping them with the tools needed for further study of the language at IB level, where they can choose to continue either with the language B Standard or Higher options.
First Language and Second Language Chinese
In Chinese, in order to cater for the needs of the students from different pathways in Year 7 - 9, we offer IGCSE First Language, IGCSE Second Language, and IGCSE Foreign Language Chinese (see above for the Foreign Language Chinese).
Our programmes’ emphasis is on supporting students to develop an understanding of the spoken and written forms of Chinese, and using the language effectively in different contexts.
Our programmes’ emphasis is on supporting students to develop an understanding of the spoken and written forms of Chinese, and using the language effectively in different contexts.
First Language Chinese IGCSE (CIE 0509)
For native or near-native speakers of Chinese.
The course aims to improve students’ confidence in expressing themselves in Chinese and places an emphasis on accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in both written and oral communication. Students will explore Chinese literature, studying a wide variety of texts, while also enhancing their knowledge of Chinese culture, history, geography and philosophy.
The course aims to improve students’ confidence in expressing themselves in Chinese and places an emphasis on accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in both written and oral communication. Students will explore Chinese literature, studying a wide variety of texts, while also enhancing their knowledge of Chinese culture, history, geography and philosophy.
Post 16 Pathways
Students will be able to take Chinese A or Chinese B Higher at IB after studying this course.
Second Language Chinese IGCSE (CIE 0523)
The course aims to improve students’ confidence in expressing themselves in Chinese and places an emphasis on accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in both written and oral communication. Students will explore a wide variety of texts, while also enhancing their knowledge of Chinese culture and language. Students studying this course will be in a strong position to promote their educational and employment prospects. Students following this programme will sit the IGCSE Chinese Second Language examination at the end of Year 11. This is also a course to help students to move towards a higher level qualification in the IBDP Chinese programme.
Post 16 Pathways
Students will be able to take Chinese B Higher or Chinese B Standard Level.
Students are strongly recommended to consult with their Chinese Teacher when choosing their IGCSE and IB pathways
Can I study two languages?
If numbers, timetabling and staffing allow, we will offer the possibility of continuing to study the two languages that you took in Year 9. There is no option to start a language from the beginning in Year 10.
Please note: Students who have studied any of these language pathways at IGCSE level cannot continue to study the same language for the Ab initio course.
For Further Information: Please see Mr Carlos Díaz, Head of Languages.
Please note: Students who have studied any of these language pathways at IGCSE level cannot continue to study the same language for the Ab initio course.
For Further Information: Please see Mr Carlos Díaz, Head of Languages.
