International GCSE (Years 9 - 11)
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a worldwide program of study leading to internationally recognized qualifications for school students, typically in the 14–16 age group.
The University of Cambridge developed the International Examinations (CIE) in 1988 which led to the Cambridge IGCSEs. The examination board Edexcel offers its own version, Pearsons Edexcel International GCSE. At LIS, we offer the Edexcel IGCSE Exams.
It is a three-year program of study for our students in Years 9-11, with students sitting the external International GCSE Exams at key points throughout those years.
LIS offers IGCSE Exams in Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History and Spanish.
English Language
English Language aims to develop students' ability to read, understand and respond to material from a variety of fiction and non-fiction sources; students explore style, audience and purpose. The course demands both the analysis and production of a range of genres.
English Literature
English Literature aims to develop the students’ ability to read, comprehend and respond to a variety of literary texts from around the world while developing an appreciation of the author’s craft necessary for literary analysis. The students will also explore the world around them through literature while they find enjoyment in reading literature and understanding its influence on individuals and society.
Geography
Students in Geography will concentrate on the following: demonstrate knowledge, skills and understanding in studies of a wide range of places and environments at various scales, offer explanations for interactions within and between physical and human processes, explain changes in the characteristics of places over time, account for disparities in development and understand the complexity of factors that contribute to the quality of life, recognize the causes and consequences of environmental issues and understand a range of views about them, understand how considerations of sustainable development can affect their own lives as well as the planning and management of environments and resources, identify appropriate geographical questions and issues, evaluate sources of evidence, present full and well-argued investigations and reach substantiated conclusions.
History
History at International GCSE level aims a broad and deep development of the learners’ skills. The design of the curriculum seeks to achieve this through the development of a wide variety of skills such as the ability to:
explain, analyze and make judgments about historical events and periods studied using second order historical concepts, use a range of source material to comprehend, interpret and cross- refer sources, analyze and evaluate historical interpretations in the context of historical events studied.
We ensure that our topic choices are diverse and international, covering a broad geographical spread and are also suited to the local needs of our LIS student
Mathematics (Higher Tier)
This examination is recognized world-wide.
For IGCSE there is a set syllabus which encompasses Algebra, Geometry, Number, Data handling and Probability. These skills are assessed by external examinations covered by two 2-hour exams in Year 11.
Modern languages - Spanish
Spanish is offered at LIS. Grammar and vocabulary are enhanced in order to allow the student to attain a level of fluency in practical applications. The program concentrates on five specific linguistic themes for learning and examination: Home and Abroad, Education and Employment, House, Home and Daily Routine, The Modern World and the Environment and Social Activities, Fitness and Health.
Science - Biology, Chemistry and Physics
The knowledge and practical skills acquired during the Science and Lab Science classes in Years 7 and 8 prepare the students for studying the specific subjects at the IGCSE level. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of scientific facts and concepts, scientific methods and techniques, scientific terminology and becoming familiar with methods of presenting scientific information.
The students will study all three science disciplines at IGCSE. Biology in Years 9 & 10 and Chemistry and Physics in Years 10 & 11.
IGCSE level students should be able to apply and use the material covered in unfamiliar situations. The courses incorporate problem solving and basic mathematical skills, including interpretation of data and the application of formulae.
LIS offers Visual Arts and Design Technology as an elective in Years 10 and 11 and they are not IGCSE courses. These courses prepare students with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to study Visual Arts or Design Technology at the IB Diploma level in Years 12 and 13.
Elective: Visual Arts
The ability to create is a fundamental characteristic of being human. The focus of the Art Department is to support possible 'future artists' and inspire all students to develop their observational and creative skills in respect to their local environment and the world at large. Consequently, the following goals serve to empower students with technical ability and the confidence to approach problem solving in diverse ways.
Elective: Design Technology
As part of the Secondary academic programme LIS offers Design Technology as an elective for students in Years 10 and 11.
Design Technology challenges all students to:
- apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve design problems
- explore the role of design in both historical and contemporary contexts
- consider their responsibilities when making design decisions and taking action
- inquire and analyze design problems
- development and creation of feasible solutions
- testing and evaluation of students’ models, prototypes, products or systems.
Physical Education (PE)
All IGCSE students participate in compulsory PE classes, although it is not an IGCSE examination subject. The students follow a program that is a combination of active theory relating to the factors that affect performance and practical involvement in numerous sporting activities such as Volleyball, Soccer, Track & Field, Basketball, Softball, Handball and Short Tennis.