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International GCSE

 
 

International GCSE

 

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, the Edexcel IGCSE. 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 IGCSE Exams at key points throughout those years.

 

LIS offers IGCSE Exams in Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History and Spanish.

 

 

 

Subjects

 

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 judgements 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 studen 

 

Mathematics (Foundation and Higher Level)

This examination is recognized world-wide and is offered at 2 levels - Foundation and Higher. Through these years the students are tested by regular low level testing and two internal exams given at the end of each semester. 

Students are encouraged to enter the higher tier, which enables them to be prepared for further study of the subject. 

 

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 l in Year 11. 

 

 

Modern Languages

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

The knowledge and practical skills acquired during the Science and Lab Science classes in grade 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 Grade 9 and Chemistry and Physics in Grades 10 and 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 electivea 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 studny Visual Arts or Design Technology at the IB Diploma level in year 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. In years 7, 8 and 9 all students take Design Technology for one semester. 

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.