Dear Parents and Students,
In August of each year, current Year 9 students begin two-year courses that will lead to IGCSE
qualifications. They can be joined in the second year by new enrollees in Year 10, a process described
later in this prospectus. This booklet is designed to give guidance to both students and parents about
our Year 9 -10 process and how it supports the learner’s continuum into successful completion of the
IB Diploma Programme, for which Beacon Academy is a Candidate School.
Students receive information and guidance through their subject teachers and also the Cambridge
IGCSE Coordinator regarding the IGCSE curriculum for years 9 and 10. In addition to this, they have
the opportunity to request an individual meeting with the Cambridge Coordinator or a member of the
Leadership Team responsible for the Secondary School. Details about all compulsory courses as well
as further information about optional courses are contained within this booklet.
Meanwhile, if you have any queries or require further information, please contact Mrs. Maggie
Eubanks, Deputy Head of School and Cambridge Coordinator who can discuss this further with you.
Terms and Concepts to Note
● IGCSEs is the acronym for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education
● IGCSEs are designed to examine all ability ranges with grades ranging from G to A* (A* is the
highest level of attainment).
● Students at Beacon Academy take the IGCSE in Years 9 and 10, and typically study between 8
IGCSE subjects.
● 6 IGCSE subjects at grade A* - C are often used as a benchmark of reasonable attainment for
students of average ability, with many expecting English and Mathematics to be included. At
Beacon Academy we expect all students to take at least Language A, Language B, Global
Perspectives, Mathematics, Combined Science, and Business Studies We set aspiration and
realistic targets with our students which ensure that many students achieve well in excess of
average attainment, and we encourage students to take further exams in their other IGCSE
subjects
● Many IGCSE courses have an element of school-assessed coursework. Tasks are marked by our
teachers and then externally moderated by the Cambridge International Examination (CIE)
board. All coursework tasks must be completed by the stated deadlines.
● External examinations will take place at the end of the two years of study, in the final term of
Year 10. This is according to regulations issued by the CIE board (www.cie.org).
Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Cambridge IGCSE subjects, known collectively as Cambridge Secondary 2, are a group of courses
specifically designed to provide students with the best of international education instruction for years
9 and 10. Built to prepare students for advanced studies in multiple progression routes, including the
IB Diploma Programme, courses are offered in a breadth of subject areas and are designed to guide
learners in active inquiry as they delve deeply into multiple curriculum areas.
A Comprehensive Secondary Approach
Beacon Academy strives to support comprehensive learning and IGCSE subject area courses offer
students just that with learning opportunities in Languages, Humanities, Maths, Sciences, Visual and
Performing Arts, and Physical Education. By guiding our students to choose courses in multiple subject
groups, the IGCSE at Beacon provides the perfect link from the IMYC in their Middle Years to the final
two years of their academic career at Beacon culminating with the IB Diploma Programme, for which
the Academy is a Candidate school.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
Assessing Student Achievement
As students progress through their two-year IGCSE learning path they will have the opportunity to sit
external assessments in multiple subject areas. These exams allow learners to understand their
progress through their coursework as well as highlight areas of advanced achievement. Occurring in
the latter half of year 10, the examinations include written and oral tests as well as practical
assessment. Coursework is evaluated in-house by Beacon Academy teachers and moderated by
external examiners from Cambridge CIE. External assessments are evaluated by Cambridge CIE
examiners and grades are returned to the school during the month of July after an assessment cycle.
Holistic Approach to Education
Beacon Academy continues to be devoted to creating well-rounded learners with a solid foundation in
a breadth of subject areas. To this end learning for students in Years 9 and 10 is balanced between a
core of subject areas which will be taken by all students, and choices of courses in multiple subject
area groups which will allow students to seek additional courses in areas of interest as well as get a
solid foundation in all major areas of study.
The Beacon Academy Senior School Required (Core) Subjects for Years 9 and 10
● Global Perspectives
● Physical Education
● Language A: English Language and Literature
● Language B: student choice (see below)
● Business Studies
● Science
● Maths
● An Arts subject: student choice (see below)
The Beacon Academy Senior School Elective Subjects for Years 9 and 10
● Language B choices: Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, Hindi
● Arts choices: Visual Arts, Music, Drama
Please note that subjects have minimum and maximum class sizes, and this may impact student
choices and subject sustainability.
Please note: Course offerings may change due to demand and available staffing.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
Year 9 Enrollment Process
As students entering Beacon Academy in Year 9 are only two years away from attempting the
challenging IB Diploma Programme courses in years 11 and 12 (Beacon Academy is an IBDP
Candidate school), admission standards must be more stringent than for earlier year levels.
To determine whether or not a student is likely to be successful in the Beacon Academy learning
pathway, potential Year 9 students will be evaluated through the following means in order to
determine preparedness for entering our two-year IGCSE courses:
● Review of reports from previous schools.
● Admissions tests in English, Math and Spelling with possible additional subject-area
assessments required as determined by the Admissions team.
● Personal interview with a member of the Leadership Team.
Year 9 students will be enrolled with the assumption that they will take the full complement of IGCSE
courses and complete exams and coursework receiving A*- C in at least 6 of the subjects at the end of
the second semester in Year 10.
Year 10 Enrollment Process
Students wishing to enroll in Year 10 at Beacon Academy must enter with a slightly different
expectation. Students may not be able to successfully engage in 6 courses with A*- C grades as they
have not been with the Academy to complete the first year of these courses. In this instance, if
students are accepted, they will be required to sit exams in English Language, Mathematics and
Language B as well as Science (unless special circumstances make this impractical in which case a
decision will be made by the Cambridge IGCSE Coordinator in conjunction with members of the
Leadership Team). They may also choose to sit additional exams with the approval of subject
teachers and the authorization of the Cambridge IGCSE Coordinator.
The Academy seeks to be reasonably certain that a newly enrolling Year 10 student is likely to be
successful in the Beacon Academy learning pathway culminating in the challenging years 11 and 12.
Students will be evaluated through the following means in order to determine preparedness for
entering the last year of our two-year IGCSE courses:
● Review of reports from previous schools.
● Admissions tests in English, Math and Spelling with possible additional subject-area
assessments required as determined by the Admissions team.
● Personal interview with a member of the Leadership Team.
● Evaluation of any previous IGCSE work for possible application to the Beacon Academy
Program.
To reiterate, enrolment in Year 10 of Beacon Academy’s two-year IGCSE cycle is possible
however learners must meet minimum Academy requirements to support success in their last
three years of Senior School. Additionally students and parents should be aware that an enrolling
Year 10 student may not successfully sit examinations in all IGCSE subjects due to lack of Year 9
preparation.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
Subject Pages – IGCSE
Beacon Academy
Years 9 and 10
Year 9 IGCSE Global Perspectives
Year 9 at Beacon Academy is anchored by a strong complement of IGCSE syllabi intended to prepare
our students for the wide range of courses required in Years 11 and 12 as well as preparing them for
post-secondary endeavors.
Global Perspectives, a part of the Year 9/10 Core class requirements, is intended to not only engage
students in an active exploration of the world through analytical tools of the social sciences, but also
allow them to explore multiple topics of interest in both group and independent research projects.
These projects and their written components, along with an external written assessment, constitute
the major summative assessments of the course.
These assessments are designed to evaluate students’ skill in multiple assessment objectives. Each
Assessment Objective identifies roughly 25% of the skill set for the course.
● Research, understand and present global issues from different perspectives, including personal,
local/national and global, as well as cross-cultural perspectives.
● Analyse and evaluate issues and sources. Explore the current situation, the causes and effects,
and suggest possible consequences and courses of action.
● Explore and reflect on personal perspectives and on the perspectives of others on a variety of
global issues. Develop a line of reasoning to support a view, decision or course of action.
● Collaborate with others to plan and carry out a project leading to a clear outcome. Evaluate
the project, personal contributions to the project and learning from the project.
Candidates who study the course should develop the following skills at a high level: Planning, Analysis,
Synthesis, Collaboration, Evaluation and Communication.
The course is built around a series of topics, each containing issues of global importance. The global
issues provide a stimulating context through which students can begin to develop the skills necessary
to participate as active, global learners and for practical application in further study.
Learners are expected to demonstrate an understanding of global issues from personal, local or
national and international perspectives, using research, reasoning and questioning skills to gain this
understanding and form their own judgements.
Candidates, assisted by their teacher, will choose several of the following topics for in-depth study:
Belief Systems,
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Loss, Climate Change,
Conflict and Peace, Disease and
Health,
Education for All,
Employment,
Family and Demographic Change, Fuel and Energy,
Language and Communication, Law and Criminality, Poverty and Inequality, Sport and Recreation,
Technology and the Economic Divide, Trade and Aid, Tradition, Culture and Identity, Transport and
Infrastructure, Urbanisation,
Water, Food and Agriculture.
All students in IGCSE courses will be provided with a copy of the syllabi for further information.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH (COURSE CODE: 0500)
First Language English aims to enable students to understand and respond to what they hear, read
and experience. By the end of the course, they are expected to communicate accurately,
appropriately, confidently and effectively. Encouraging students to enjoy and appreciate a variety of
language is just one of the goals of the course. It aims to complement students’ ability to work with
information and ideas in other areas of study. For example: developing skills of analysis, synthesis and
the drawing of inferences. But most importantly, the learning opportunities are designed to promote
candidates’ personal development and an understanding of themselves and others.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
AO (Assessment Objectives) 1: Reading
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R2 demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R3 analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions
R4 demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve effects
R5 select for specific purposes
AO2: Writing
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
W1 articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
W2 sequence facts, ideas and opinions
W3 use a range of appropriate vocabulary
W4 use register appropriate to audience and context
W5 make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar
While Speaking and Listening (AO3) will not be externally assessed, these skills will continue to
develop throughout the course through learning dialogues, presentations and role-plays.
ASSESSMENT AT A GLANCE
Paper 2: 50%
Coursework: 50%
A portfolio of 3 written texts, aiming
Q (Question) 1: Directed Writing
to:
Q2: Analysing Writer’s Effects
#1: Inform, explain, describe
Q3: Summary Writing
#2: Narrate, entertain
#3: Review, comment, analyse
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
ENGLISH LITERATURE (COURSE CODE: 0486)
Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) aims to develop learners who enjoy the experience of reading
literature. Students are expected to understand and respond to literary texts in different forms and
from different periods and cultures, communicate an informed personal response appropriately and
effectively, and appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects. It is hoped that
learners experience literature’s contribution to their own aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual
growth and explore its contribution to an understanding of areas of human concern.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
AO1: show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts in the three main forms (drama, poetry
and prose)
AO2: understand the meanings of literary texts and their contexts, and explore texts beyond surface
meanings to show deeper awareness of ideas and attitudes
AO3: recognise and appreciate ways in which writers use language, structure and form to create and
shape meanings and effects
AO4: communicate a sensitive and informed personal response to literary texts.
ASSESSMENT AT A GLANCE
Component 1:
Component 2:
50%
25%
POETRY and
PROSE
DRAMA
Component 4:
25%
UNSEEN
SYLLABUS CONTENT:
POETRY: Songs of Ourselves Volume 2, Part 1. The following 14 poems: William Blake’s ‘Clod and
Pebble’; Lady Mary Wroth’s ‘Song’; Kathleen Raine’s ‘Passion’; George Herbet’s ‘Love’; John Donne’s
‘Love’s Infiniteness’; William Wordsworth’s ‘She was a Phantom of delight’; Emma Jones’ ‘Tiger in
the Menagerie’; Amanda Chong’s ‘Lion Heart’; Edith Sitwell’s ‘Heart and Mind’; Liz Lochhead’s ‘For
my Grandmother Knitting’; Dilip Chitre’s ‘Father Returning Home’; Patricia Beer’s ‘The Lost Woman’;
Owen Sheers’ ‘Coming Home’; and, Sam Hunt’s ‘Stabat Mater’.
PROSE: Spies by Michael Frayn
DRAMA: An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley.
All students in IGCSE courses will be provided with a copy of the syllabi for further information.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
Combined Science
Year 9 at Beacon Academy is anchored by a strong complement of IGCSE syllabi intended to prepare
our students for the wide range of courses required in Years 11 and 12 as well as preparing them for
post-secondary endeavors.
Cambridge IGCSE Combined Sciences gives students the opportunity to study biology, chemistry and
physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. Students learn about the basic principles of each
subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of
the scientific skills essential for further study.
Aims and assessment objectives of the syllabus:
Aims:
1. To provide a worthwhile educational experience for all candidates, through well-designed
studies of experimental and practical science. In particular, candidates’ studies should enable
them to acquire understanding and knowledge of the concepts, principles and applications of
biology, chemistry and physics.
2. To develop abilities and skills that are relevant to the study and practice of science.
3. To stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science and its methods of enquiry.
4. To promote an awareness that the study and practice of science are co-operative and
cumulative activities subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences
and limitations.
Assessment objectives.
The three assessment objectives in Combined Science are:
A. Knowledge with understanding
B. Handling information and problem solving
C. Experimental skills and investigations
Assessment objective
A. Knowledge with understanding
B. Handling information and problem
solving
C. Experimental skills and investigations
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
Weighting
50%
30%
20%
Combined Science Continued
The syllabus content that follows is divided into three sections: Biology (B1–B10), Chemistry (C1–C12)
and Physics (P1–P12). Candidates, assisted by their teacher, will have the following topics for in-depth
study:
Biology (B1–B10):
B1.Characteristics of living organisms
B2. Cells,
B3. Enzymes
B4. Nutrition
B5. Transportation
B6. Respiration
B7. Coordination and response
B8. Reproduction
B9. Energy flow in ecosystems
B10. Human influences on the ecosystem
Chemistry (C1–C12):
C1. The particulate nature of matter
C2. Experimental techniques
C3. Atoms, elements and compounds
C4. Stoichiometry
C5. Electricity and chemistry
C6. Energy changes in chemical reactions
C7. Chemical reactions
C8. Acids, bases and salts
C9. The Periodic Table
C10. Metals
C11. Air and water
C12. Organic chemistry
Physics (P1–P12):
P1. Motion
P2. Matter and forces
P3. Energy, work and power
P4. Simple kinetic molecular model of matter
P5. Matter and thermal properties
P6. Transfer of thermal energy
P7. Waves
P8. Light
P9. Electromagnetic spectrum
P10. Sound
P11. Electricity
P12. Electric circuits
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
Mathematics
Two IGCSE Mathematics subjects will be offered in 2015-16 for Year 9 students:
● Core / Extended Mathematics
● International Mathematics
Each subject will suit students with different Mathematics skills, understandings, disposition and
ambition. The ‘Core’ Mathematics subject articulates to IBDP Math Studies Standard Level, and both
Extended and International Mathematics can articulate to IBDP Maths SL and IBDP Maths Higher
Level, in Years 11 and 12.
Core / Extended Mathematics (Course code 0580)
Students will share a ‘core’ syllabus and will have the opportunity to also do the ‘Extended’ syllabus,
depending on their ability and ambitions.
Students may follow either the Core curriculum or the Extended curriculum. Candidates aiming for
grades A* to C should follow the Extended curriculum.
The aims of the curriculum are the same for all candidates. The aims are set out below and describe
the educational purposes of a course in Mathematics for the Cambridge IGCSE examination. They
are not listed in order of priority.
The aims are to enable candidates to:
● develop their mathematical knowledge and oral, written and practical skills in a way which
encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment
● read mathematics, and write and talk about the subject in a variety of ways
● develop a feel for numbers, carry out calculations and understand the significance of the
results obtained
● apply mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the part which
mathematics plays in the world around them
● solve problems, present the solutions clearly, check and interpret the results
● develop an understanding of mathematical principles
● recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and
interpret relevant factors and, where necessary, select an appropriate mathematical method
to solve the problem
● use mathematics as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression
● develop an ability to apply mathematics in other subjects, particularly science and technology
● develop the abilities to reason logically, to classify, to generalise and to prove
● appreciate patterns and relationships in mathematics
● produce and appreciate imaginative and creative work arising from mathematical ideas
● develop their mathematical abilities by considering problems and conducting individual and
co-operative enquiry and experiment, including extended pieces of work of a practical and
investigative kind
● appreciate the interdependence of different branches of mathematics
● acquire a foundation appropriate to their further study of mathematics and of other
disciplines.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
All candidates will study the following topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Number
Algebra and graphs
Geometry
Mensuration
Co-ordinate geometry
Trigonometry
Matrices and transformations
Probability
Statistics
Assessment is through external examinations, taken as 2 separate papers.
International Mathematics (Course code 0607)
The aims of this syllabus should enable students to:
● acquire a foundation of mathematical skills appropriate to further study and continued
learning in mathematics;
● develop a foundation of mathematical skills and apply them to other subjects and to the real
world;
● develop methods of problem solving;
● interpret mathematical results and understand their significance;
● develop patience and persistence in solving problems;
● develop a positive attitude towards mathematics which encourages enjoyment, fosters
confidence and promotes enquiry and further learning;
● appreciate the beauty and power of mathematics;
● appreciate the difference between mathematical proof and pattern spotting;
● appreciate the interdependence of different branches of mathematics and the links with other
disciplines;
● appreciate the international aspect of mathematics, its cultural and historical significance and
its role in the real world;
● read mathematics and communicate the subject in a variety of ways.
Candidates will study the following topics:
1. Number
2. Algebra
3. Functions
4. Geometry
5. Transformations and vectors
6. Mensuration
7. Coordinate geometry
8. Trigonometry
9. Sets
10. Probability
11. Statistics
Assessment is through external examinations, taken as 3 separate papers.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
Art
Cambridge IGCSE Art is accepted by universities, art colleges and employers as evidence of
experience and skills in developing and producing a range of art showing visual knowledge and
understanding, along with critical and cultural awareness.
The Year 9 IGCSE Art syllabus at Beacon Academy encourages a range of skills, stimulates aesthetic
awareness, knowledge and critical understanding of art, and provides opportunities for our students
to develop a range of skills. Crucially, a personal and independent perspective is encouraged at all
times. The syllabus is designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities, materials and resources,
and allows the different skills of the teacher to be fully exploited.
Year 9 Art students will be undertaking Component 1 (compulsory) and Component 4.
Component 1 is a broad based assignment that is externally assessed. It is worth 50% of the
students’ grade.
Component 4 is called the Coursework assignment and consists of a supporting portfolio, which
includes up to four sheets (eight sides) of A2 and one finished piece. Students produce this final piece
in a chosen medium with relevant art media, e.g. painting, drawing, photograph, mixed media,
sculpture. This is internally assessed and is worth 50% of the overall mark.
This course encourages students to develop:
• An ability to record from direct observation and personal experience
• An ability to identify and solve problems in visual and/or other forms
• Creativity, visual awareness, critical and cultural understanding
• An imaginative, creative and personal response
• Confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of achievement in the practice of art and design
• Growing independence in the refinement and development of ideas and personal outcomes
• Engagement and experimentation with a range of media, materials and techniques, including new
media and technologies, where appropriate
• Experience of working in relevant frameworks and exploration of manipulative skills necessary to
form, compose and communicate in two and/or three dimensions
• Knowledge of a working vocabulary relevant to the subject and an interest in, and a critical
awareness of, other practitioners, environments and cultures
• Investigative, analytical, experimental, interpretative, practical, technical and expressive skills which
aid effective and independent learning
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
PE
IGCSE Physical Education, a part of the Year 9/10 Core class requirements, is intended to provide
learners with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of Physical Education.
It is also designed to foster enjoyment in physical activity. The knowledge gained should enable
learners to develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance.
Assessment objectives (AO) for PE are identified below. Fifty per cent of the assessment will be based
on Assessment Objective (AO) 1 whereas 10% will come from AO2 and 40% from AO3.
AO1: physical performance including an ability to connect planning, performing and evaluating whilst
undertaking activity.
AO2: an ability to analyse and improve their own and others’ performance.
AO3: knowledge and understanding of:
• The factors affecting performance;
• The health and safety aspects of physical activity, including the advantages and risks associated;
• The reasons for participating in physical activity with a range of training strategies and techniques.
Coursework requires candidates to offer a minimum of four practical activities from at least two of
the seven categories. Categories may, based on school facilities, include Games Activities, Gymnastic
Activities, Dance Activities, Athletic Activities, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities, Swimming and
Combat Activities. The teacher will work with students to identify the best choices for activities across
the syllabus options.
Coursework assesses candidates’ physical performance, including an ability to interrelate planning,
performing and evaluating whilst undertaking activity in four practical activities worth 50% of the
syllabus total. In addition candidates are assessed on their ability to analyse and improve their own or
another’s performance in one of their chosen practical activities, worth 10% of the syllabus total.
Therefore, in assessing practical activities, the following assessment objectives must be met (60%
total weighting):
• Planning, Performing and Evaluating to account for 50%,
• Analysing and Improving to account for 10%.
All students in IGCSE courses will be provided with a copy of the syllabi for further information.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy
Hindi
The main aim of the syllabus is to:
● Appreciate the language as an effective means of communication;
● Form a sound base for the skills required for further study or employment using Hindi as the
medium;
● Develop an awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills, along with skills
of a more general application;
● Promote candidates personal development
This syllabus assesses Reading, Writing and Listening; learners will be assessed on the following
abilities.
READING - Understand and respond to written language.
● Understand and respond to information presented in a variety of forms
● Select and organize material relevant to specific purposes
● Recognize, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions
● Infer information from texts
WRITING – Communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately in writing.
● Communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately
● Convey information and express opinions effectively
● Employ and control a variety of grammatical structures
● Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of appropriate vocabulary
● Observe conventions of paragraphing, punctuation and spelling
● Employ appropriate register/style
LISTENING – Understand and respond to spoken language.
● Understand and respond to information presented in a variety of forms
● Recognize, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions
● Select and organize material relevant to specific purposes
Candidates will study several of the following topics in details: Art of effective writing, short
explanations, descriptions, essay writing, picture compositions, letters, comprehension and in
grammar synonyms, words, phrases, antonym words, idioms, proverbs, words likely to be confused,
formation of abstract noun, noun, pronoun, adjectives, suffix and prefix, tenses, prepositions, verbs,
case and compound words.
Guide to the IGCSE Programme
Beacon Academy