CURRICULUM
OFFERINGS AT WIS
Years 6 - 11
EDUCATIONAL PATHWAY AT WIS
PYP
1-5
Middle
Years
6-8
IGCSE
9 – 10/11
Senior
Studies
11 - 12
PYP – INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
 Promotes student centred, inquiry based learning
MIDDLE YEARS
 Continues the Inquiry approach and develops skills, knowledge and
understanding in preparation for IGCSE
IGCSE – CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATIONS
 Internationally recognised and externally assessed – academically rigorous
SENIOR STUDIES
 A number of different options being explored
THE MIDDLE YEARS (YEARS 6 – 8)
Aim of the middle years at WIS is to
further develop inquiry based, student
centred learning while at the same time
prepare students for the academic
rigours of IGCSE
HOW IS THIS ACHIEVED
By liaising with PYP and IGCSE teachers to map
and develop a relevant and rigorous curriculum
To draw on best practice from around the
world to inform subject offerings, content and
approaches (IB MYP, Australia, New Zealand,
PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Canada, US, UK and
others)
To develop the ‘right mix’ for our students and
their diverse backgrounds and futures
IGCSE
The International General Certificate of Secondary
Education (IGCSE)
Currently offered in over 140 countries around the
world
Almost 500,000 students sitting exams each year
Cambridge 2012 Prospectus
5 LEARNING GROUPS
Group I: Languages
Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences
Group III: Sciences
Group IV: Mathematics
Group V: Creative, Technical and Vocational
AWARDS
The IGCSE is not a group award or "certificate of
education" as in many countries.
 It is a qualification based on individual subjects of
study, meaning students receives an "IGCSE"
qualification for each subject taken
ASSESSMENT
Takes place at the end of the two year course and includes
a variety of options – written, oral and practical.
Graded on an 8-point scale from A* to G
RECOGNITION OF IGCSE
Many Cambridge IGCSE subjects, including English as
a Second Language (at Grade C or above) are
recognised by a number of UK, Australian and New
Zealand Universities as evidence of competence for
foundation university entrance.
UNIVERSITY OF NSW
– FOUNDATION STUDIES
 “UNSW Foundation Studies accepts the IGCSE for entry to
our Standard (B average or better) and Standard Plus
programs (C average or better). Other minimum scores apply
(e.g. mathematics) depending on which Stream of study a
student wishes to undertake”
 “A ‘C’ grade or better in IGCSE English would be required for
entry into these programs”
David West
Assistant Principal
UNSW Foundation Studies
Email correspondence 23.10.2012
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC
“Students may enter USP Foundation from IGCSE
with an average of C+ and above”
Email dated 14.11.12 from Susan Sela per Director of the College of
Foundation Studies, Mr Aidan Thorne
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, NZ
“IGCSE also similarly recognised as GCE O level. [for
entry to Foundation Studies - B and C grades]”
Email dated 9.11.12
Khine Zar Tun
Admission and Enrolment Support
University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year
SUBJECT SELECTION GUIDE
IGCSE 1 - 2013/14
Students choose from the following IGCSE subject offerings:
• English (compulsory)
• Mathematics (Compulsory)
• Coordinated Science - Double award – Biology, Chemistry &
Physics (Compulsory)
• Information & Communication Technology
• Geography
• Business Studies
• Environmental Management
• Travel and Tourism
• Physical Education
School Based subjects: Music and PD
FUTURE PATHWAYS
 Years 9 – 10 IGCSE
 Years 11 – 12 – pathways being considered:
- Cambridge AS/A Levels
- Cambridge Pre U (only will be authorised to deliver this if
IGCSE grades are high)
- QLD Senior Studies
- Others?
COSTS?
£4,000 per annum – Paid by WIS
£43 per subject per candidate (approx
SBD$500). This covers administrative costs,
preparation of papers, postage and production of
certificates. Generally paid by candidate. In the
first two years of implementation WIS will pay
50% of these costs