IGCSE Options 2019-2021

IGCSE 1PAGE

Welcome from the Academic Affairs Team

Foreword

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to our “Zhi Hui” Handbook which
outlines for Year 9 and Year 10 programmes
of study from academic year 2018-2019.
The name “Zhi Hui” refers to the end of our
Shanghai Plus curriculum in Year 9 to our
International Plus curriculum in Year 10, in
which they will complete a number of
International General Certificate of
Secondary Education (IGCSEs) to prepare
them for the International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The “Zhi Hui” program allows students to meet the requirements of Chinese courses, while
integrating some IGCSE content where possible. All students will complete a YK Pao School Zhong
Kao examination, in which students will be tested to determine if they are ready to progress to
International Plus and enter the Senior Secondary Division.

The school adopted Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) as it’s examination board as it is
the largest and most established IGCSE provider in the world. For IGCSE, students pick particular
subjects that they can develop the necessary skills and content to be successful in, as a solid
foundation for the IB Diploma.

We are very proud of our IGCSE programme which has delivered excellent and improving results
for the past two years, with students now achieving “top in the world” awards in Chinese First
Language and Mathematics. We hope that your child enjoys our program and a pursuit of academic
excellence as we strive for our students to be the best in the world.

This handbook serves to outline the IGCSE subjects offered by the school and provides an
overview of the subject specific requirements for assessments. We hope you find the information
useful, and, if you have any questions, please contact our subject teachers or school
administrators.

Sincerely,

Lee Sanders Helen Sanders
Deputy Principal IGCSE Coordinator

IGCSE 2PAGE

Zhi Hui Introduction

Each student’s IGCSE selection will In addition to English, Chinese and Mathematics,
comprise a number of compulsory which must be taken by all pupils, students are
subjects, and a range of electives asked to number the optional subjects in order of
(optional subjects). There are also preference.
Extra Depth qualifications available in
core subjects such as English 1. Students should indicate their first choice and
Literature and Additional Mathematics. second choice of option. If a subject proves to be
However, this requires a lot of extra unavailable then the student will automatically be
work and will only be offered to those entered for the next preferred option.
students who have shown outstanding
ability in the subject and will be 2.Students must choose at least two separate
selected by subject teachers’ Science subjects; one subject from the Humanities
professional judgment. block, and one subject from the Options block.

Chinese, English, and Mathematics, 3.Parents and students should note that the final
Science and a Humanities subject will choice of the subjects has to meet with the
be offered as part of a core program. approval of the school. When making the final
However, pupils will be entered for decision, the school will take into consideration the
either First Language or Second student’s ability and attitude.
Language English and Chinese based
on their level of language proficiency. We aim to ensure that every student gets his or her
In addition, students will have to first choice; however, this cannot be guaranteed. It
choose one humanities subject. is also possible that subjects will not be run if they
only attract a small number of students, in which
case we will take the students’ next preferred
option.

IGCSE 3PAGE

Year 9 Zhong Kao Requirements

Year 9 provides a unique mixture of 12 Shanghai Curriculum and IGCSE subjects. Students will gain the
benefit of studying in Chinese and English to deepen their knowledge and broaden their vocabulary
while meeting the requirements of compulsory education.Throughout Year 9 and in all subject areas,
teachers pay close attention to providing excellent preparation for IGCSE studies in Year 10.

Core Courses Extension and Research Courses
Chinese (ZK Curriculum) IGCSE Science Courses
English (based on IGCSE) IGCSE Humanities Courses
English Literature (YKPS designed course IGCSE Arts Courses
to prepare for IBDP)
Mathematics (ZK and IGCSE integrated)
Physics (ZK Curriculum)
Chemistry (ZK Curriculum)
Society and Politics (ZK Curriculum)
Character Education (Beijing Curriculum)
Physical Education (ZK Curriculum)

- In order to graduate from Junior Secondary School to Senior Secondary School, all students will have

Requirements for Successful Completion of
Year 9

Attendan Sufficient Attendance of all required
ce of courses including PE and Character
Courses Education

Examinati Successfully score above 60% in
ons in the following courses: English,
Core Chinese, Mathematics, Physics,
Courses Chemistry, PE and Society.

Extension By the end of the academic year,
and attain grade D or better in YK Pao
Research School examinations
Courses

IGCSE 4PAGE

IGCSE SUBJECTS

All students will take the following combination of subjects to gain the ICE (International Certificate of
Education) Diploma and a minimum of 7 IGCSEs:
Chinese First Language (0500) or Chinese Second Language (0508)*
English First Language (0500) or English Second Language (0510)
Mathematics (0580)

ADDITIONAL DEPTH QUALIFICATIONS

Additional Mathematics (0606) - taken by all students who achieve A or A* in IGCSE Mathematics
OPTION SUBJECTS

Science (choose two) Humanities (choose one) Option (choose one)

Biology (0610) History (0470) Physical Education (0413)
Chemistry (0620) Geography (0460) Sociology (0495)
Business Studies (0450) Art (0400)
Physics (0625)
Computer Science (0478)
Drama (0411)
Music (0410)

* Mandarin Foreign Language may be offered to those students who are very new to the Chinese
Language.

IGCSE 5PAGE

Submitting Choices

You need to complete the options form and hand it to the Academic Affairs office by May 8th 2018.
Should a students’ first choice selection not be available, we will notify the student that we will select
their next preferred choice.

Changing Subjects

It is normal for students to be unsure about some subjects, particularly those they have not studied
before. As such, it is possible to request a change to your subject choices after the form has been
submitted. Any request must take the form of a letter outlining the reasons for the proposed change
signed by the parent/guardian. This should be handed to the IGCSE Coordinator as soon as
possible.

However, please bear in mind that some subjects may become full, and changing into a certain class
may not be possible. After the end of September students will no longer be able to change into a
subject, however, if a student is really struggling with a subject there will be opportunities to drop
subjects later in the course.

IGCSE 6PAGE

The total cost of a student’s IGCSE As a guide, fees for an
examinations will vary depending on average students’ IGCSEs
the number of subjects they take and were approximately 9000
the exchange rate at the time of RMB.
payment. This is usually asked for in Certificates will only be
the February and March of Year 10. In released to students and
2018, each IGCSE will cost: parents when full payment
has been made.
Single Subjects – $150

Example for a student: Cost
US$150
Subject US$150
First Language Chinese (0509) US$150
First Language English (0500) US$150
Mathematics (0580) US$150
Additional Mathematics (0608) US$150
Biology (0610) US$150
Chemistry (0620) US$150
History (0470) US$1200
Physical Education (0413)
Total

IGCSE 7PAGE

IGCSE & IBDP


After completing their IGCSEs students will complete the final stage of their education with YKPSSD,
the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). For those wishing to go on to tertiary
education, it is important they make the right choices for their IBDP.

At IBDP students are asked to take six subjects: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard
Level (SL). For progression to IB Diploma, students are expected to attain a minimum of 6 B grades
in their IGCSEs with additional requirements stated below:


i. a minimum of grade B in IGCSE for all Higher Level subjects, except Mathematics;

ii. a minimum of Grade A in IGCSE Additional Mathematics for Higher Level Mathematics.

iii. A minimum of Grade A in IGCSE First Language for English A (SL or HL)?


For students who do not meet the above course selection requirements but achieved a minimum of 6C
grades in the IGCSE are advised to opt to complete IB Certificates. They will be able to select 3 HL and
3 SL courses, but will not be entered for the Core components of Theory of Knowledge, Extended
Essay and Community, Activity, Service.

Students must choose one subject from each of the following groups, or, they may take two options
from groups 3 or 4 at the expense of a group 6 subject. The subjects we expect to offer are listed
below.

Group Subjects Offered For further
1: Native Language information on the
(Language A) Chinese A IBDP please feel
2: Second Language English A free to consult our
IB Diploma
3: Individual and Societies English B Coordinator or
Chinese B subject teachers.
4: Experimental Sciences Chinese ab initio Detailed information
5: Mathematics French ab initio* is also available on
6: The Arts History the IB website
Business and Management (http://
Economics www.ibo.org/).
Geography
Biology * These subjects
Chemistry must be taken as
Physics an alternative to
Computer Science* selecting a Group 6
Mathematics subject.
Mathematics Studies
Visual Arts
Music

IGCSE 8PAGE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many subjects will I take?

Every student is different and there is no guideline number set by CIE. Our timetable currently permits
a minimum of 7 IGCSEs, which may rise to 9 including Additional Mathematics (for accelerated
students) and English Literature, which includes lessons timetabled outside of the normal school day.
However, those students who enjoy only a few subjects but find some other subjects challenging, can
consider taking fewer optional subjects. If this is the case, please indicate it on your reply slip or talk to
the IGCSE Coordinator. Those students selected to take English Literature are able to decline it, or
reduce the number of optional IGCSE subjects, if they feel that the workload will be too great.
However, we urge these students not to reduce their number of optional subjects as this may hinder
their future choices.

How do I find out more about what the courses consist of?

Read this booklet carefully, as even familiar subjects can be very different at IGCSE. Your subject
teachers will be able to tell you about the subject they teach and further information is available on the
Cambridge IGCSE website (http://www.cie.org.uk).

Should I choose the subjects I like?

You are more likely to do well at IGCSE if you enjoy the subjects you are studying. So, as a general
rule, choose the subjects you enjoy. Do not choose a subject because you like the teacher or simply
because your best friend has chosen it. Teachers change and so can friendships. You should choose
because of the subject itself.

Do my options affect future career choices?

Like most students you are probably unsure what you want to do in the future and even if you have
some ideas, they are likely to change in the next few years. You need to keep as many doors open as
possible. Try to aim for a broad spread of subjects. Choose according to your own individual interests,
abilities and career plans.

If you want to know about specific entry requirements for particular Universities then talk to the
Director of University Guidance or your teachers.

What if I already know what I want to do in my future career?

If you are more definite in your career ideas do some research to find out what subjects you need to
study and to what level you need to study them.

Will I be able to get the grades I want?

Usually you can judge this for yourself, but ask your teachers if you are uncertain of your IGCSE
prospects. The subject teachers should be able to give you an indication as to how well you will fare
on the course, although result predictions are rarely 100% accurate.

Will I be able to take the courses of my choice?

We will do all we can to timetable so that you can, but sometimes timetabling difficulties may prevent
it. For a minority of students a teacher may be reluctant to allow you on the course for your own
benefit. If it is suggested that you should not choose a particular subject, then the school will inform

you. The school will make the final decision as to whether or not to enter you for each exam.







IGCSE PAGE12

IGCSE English Literature(0486)

Why study this course？

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) offers learners the opportunity to read, interpret, evaluate and
respond to a range of literature in English. The range includes drama, prose and poetry. This course
enables learners to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the ways in which writers use
English to express meaning and achieve effects. Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) will stimulate
learners to read for pleasure and to explore wider and universal issues, promoting a better
understanding of themselves and the world.

How is the course assessed?

Component Description Weighting Assessed by

Poetry+Prose Exam Candidates answer two 50% Cambridge Exam
questions: one from section A 25% Board
Poetry and one from Section B 25%
Prose. Cambridge Exam
Board
Drama Exam Candidates answer one
Coursework question on one text Teacher

Candidates complete a
Coursework portfolio of two
assignments.

IGCSE PAGE 13

IGCSE First Language Chinese (0509)

Why study this course？

The Cambridge IGCSE First Language Chinese Course is designed for candidates whose mother
tongue is Chinese. Cambridge IGCSE First Language qualifications are accepted by universities and
employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of a language. Successful candidates gain
lifelong skills including:
• the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in writing;
• the ability to use a wide range of vocabulary, and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation;
• a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.
Students are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to improve their ability
to use language. Cambridge IGCSE First Language qualifications also develop more general analysis
and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present
opinions effectively.

How is the course assessed?

Component Description Weighting Assessed by
60% Examination
Reading Candidates answer two 40% Examination
50 marks questions: Question 1 –– 25
marks
Writing
40 marks Candidates answer a series
of comprehension questions
based on Passage 1.

Question 2 –– 25 marks

Candidates write a summary
based on Passages 1 and 2.

Candidates write one
composition of 400–600
characters.

What will we study on this course?

We will read a novel intensively each semester, Chinese novels based, supplemented by foreign
novels. Such as “Tree King · Chess King · Kids King” , “Teahouse” , “A Dream in Red Mansions” ,
“Records of the Grand Historian” （selected readings） , “Selected Short Stories of O Henry” etc.


Through the novel reading, students will learn methods of searching information, text analysis, and
characterization, improve their abilities of appreciating literary works. At the same time, we will also
learn some of the classic works of Tang Song poetry and ancient proses, to enable students to
understand and accumulate Chinese culture, and to appreciate the beauty of classical literature.





IIGGCCSSEE PAGE16PAGE16

IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606 )

Why study this course?

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential
mathematical knowledge and ability. The Additional Mathematics is tended for high ability candidates who
have achieved, or are likely to achieve, Grade A*, A or B in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics
examination.
Successful Additional Mathematics candidates gain life long skills, including:
• The further development of mathematical concepts and principles
• The extension of mathematical skills and their use in more advanced techniques
• An ability to solve problems,
present solutions logically and interpret results
• A solid foundation for further study

What will we study on this course?

1) Sets
2) Functions and quadratic functions
3) Indices and Surds
4) Factors and polynomials
5) Simultaneous equations
6) Logarithmic and exponential
functions
7) Circular measure & Trigonometry
8) Matrices & BinomialExpansion
9) Permutation and Combination
10) Differentiation and Integration

How is the course assessed?

Component Description Weighting Assessed by
Paper 1 (2 hours) 50% Examination
10-12 questions of various
Paper 2(2 hours) lengths 50% Examination
80 marks

10-12 questions of various
lengths
80 marks

IGCSE PAGE17

IGCSE Biology (0610)

Why study this course?

With an emphasis on human biology, the Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus helps learners to
understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and
scientific developments. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of biology in this single
award course, through a mix of theoretical and practical studies.

How is the course assessed?

Component Description Weighting Assessed by
30% Examination
Paper 2
A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40
(45 minutes) items of the four-choice type.

Paper 4
Extended curriculum – Grades A* to G 50% Examination
(75 minutes) available (option for all the candidates)

Extended theory paper consisting of short-
answer and structured questions.

Paper 6
Alternative to Practical
20% Examination
(60 minutes) Questions based on experimental analysis
and data handling

What will we study on this
course?

Students will explore the world of living
organisms from the microscopic to the
macroscopic including, cell structure and
function, biological systems of plants and
animals, inheritance, classification, and
ecosystems. Candidates learn how
science is studied and practiced, and
become aware that the results of
scientific research can have effects on
individuals, communities and the
environment.





IGCSE PAGE20

IGCSE History (0470)

Why study this course?

This course covers in depth some of the key global events of the 20th Century, from the beginning of the
First World War to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The course provides a mixture of Social, Economic and
Political history and it encourages students to analyse the historical forces that are evident through these
events, and evaluate the importance of these ideas. History is a language rich subject and will provide an
opportunity for rapid development of spoken and written English that will be of great benefit to all subjects
for the IB Diploma. History will also promote critical thinking and the ability to recognise the usefulness
and validity of a variety of media.

How is the course assessed?

Component Description Weighting Assessed by
40%
1. Written paper Students answer two questions from Core Externally
60 marks Content & one question from the Depth Study Assessed

2. Written paper Source Analysis-Students answer six 33% Externally
50 marks questions on one prescribed topic taken from 27% Assessed
the Core Content
3. Written paper Student answer one question on a Depth Externally
40 marks Study Assessed

What will we study on this course?

We have chosen to study Option B: 20th Century History. This will include the following topics:

World War 1: Causes, course, and peace, Peace Treaties of WW1, Success and Failures of the
League of Nations, Collapse of Peace, Early Cold War, 1944-1953, USA and the Policy of
Containment, 1948-1975, The USSR and Control of Eastern Europe, 1948-1989, Middle East Region
and Why it matters, 1948-1991.

IGCSE PAGE 21

IGCSE Geography (0460)

Why study this course?

Geography is an important and practical subject which develops students understanding of the organsation
of human society, the natural world and how these can interact. It has a range of applications within
business and the government especially in research and planning. IGCSE Geography gives an ideal
introduction to most Geographic concepts.
Successful Cambridge IGCSE Geography candidates develop lifelong skills, including:
• An understanding of the impacts which both physical and human geography can have and the processes
which affect their development;
• A sense of place and an understanding of how a location can impact on a local, regional and global scale;
• The ability to use and understand geographical data and information;
• An understanding of how communities and cultures around the world interact with different environments.

How is the course assessed?

Component Description Weighting Assessed By
45% Examination
Paper 1: Six Questions from across the 27.5% Examination
Core Content Curriculum each worth 25 27.5% Examination

Paper 2: marks. Students answer three
Application of responses, mixture of short
Geographic Skills
answers and longer passages.
Paper 4: 105 minute paper
Field Studies
60 mark paper, the majority
short answers. Students
respond using their own

knowledge and analysis of an
unstudied map.
90 minute paper

60 mark paper, students use
knowledge gained from their

Field Trip to respond to
another two unseen
investigations.
90 minute paper.

What will we study on this course?
The syllabus is divided into three themes:

The Human World (Population Growth and Patterns, Rural and Urban Settlements)

The Natural World (Plate Tectonics, Weather, Climate and Natural Vegetation, River Systems,
Marine Processes)

Economic Development (Food production, Industry, Tourism, Energy, Water and Environmental risks
of economic development)





IGCSE PAGE 24

IGCSE Computer Science

Why study this course?

Learners following the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science syllabus develop their understanding of
the main principles of problem solving using computers. They can apply their understanding to develop
computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language.
Learners also develop a range of technical skills, as well as being able to effectively test and evaluate
computing solutions.

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science helps learners develop an interest in computing and gain
confidence in computational thinking. It is an ideal foundation for further study at Cambridge
International AS and A Level, and the skills learnt can also be used in other areas of study and in
everyday life.

How is the course assessed?

Component Description Weighting Assessed by
75 Marks This written paper contains 60% Externally
short-answer and structured Assessed
50 Marks questions. All questions are 40%
Externally
compulsory. Assessed

This written paper contains
short-answer and structured
questions. All questions are
compulsory. 20 of the marks

for this paper are from
questions set on the pre-

release material.



What will we study on the course?

In this course students will study the foundational principles and practices of computation and
computational thinking and their application in the design and development of computer systems.
Computational thinking involves learning to program, that is to write computer code, because this is
the means by which computational thinking is expressed.







IGCSE PAGE 28

IGCSE Physical Education (0413)

Why study this course?

Physical Education is a pulse-raising programme for students with a positive attitude, who enjoy
challenging themselves and want to achieve that personal best, win that gold medal or simply be the
best they can be.

Students undertaking this course are successful in their learning if they develop their knowledge and
skills in a range of physical activities, evidence an understanding of the role sport plays in the worlds
society, possess an ability to perform, analyse, improve and evaluate performance and display their
understanding of effective and safe performance. The curriculum promotes physical activity and a
healthy lifestyle which is essential for a iGCSE PE athlete in gaining and applying these lifelong skills
they have acquired.

How is the course assessed?

Component Description Weighting Assessed By
1. Theory Based 40%
2. Practical Based Section A: Short answer questions on 60% Examination
each of the three units.
Section B: Structured answer questions, Centre Based
one from each of the three units. Assessment
Assessment in four practical activities
(50%) and ability to analyse and improve
own performance in one of these (10%).

What will we study on the course?

The three themes that shall be focused on are
factors affecting performance, health, safety and
training and reasons and opportunities for
participation in physical activity within the
theorectical aspect of the IGCSE per curriculum.
Students will develop their knowledge and
understanding of the human body and its
processes, fitness training to improve your bodies
systems, diet and exercise to maintain a healthy
and active lifestyle and the media and its role on
the sporting world.

Students will be practically assessed in four
different sporting activities from two of the
following categories: Games, Gymnastics,
Athletics, Dance, Swimming, Combat and Outdoor
and Adventurous Activities. To evidence their
understanding students will demonstrate their
ability to analyse and improve their own and
others performance in of these sporting areas
through their practical coursework task.

IGCSE PAGE 29

CONTACT DETAILS
Academic Affairs office

Deputy Principal - Lee Sanders IGCSE Coordinator - Kenneth Jacobine （2017-2018）
[email protected] [email protected]

IGCSE Coordinator - Helen Sanders (2018-2019)
[email protected]

Subjects Contact Name and Email address
First Language English (0500)
Taryn Smith
English Literature (0486)
[email protected]
English as a Second Language (0510) Patricia Arrieche
First Language Chinese (0509)

Second Language Chinese (0523) [email protected]
Mathematics (0580)
David Xiong

Additional Mathematics (0606)
Biology (0610)
[email protected]
Chemistry (0620)
Jessica Yang

Physics (0625)
History (0470)
[email protected]
Geography (0460) Stephen Knox

Art and Design (0400) [email protected]
Daniel Manning, [email protected]
Business Studies (0450)
Coco Shi, [email protected]
Computer Science (0478) Kimberley East

Drama (0411) [email protected]
Emma potter

Music (0410)
[email protected]
Physical Education (0413) Daniel Mac Leon

Sociology (0495) [email protected]
Jo-Anne Richardson

!
[email protected]
Dawn Morris


[email protected]
Simone Sancinelli

[email protected]
Helen Sanders

[email protected]