Secondary – KS4 (Ages 14-16)

Our broad and enriching Key Stage 4 curriculum features the internationally recognised IGCSE Cambridge programmes and qualifications. It is carefully designed to engage students and give them solid foundations to achieve high levels of academic and personal attainment.

Our Year 10 students embark upon the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), the world’s most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds. The two-year IGCSE programme is academically rigorous and provides excellent preparation for Cambridge A Levels and for progression to other educational systems. Many of the subjects have specific international elements and content developed by specialists to make the topics relevant to students worldwide.

Students at BIST choose 8-9 IGCSE subjects from different subject areas giving them a broad subject base. This allows them to be well prepared for the next stage of education whilst leaving time to continue to develop other interests. The choice of subjects is an important one, both in order to build on students’ strengths and interests and to introduce students to a future career. The school provides students and parents with plenty of information in advance about options to ensure choices are well informed.

Every IGCSE student at BIST takes the core subjects English, Literature, Mathematics and Coordinated Science. Students also follow a language course in either French, German or Spanish. In addition, students choose three subjects from a range of options which may include: Art and Design, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, Geography, History, and Sociology. Georgian language, PE, PSHE and Singing are compulsory but not taken as IGCSE subjects. Cambridge IGCSE examinations take place at the end of the two-year course [Year 10 and Year 11] and can include written and oral tests, coursework and practical assessments.

Teaching and learning at Key Stage 4 continues to emphasise the development of students’ general academic and intellectual skills. Learning remains enquiry based and focussed on problem solving. Students are expected to become increasingly independent in their learning as they broaden and deepen their knowledge in each subject.

In February each year, we host an information evening for parents on the IGCSE programme and start the process of students choosing optional subjects. The most recent presentation from the information evening can be found here.

For more information on IGCSE, please visit: www.cie.org.uk