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In terna t iona l Schoo l of Buchares t
A S / A L e v e l O p t i o n s 2 0 1 3
A guide to options for Year
12 and 13 at ISB
In terna t iona l Schoo l of Buchares t
AS and A Level
Students at the International School of Bucharest have proved
their academic ability and are beginning a journey that will take them to
University and into their adult life. During their time with us they will
be given the subject specialist knowledge needed to commence a degree
course through following Cambridge International Examinations’ (CIE)
rigorous and globally recognized A Level program.
University entrance is a highly competitive area and applicants
need to be able to stand out from the crowd. Therefore senior students
at ISB are given the kind of study skills and leadership training that the
best universities in the world are looking for. In the following pages
you will find details about the academic courses available at ISB.
What next? The decision you are making now is an important one and you
should think very carefully about how your choices fit in with your fu-
ture plans for Higher Education and Careers.
At ISB we offer careers and university guidance for our stu-
dents, but it is never too early to start your research.
Here are some web sites you might like to use to help you decide on
your future plans:
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/
http://www.ucas.com/students/nonukstudents/
http://www.ucas.com/students/beforeyouapply/whattostudy/stam-
fordtest
http://www.ukcoursefinder.com
http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/helpwithyourcareer/skills/
Study Cambridge International A Levels if you….
• Want to gain in-depth knowledge and lifelong skills that will pre-
pare you for success in higher education and employment.
• Require qualifications that are accepted as proof of academic abil-
ity for Universities worldwide.
• Wish to study courses that have been created specifically for an
international audience.
What will I study?
You will choose up to four subjects for AS Level, most candidates
will follow three of these through to A Level.
Students whose mother tongue is not English can take the IELTS
qualification, (see the relevant page later in this prospectus for de-
tails).
Pr eamble
Fact File:
Entry requirements
All students entering year12
need to have achieved five or
more Grade Cs or above at
IGCSE Level.
Length
AS Level and A2 Level cours-
es are one year in duration
each (a duration of two years
together).
Assessment
See relevant subject pages.
Subjects are graded A through
to E.
AS and A Level
If you change your mind after handling in your options form it
may be possible to accommodate the change. Any request for change
should be made as soon as possible to Deputy Principal accompanied
by a let- ter from parents/guardians. If there are any questions regarding
option choices or this booklet please do not hesitate to contact the
school of- fice.
Core Examination subjects
English will be taught to all pupils. Students have the option to choose
between
• AS Language (only for students with grade A-C in IGCSE 1st Lan-
guage English)
• IGCSE 1st Language English
• IELTS
Compulsory Non-Examination Subject(s)
In addition to the core subjects studied each student will follow
a compulsory curriculum Physical Education programme. This course
does not follow an examination syllabus.
Option Choices
The other subjects are available as options. Students must choose one
area of study from each option box (refer to the form on the following
page).
Qualif icat ions
Fact File:
A Level means Advanced Lev-
el, AS stands for Advanced
Subsidiary and counts as ap-
proximately half an A Level.
Assessment
Depending on the course as-
sessment might be via exami-
nations, coursework or a port-
folio of evidence.
OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 OPTION 4
Attendance
At least 90% attendance is required in order to sit for the IGCSE, and
for the AS or A Level examinations.
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature
In terna t iona l Schoo l of Buchares t
AS Leve l Courses Option Se lect ion Shee t
Name of pupil:
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS :
1. ENGLISH
• AS Language (only for students with grade A-C in IGCSE 1st Language English)
• IGCSE 1st Language English
• IELTS
2. MATHEMATICS
• MECHANICS/STATISTICS (compulsory for those taking AS Maths)
• Applied Maths (for those requiring evidence of attending a Maths course)
• General Paper - Study Hour
3. PE
OPTIONS :
You may choose only AS exam subjects for which you have achieved A-C in that subject at IGCSE level.
You may choose only A2 exam subjects for which you have achieved A-C in that subject at AS level. Each
group has an applied or non-exam subject marked *. You may choose only 2 of these.
4.BUSINESS STUDIES
PHYSICS
BUSINESS *
LITERATURE (FLE only)
Write your choice here
5.ECONOMICS (FLE only)
GEOGRAPHY
BIOLOGY
IT*
ART&DESIGN
6.CHEMISTRY
ICT
HISTORY (FLE only)
TRAVEL AND TOURISM*
7.DRAMA
FRENCH/SPANISH/TURKISH
PURE MATHS
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES *
I, am aware of the choices my child has made and will endeavour to do
my part to support him or her in this external examination certificate programme.
An Overv iew of the AS/A Level Courses
Subject Examination Board Art & Design University of Cambridge International Examinations
Business studies University of Cambridge International Examinations
Biology University of Cambridge International Examinations
Chemistry University of Cambridge International Examinations
Drama Edexcel
Economics University of Cambridge International Examinations
English Language University of Cambridge International Examinations
English Literature University of Cambridge International Examinations
French University of Cambridge International Examinations
Geography University of Cambridge International Examinations
History University of Cambridge International Examinations
Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) University of Cambridge International Examinations
Pure Mathematics University of Cambridge International Examinations
Physics University of Cambridge International Examinations
General Paper University of Cambridge International Examinations
Spanish University of Cambridge International Examinations
Travel and Tourism University of Cambridge International Examinations
AS & A Level Turkish as a Mother OCR
Language Global Perspectives University of Cambridge International Examinations
Art and Design (9704)
Study Art & Design if you…..
• Have good observational skills. • Enjoy creative activities. • Can use your imagination. • Are able to develop an idea to a conclusion. • Want to study Art, Design, Architecture or Fashion at College or University. • Wish to pursue a career in Graphic Design, Product Design, Interior Design,Stage Design, Fashion and Styling, Illustration, Ceramics, Painting/Sculpture, Public Art or Teaching.
What will I study?
A Level Art and Design Exam has 4 Components:
• Component 1: Controlled Test • Component 2: Coursework 1 • Component 3: Coursework 2 • Component 4: Personal Study
First year (AS Art) Component 1: Controlled Test This is a 15 hour examination based on an Imaginative theme. Component 2: Coursework 1 This aims to introduce the student to a wide range of materials and experiences with processes. They will work on a given theme leading through a series of de- velopmental stages to a final piece.
Second year (A Level Art) Component 3: Coursework 2 As component 2 but more in depth. Component 4: Personal Study A detailed study of any aspect of the visual arts that re- lates to one of the candidate’s coursework themes.
Fact File: Entry requirements
All students entering year12 need to
have achieved five or more Grade
Cs or above at IGCSE Level.
Length
AS Level and A2 Level courses are
one year in duration each (a dura-
tion of two years together).
Assessment
See relevant subject pages.
Subjects are graded A through to E.
For more information
contact the exam officer
Biology(9700)
Study Biology if you…..
• Want to pursue a career in Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Biological Sciences, Ecology or Sport Sci- ence. • Are intending to study any science-based course at University. • Want to improve your understanding of the funda- mental scientific concepts that describe our world. • Like practical laboratory work and studying the ecology . • Want to learn about new scientific discoveries and how the application of biological ideas can solve global problems. • Want to keep up with your science but don’t really want to do all 3 at Advanced level!
What will I study?
First Year (AS Biology): Cells, Biological Molecules, Enzymes, Cell Mem-
branes, Cell Division, Genetics, Transport, Gas Ex- change, Infectious Disease, Immunity, Ecology
Second Year (Advanced Level Biology): Energy and Respiration, Photosynthesis, Regula-
tion and Control, Inherited Change, Selection and Evo- lution, Applications of Biology: Biodiversity & Conser- vation, Gene Technology, Biotechnology, Crop Plants, Aspects of Human Reproduction
The three assessment objectives in Biology are: 1.Knowledge with understanding- 50% of the exami- nation marks 2.Handling information and solving problems- 30% of the examination marks 3.Experimental skills and investigations- 20% of the examination marks
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSE Science
or equivalent.
Length
1 Year AS Level
2 Years A Level
Assessment
Written and practical laboratory-
based examinations at the end of the
first and second years of study.
AS level:
Paper 1: Multiple choice - 1 hour
Paper 2: Structured questions – 2
hours
Paper 3: Advanced Practical Skills
- 2 hours
A2 level:
Paper 4: Structured questions - 2
hours
Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and
Evaluation - 1 hour 15min
For more information
contact the exam officer
Business Studies (9707)
Study Business Studies if you…..
• Want to learn about how businesses operate and the role business plays in society. • Enjoy subjects that are relevant to your own life and experiences. • Think you will need skills in making business deci- sions and solving business problems. • Want to study Business Management, Accounting or Economics. • Are trying to keep your options open for higher edu- cation and careers. • Expect to follow a career in business, marketing, ac- counting, banking, management or human resources.
What will I study?
You will find out about management of people and operations, the external influences affecting business and the importance of objectives and strategies.
First year (AS Level)
Business and the Environment, People in Organiza- tions, Marketing, Operations Management, Business Finance, Business Accounting and Information for Decision Making.
Second year (A Level)
The AS Level units listed above are studied at greater depth in the second year of study. The final 3 hour paper focuses on a business case study.
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSElevel or
equivalent
Length
1 Year AS Level
2 Years A Level
Assessment
Two written examinations for AS
Level at the end of the first year.
One 3 hour paper for the full A
Level at the end of the second year.
For more information
contact the exam officer
Chemistry(9701)
Study Chemistry if you…..
• Enjoy science and want to know more about the ex- citing materials that make up our world. • Want to pursue a career in Medicine, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science or Industry. • Are intending to study any science-based course at University. • Want to improve your understanding of the funda- mental scientific concepts about matter. • Like practical laboratory work and want to know more about chemical reactions. • Enjoy solving problems and analyzing information precisely. • Want to learn about new scientific discoveries and new materials. • Want to find out how industry and chemistry im- pacts on society and the environment.
What will I study?
First Year Core Material (AS Chemistry):
Atoms and Stoichiometry, Atomic Structure, Chemi- cal Bonding, States of Matter, Chemical Energetics, Electrochemistry, Equilibria, Reaction Kinetics, Inor- ganic and Organic Chemistry.
Second Year (A-level):
Extended study of the above topics, together with ‘Applications of Chemistry’ (Chemistry of Life, Ana- lytical Chemistry, Design and Materials).
The three assessment objectives in Chemistry are:
1. Knowledge with understanding 50% of the exami nation marks 2. Handling information and solving problems 30% of the examination marks 3. Experimental skills and investigations 20% of the examination marks
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSE or
equivalent.
Good mathematical skills.
Length
1 Year AS Level
2 Years A Level
Assessment
Written and practical laboratory -
based examinations at the end of the
first and second years of study.
AS level:
Paper 1: Multiple choice - 1 hour
Paper 2: Structured questions -
1hour 15min
Paper 3: Advanced Practical Skills
- 2 hours
A2 level:
Paper 4: Structured questions - 2
hours
Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and
Evaluation - 1 hour 15min
For more information
contact the exam officer
Drama
Since the emphasis in most GCSE Drama and Theatre Arts courses is on improvisation, devised work and/or performing, the Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Drama and Theatre Studies deliberately focuses on working with plays. In this way the Advanced Subsid- iary GCE in Drama and Theatres Studies aims to bridge the gap between GCSE and full Advanced GCE by pro- viding an opportunity to study plays from the point of view of a director, designer, performer and critic. The qualification is designed to enable students to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the language of drama and theatre as well as to develop their performing and analytical skills.
The course is designed to provide a balance across
a range of learning activities. This specification com- bines the activities of exploring plays, creating theatre, the performing of plays, the analysis of theatre and the critical evaluation of all of these elements. Students completing the course successfully will have a thorough understanding of drama and theatre, highly toned ana- lytical and creative skills and an ability to communicate effectively with others.
AS Assessment Units
Unit 1: Exploration of Drama and Theatre Internally assessed
Content summary: This unit introduces students to the content of
plays written for the theatre. They will learn how to analyse plays in a variety of ways so that they become familiar with the way written plays can be interpreted for realization in performance.
Assessment: This internally assessed unit requires students to
explore two contrasting play texts, chosen by the centre, in a practical and active way. At least one of the plays must be explored in the light of a recognized theatre practitioner.
A video/DVD of one session of the practical work must be made available for use in moderation. A set of Exploration Notes must be submitted. Students are also required to experience a live theatre performance and submit an evaluation.
Unit 2:
Theatre Text in Performance
Externally assessed
Content summary:
This unit offers students
the chance to demonstrate skills
in a performance environment.
The knowledge and understanding
gained during the study of two
plays in Unit 1 can now be applied
with a view to delivering a perfor-
mance to an audience.
Assessment:
This is an externally as-
sessed unit. The first section re-
quires students to offer either a
monologue or duologue. The sec-
ond section requires students to
contribute to a performance of a
professionally published play by a
known writer.
Students may offer either acting or
a design form and must also provide
a concept of the interpretation of
their chosen roles or designs.
For more information
contact the exam officer
English Language (8693)
Study English Language if you…..
• Want to improve your communication skills. • Wish to improve your reading and analysis of writ- ten material. • Want to keep your career and higher education op- tions open. • Hope to study any language intensive course at Uni- versity such as Law, History, Psychology, Sociology, Media Studies and many more. • Have ambitions to work in media, business man- agement, public relations, marketing, law, theatre or television and many other careers.
What will I study?
Paper 1: Passages for Comment
• How to identify the key features of passages and relate them to the context of the writing. • Aspects of language such as vocabulary, metaphor, simile and prejudice. • Writing using vocabulary, tone and style appropriate for a specific purpose/audience.
Paper 2: Composition
• Descriptive/Imaginative Writing • Discursive/Argumentative Writing
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSE or
equivalent.
Good mathematical skills.
Length
1 year AS Level only
Assessment
Two 2 hour written examinations at
the end of the year.
For more information
contact the exam officer
English Li teratur e (9695)
Study English Literature if you…..
• Love reading and want to develop your reading and writing skills to a higher level. • Want to know how writers achieve the effects they do and improve your own skills in communication and analysis. • Wish to develop your interest in literature, culture and human nature. • Would like to study Literature, Law, Media Studies, History, Psychology, to name just a few at University • Hope to enter a career in writing, law, business man- agement, media/journalism, public relations, commu- nication arts and many more.
What will I study?
First year (AS Level)
Poetry: Wordsworth, and an anthology of poems from the last two centuries Prose: Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte), and short stories by Katherine Mansfield Drama: Julius Caesar (Shake- speare), A View from the Bridge (Arthur Miller) and The Importance of Being Earnest (Oscar Wilde)
Second year (A Level)
Shakespeare and other pre-20th Century texts includ- ing the poetry of Andrew Marvell and Chaucer. 20th Century literature including works by T.S. Eliot and Harold Pinter.
In all your examination essays you will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the text and offer an independent opinion.
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSE level or
equivalent in English
Literature and English Language
(first or second language).
Length
1 Year AS Level
2 Years A Level
Assessment
Two 2 hour written examinations
for AS Level at the end of the first
year. Similarly for the full A Level
at the end of the course.
For more information
contact the exam officer
IE LTS
Study IELTS if you….
• Are planning to study or work in English or to live in an English speaking country and English is not your mother tongue.
What will I study?
Listening: Conversations and dialogues featuring a variety of English accents and dialects. Academic Reading: Texts from books, magazines, journals and newspapers. General Reading: Texts taken from sources such as newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals. You will learn how to show you can understand and use the information.
Academic Writing: Writing reports based on data pre- sented in tables and charts. Writing essays in response to opinions and problems. How to construct argu- ments using appropriate tone and register. General Writing: Writing letters asking for informa- tion or explaining a situation. Presenting your own ideas and challenging other ideas.
Speaking: Answering general questions about your- self and speaking on a given topic. IELTS (the International English Language Training System) is a test jointly administered by the Uni- versity of Cambridge and the British Council, and a suitable grade is a requirement for all international students whose first language is not English for entry to universities in the UK, Australia, NZ, Canada and most other English speaking countries including, in- creasingly, the USA.
Fact File: Entry requirements
English as a Second Language stu-
dents should take this course if they
do not study AS or A Level English
Language or Literature
For more information
contact the exam officer
Fr ench Language (8682)
Aims:
• develop the ability to understand a language from a variety of registers • enable students to communicate confidently and clearly in the target language • form a sound base of skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure • develop insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken, including the study of literary texts where appropriate (this does not apply to AS Language qualifications) • encourage positive attitudes to language learning and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations • support intellectual and personal development by promoting learning and social skills.
The examinations are designed to assess candidates’ linguistic competence and their knowledge of contem- porary society. In the exams, candidates will be expected to:
• understand and respond to texts written in the target language, drawn from a variety of sources such as magazines, newspapers, reports, books and other forms of extended writing • manipulate the target language accurately in spoken and written forms, choosing appropriate examples of lexis and structures • select information and present it in the target lan- guage • organise arguments and ideas logically.
Consideration for entry on course
Ideally, pupils should have studied French for a minimum of two years before starting the course. However, exceptions can be made for motivated pupils with no previous knowledge of French. Pupils are expected to complete all homework to a good standard and on time. They should spend at least an hour a week on French homework. It is advisable for pupils to read frequently as part of their commitment to the sub- ject.
Fact File: Levels of Entry
Candidates who take the Core lev-
el examination are eligible for the
award of grades C to G.
Candidates who take the Extended
tier examination are eligible for the
award of grades A* to G. Students
will be advised of their examination
entry level during their second year
of study.
Assessment
The exam has four components:
• Component 1: Speaking Test 20 minutes
• Component 2: Reading and Writing
1 hour 45 minutes, 70 marks
• Component 3: Essay 1 hour 30 minutes, 40 marks
• Component 4: Texts 2 hours 30 minutes, 75 marks
For more information
contact the exam officer
Geography (9696)
Study Geography if you…..
• Are interested in issues such as climate change, causes of conflict, eradicating poverty, economic de- velopment, natural disasters, landscape and more. • Want to understand and interpret social, economical, political and environmental conditions and change. • Enjoy working with maps, graphs, photographs, sta- tistics, diagrams and charts. • Recognise the importance of sustainable develop- ment and how we humans need to manage our impact on the environment. • Wish to have your finger on the pulse of current world issues and want to help influence important de- cisions that will affect future generations. • Plan to study courses such as Geography, Environ- ment Studies, Oceanography, Earth Sciences or Ur- ban Studies at University. • Would like a career in weather prediction, urban planning, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geology, cartography and many other areas.
What will I study?
First year-Core Geography (AS Level)
PHYSICAL: Atmosphere and Water, Weather process- es, Rocks. HUMAN: Population, Migration, Urban and Rural settlements.
Second year-Advanced Options (A Level)
PHYSICAL: Tropical, Coastal, Hazardous and Arid/ Semi Arid Environments HUMAN: Agriculture and Industry, energy supply, Global Economics.
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSE or
equivalent.
Length
1 Year AS Level
2 Years A Level
Assessment
One 3 hour written examination at
the end of the first year for the AS
Level, followed by two 1.5 hour
papers at the end of the second year
for the full A Level.
For more information
contact the exam officer
History (9697)
Course Aims
The educational aims of Cambridge A & AS Level His- tory are for candidates to gain historical knowledge, un- derstanding and skills.
These aims include: • developing an interest in the past and an apprecia- tion of human endeavour • gaining a greater knowledge and understanding of historical periods or themes • gaining a greater awareness of historical concepts such as similarity and difference, change and continuity, cause and effect • appreciating the nature and diversity of historical sources available, and the methods used by historians • exploring a variety of approaches to different as- pects of History and different interpretations of par- ticular historical issues • thinking independently and making informed judge- ments on issues • developing empathy with people living in different places and at different times.
Consideration for entry on course
An IGCSE in History shows that you have a high level of literacy and that you are able to analyse com- plex information.
The student will be required to learn content on a regular basis, write essays demonstrating their under- standing of the topic and use their knowledge to inter- pret and make inferences from given sources.
Fact File: Levels of Entry
Pupils are assessed within the full
range of grades. (A - G)
Assessment
Essay questions
Each essay question will have a
weighting of 25 marks.
Candidates’ answers should be fo-
cused on the question, and show a
depth of historical understanding
and evidence of reading.
Source-based questions
The source-based question will
have a weighting of 25 marks and
will consist of one sub-question.
This will present candidates with
an assertion which they need to
test against given sources and their
background knowledge of the issue.
For more information
contact the exam officer
Information and Communi - cat ion Technology (9691)
Study ICT if you…..
• Have a keen interest in the use of technology and computers. • Prefer a course that has a greater focus on the demonstration of practical skills, rather than written theory. • Enjoy problem solving and applying your skills to real-world projects and scenarios. • Would like to develop your ICT practical skills in a variety of different applications, including spread- sheets, databases and website design editors. • Are interested in learning about the increasingly prominent role technology plays both at home and in the workplace. • Plan to attend university in the future. Strong ICT- based research and presentation skills are an asset on most undergraduate courses. • Have ambitions to pursue a career in design, multi- media or computing. Good computer skills are desir- able in a large number of employment sectors.
What will I study?
First year— (AS Level)
PRACTICAL: Web design, Document presentation and production, Data handling, Software Integration THEORY: Communication devices, How Organisa- tions use ICT, ICT & Society, Systems Development.
Second year - (A Level)
PRACTICAL: Numerical modelling using spread sheets, relational database design, output data and automation. THEORY: Computer networks, How Organisations use ICT (part 2) , Impact of ICT on Society (Part 2)
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSE or
equivalent.
Length
1 Year AS Level
2 Years A Level
Assessment
One 90 minutes written examina-
tion, followed by two 150 minute
practical tests at the end of the AS
year.
For more information
contact the exam officer
PureMathematics (9709)
Study Mathematics if you…..
• Have a passion for the subject; it is a demanding yet hugely rewarding course. •Want a career in business, science, architecture,computing, teaching and many, many more. • Enjoy problem solving and have a logical mind • Are organized and well motivated. • Want to study Mathematics at University level, or any subject with mathematical components such as Engineering, Economics, Physics and Busi- ness. • Are taking arts or languages and want to give your- self a broad curriculum for study.
What will I study?
First Year (AS Mathematics):
Pure Mathematics: - Quadratics, Inequalities, Graphs and functions, Arithmetic and geometric sequences, Coordinate geometry, Volume of revolution, Trigo- nometry, Vectors, Calculus - Differentiation & Inte- gration. Mechanics: - Velocity and acceleration equations, Newton’s Laws of motion, Motion in s straight line, Vertical motion, Friction, Work, energy and power.
Second Year (A Level):
Pure Mathematics: - Logarithms, Vectors, Complex numbers, Differential Equations, Calculus. Statistics: - Probability, Permutations & Combina- tions, Binomial distribution, Normal distribution, Expectation and Variance.
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSE or
equivalent.
Length
1 Year AS Level
2 Years A Level
Assessment
Written examinations at the end of
the first and second years of study.
For more information
contact the exam officer
Physics(9702)
Study Physics if you…..
• Enjoy science and you want to know more about what drives the Universe and our world. • Want to pursue a career in Medicine, Aeronautical & Space Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Armed Forces, Forensic Science or Industry. • Are intending to study any science-based course at University. • Want to improve your understanding of fundamental scientific concepts. • Like practical laboratory work and want to know more about physical phenomena. • Enjoy solving problems and analyzing information precisely. • Want to learn about new scientific discoveries and developments. • Want to find out how industry and physics impact on society and the environment.
What will I study?
First Year (AS Physics):
General Physics, Newtonian Mechanics, Oscillations & Waves, Electric Fields, Current Electricity and Nu- clear Physics
Second Year (A-level):
Motion in a Circle, Gravitational Fields, Ideal Gases, Thermal Properties of Materials, Electric Fields, Capacitance, Magnetic Fields, Electromagne- tism, Alternating Currents, Quantum Physics, Nuclear Physics, Gathering and Communicating Information.
Fact File: Entry requirements
Grade C or above at IGCSE or
equivalent.
Length
2 years
Assessment
Written and practical laboratory -
based examinations at the end of the
first and second years of study.
AS level:
Paper 1: Multiple choice - 1 hour
Paper 2: Structured questions -
1hour 15min
Paper 3: Advanced Practical
Skills - 2 hours
A2 level:
Paper 4: Structured questions -
2 hours
Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and
Evaluation - 1 hour 15min
For more information
contact the exam officer
Spanish Language (8665)
Aims:
• develop the ability to understand a language from a variety of registers • enable students to communicate confidently and clearly in the target language • form a sound base of skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure • develop insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken, including the study of literary texts where appropriate (this does not apply to AS Language qualifications) • encourage positive attitudes to language learning and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations • support intellectual and personal development by promoting learning and social skills.
The examinations are designed to assess candidates’ linguistic competence and their knowledge of con- temporary society. In the exams, candidates will be expected to: • understand and respond to texts written in the tar- get language, drawn from a variety of sources such as magazines, newspapers, reports, books and other forms of extended writing • manipulate the target language accurately in spoken and written forms, choosing appropriate examples of lexis and structures • select information and present it in the target lan- guage • organise arguments and ideas logically.
Consideration for entry on course
Ideally, pupils should have studied Spanish for a min- imum of two years before starting the course. However, exceptions can be made for motivated and able pupils with little previous knowledge of Spanish. Pupils are expected to complete all homework to a good standard and in time. They should spend at least an hour a week on Spanish homework.
Fact File: Levels of Entry
Candidates who take the Core lev-
el examination are eligible for the
award of grades C to G.
Candidates who take the Extended
tier examination are eligible for the
award of grades A* to G.
Students will be advised of their ex-
amination entry level at the begin-
ning of their second year of study.
Assessment
The assessment has four compo-
nents:
• Component 1: Speaking Test 20 minutes, 100 marks
• Component 2: Reading and Writing
1 hour 45 minutes, 70 marks
• Component 3: Essay 1 hour 30 minutes, 40 marks
• Component 4: Texts 2 hours 30 minutes, 75 marks
For more information
contact the exam officer
Travel and Tourism (9395)
Course aims
• an understanding of the scale and importance of the industry • an appreciation of the importance of host destina- tions and communities to the industry • an understanding of the importance of sustainable development to the industry • the ability to recognize the positive and negative im- pacts the industry may have on people, environment and economy • an understanding of the global and dynamic nature of the industry • an interest in the issues affecting the industry and their potential effect on employment opportunities • an appreciation of the importance of the customer to the industry • practical and technical skills relevant to the industry • an understanding of how the industry responds to change • an appreciation of the impact of ICT on the industry • their own values and attitudes in relation to industry issues.
Fact File: Assessment
There are four assessment objec-
tives in Cambridge International A
& AS Level Travel and Tourism:
AO1: Demonstration of knowledge,
understanding and skills
Candidates should be able to dem-
onstrate basic knowledge of the
specified content.
AO2: Application of knowledge,
understanding and skills
Candidates should be able to use
their command of the specified con-
tent in both familiar and unfamiliar
vocational contexts.
AO3: Analysis and research
Candidates should be able to dem-
onstrate their ability to use appro-
priate research techniques when
producing their event-based course-
work, as well as analysing vocation-
ally-related issues and problems.
AO4: Evaluation and decision-
making
Candidates should be able to eval-
uate information to make judge-
ments, draw conclusions and make
recommendations about vocational-
ly-related issues and problems
For more information
contact the exam officer
OCR Turkish (H197 H597)
Aims:
• The specification develops an interest in, and en- thusiasm for, language learning. It helps candidates further develop the skills of listening, reading and writing at a level beyond GCSE. They learn about the culture of countries where Turkish is spoken and become able to communicate with people in these countries. • This specification builds on best practice GCSE and provides interesting and meaningful assessment. • The specification aims to provide a coherent course of study for all students as well as a good basis for further study of languages at higher education. • There is a new element to this qualification: listen- ing features in both AS and A level and gives candi- dates an opportunity to demonstrate their ability in this skill. • Topics for study have been streamlined and it is no longer a requirement to specifically assess knowledge of target language country/community.
Consideration for entry on course
Ideally, pupils should have studied Turkish for a min- imum of two years before starting the course. However, exceptions can be made for motivated and able pupils with little previous knowledge of Turkish. Pupils are expected to complete all homework to a good standard and in time. They should spend at least an hour a week on Spanish homework.
Fact File: Levels of Entry
Candidates who take the Core lev-
el examination are eligible for the
award of grades C to G.
Candidates who take the Extended
tier examination are eligible for the
award of grades A* to G.
Students will be advised of their ex-
amination entry level at the begin-
ning of their second year of study.
Assessment
AS Level :
Listening, Reading and Writing 1
Topics include aspects of daily life,
leisure and entertainment,
communication and media, educa-
tion and training.
Activities are listening, reading,
writing and responding in
Turkish/English.
A Level :
Listening, Reading and Writing 2
Topics include society, the envi-
ronment, science and technology,
culture.
Activities are listening, reading,
writing and responding in
Turkish/English.
For more information
contact the exam officer
Global Perspectives Aims:
Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives aims to
prepare young people for positive engagement with a rapidly
changing world, broadening their outlook through the critical
analysis of, and reflection on, issues of global significance. This
syllabus is firmly based on skills rather than specific content.
Through the study of global issues, candidates will explore dif-
ferent and sometimes opposing perspectives and will acquire
and develop thinking and reasoning skills as well as research
and communication skills. These skills will enable candidates
to meet the demands of the twenty-first century and to make a
successful transition to study in higher education.
Students will develop research skills that will enable them to
obtain information, evaluate the reliability and usefulness of
this information, and use the evidence gathered to construct
their own arguments and support lines of reasoning.
Through well-defined stages of research, called the Critical
Path, students will apply a logical approach to decision making.
They will be able to analyze the structure and context of argu-
ments, assess the impact and limitations of evidence, and make
well-reasoned judgments through informed research. Similarly,
they will learn to organize and communicate their findings in
appropriate formats.
Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives pre-
pares students for further education and for lifelong learning
across a range of disciplines by helping them to be:
• confident in working with information and ideas—their own
and those of others
• responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of
others
• innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference
Course Components The course consists of three components, a written paper, an
essay and a presentation. For each of these components the fol-
lowing skills will be assessed
• identify and analyze the structure and context of arguments,
reasoning, and claims
• evaluate the strength of the arguments
• identify the key components of arguments
• identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of argu-
ments
• assess the validity of conclusions or claims
• assess the credibility of sources
• identify and evaluate different perspectives.
Fact File:
Assessment
Written paper 1.5 hours 30%
Essay – assessed externally 30% of
course
Presentation – 40%
For more information
contact the exam officer
Notes
International School of Bucharest
Sos Gara Catelu, Nr.1R Sector 3
032991Bucharest, Romania
Tel:+4 (0) 21 306 9530
Fax: +4 (0) 21 306 9534
www.isb.ro