IB Arthur School runs the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum
as a pathway to the Cambridge AS and A-Level. The IGCSE is designed for students aged 14 to 16 years.
The programme spans two academic years (Year 10-11), during which students study a range of subjects and
sit for examinations at the end of the programme to earn their International General Certificate of Secondary Education.
At Year 12 and Year 13 (Key Stage Five), students progress to A-Level subjects.
The A-Level system, similar to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP),
is an advanced two-year course that prepares students for university entry.
The A-Level qualification is recognised worldwide and is accepted by leading universities across the globe.
IGCSE Course Selection
At the IGCSE stage, students are encouraged to choose subjects they would like to pursue at A-Level and beyond.
Each student is different, and course selection should be tailored to an individual’s academic background, skills, and interests.
To prepare students for this important decision, Year 9 is designated as a preparatory year where students
explore elective courses. Students attend lessons focused on self-assessment to explore their strengths and interests.
They will also meet with school counsellors to discuss their needs, allowing them to make informed subject choices.
With maximum class size of 20 learners, students select from a list of courses in the sciences, languages, and humanities.
This approach prepares them for university education and enables them to study a broad range of subjects without limitations.
Each student studies 8 to 10 subjects at the IGCSE level, comprising 5 core subjects and 4 to 5 elective subjects,
depending on their strengths and interests. Some subjects may be dropped at Year 11 or during the A-Level period.
Guidance Counselling
From Grade 8 onwards, IB Arthur Secondary School provides formalised guidance counselling to assist students
in making well-informed academic and career-related decisions.
The goal is to ensure every student selects a pathway that aligns with their goals for post-secondary education
and professional pursuits after Year 13.
Students receive support from professionally trained mentors and counsellors in science and technology fields.
These mentors offer one-on-one guidance, providing valuable coaching experiences and insight
that can only be found in real-world learning environments.
Mentorship Program
The mentorship programme at IB Arthur School is designed to guide students through their academic journey
with support from experienced mentors and industry researchers.
Students will have access to professional insights and real-world coaching experiences that will prepare them
for both higher education and future careers.
Mentors work with students one-on-one, offering personalised guidance and motivation to achieve academic excellence.
Field Studies
IB Arthur School recognises the importance of real-world experiences in education.
To ensure students gain practical, hands-on learning, the school organises two field studies each academic year.
These excursions allow students to make observations and conduct experiments outside the classroom.
Field studies give students exposure to real-world applications of their classroom knowledge,
inspiring them to think critically and analytically.
These experiences introduce students to industry professionals, encouraging them to pursue careers
in related fields and providing opportunities for experiential learning beyond the classroom.
At the IGCSE stage, students choose subjects they would like to pursue at the A Level and beyond. Every student is different, and a selection of a course of study should be tailored to an individual’s academic background and skills.
To adequately prepare our students to make the right choices, Year 9 is used as a preparatory year for students to acquaint themselves with the elective courses. Before making final decisions about IGCSE courses, students will study various lessons focused on exploring their strengths and interests and finally meet with Counsellors to discuss their needs.
Each student studies 9 subjects at the IGCSE level; 5 core subjects and 4 elective subjects.
In Year 10, students choose from a list of courses in the sciences, languages, and humanities. The table below lists the core, elective and non-graded subjects. Studying subjects drawn from the 3 disciplines is to adequately prepare students for university education and allow them to have options in the choice of a study programme without any limitations.
English – First Language
First Language English (0500) Students is course compulsory for all students. Though Cambridge allows students to select English Second Language (CAIE 0510/0511), we currently do not have students who do not have first language proficiency.
Literature in English
This literature in English course (0475) aims to develop higher-level skills and fluency in reading, writing, speaking, listening and visual literacy and to challenge students to further their appreciation of literature from different cultures in all their variety and richness.
French as a Foreign Language
This syllabus is designed for students who are learning French as a foreign language. The aim is to develop students’ ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course (0520) is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as students’ progress through their studies. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture of countries where French
is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of other languages. The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE French gives students a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level French.
Business Studies
The Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies course (0450) aims to develop students’ understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Students find out how the major types of business organisation are established, financed, and run, and how their activities are regulated. Students not only study business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry. IGCSE Business Studies provides both a foundation for further
study at A Level and an ideal preparation for the world of work. It enables students to proceed to further study in areas such as Business Management and/or Economics. IGCSE Business studies ensure students are well prepared to analyse in a business context and apply real-life skills such as the values of cooperation and interdependence.
Accounting
IGCSE Accounting course (0452) introduces students to the theory and concepts of accounting and its use in modern economic and business contexts. Students focus on the skills of recording, reporting, presenting and interpreting financial information and build an ideal foundation both for further study and for a future career within the profession.
The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE Accounting gives students a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting.
Global Perspectives
Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives (0457) allows students to think about significant global issues and to consider these from different perspectives. It develops a set of transferable skills in research, analysis, evaluation, communication, collaboration, and reflection. It encourages students to construct arguments, present views, work collaboratively, research, and reason and reflect on their place in a connected world. These
transferable skills will support student learning across all studies.
Sciences
Students who have shown excellent ability in the three Sciences may want to consider studying all three Sciences as separate IGCSE courses Biology (0610), Chemistry (0620) & Physics (0625). These cover the content of each discipline in greater depth and detail. At the end of Year 11, students take three examinations in each Science subject to achieve three IGCSE grades (A*-G). Experimental work is an essential component of all sciences, regardless of the pathway, and is fitted into the courses at every available
opportunity.
Mathematics Extended
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) encourages students to develop their mathematical ability as a key life skill, and as a strong basis for further study of mathematics or to support skills in other subjects. Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics is tiered to enable effective differentiation for students. The Core subject content is intended for students targeting grades C–G, and the Extended subject content is intended for students targeting grades A*–C. The Extended subject content contains the Core subject content as well as additional content.
Additional Mathematics
Additional Mathematics course (0606) enriches students’ understanding of connections within mathematics, refining their reasoning and analytical skills. This course reinforces students’ competency, confidence, and fluency in their use of techniques with and without a calculator, strengthening mathematical understanding and communication skills. It requires a fluent and confident ability to solve problems in abstract mathematics.
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics encourages students to further develop their mathematical ability in problem-solving, to provide strong progression for advanced study of mathematics or highly numerate subjects.
Computer Science
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) provides an ideal foundation in computer science. Students gain confidence in computational thinking and programming, an appreciation of automated and emerging technologies and the benefits of their use. They develop an understanding of the main principles of problem-solving by creating computer-based solutions using algorithms and a high-level programming language.
Students also develop a range of technical skills including the ability to test effectively and to evaluate solutions.
Information and Communication Technology
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (ICT) course (0417) provides students with the ability to use a broad range of ICT skills and encourages knowledge and understanding of the development of ICT systems, networks and their safe use. The aims are to enable students to develop:
• an understanding of the basic components, use and application of different ICT systems and networks.
• the skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems.
• the skills to understand the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world.
• the ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice.
For Boarders
| Time | Activity | Clarification |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 am | Rising Call | Students wake up and tidy up for the day’s schedule. All students are expected to leave the dormitory by 6:00 am. |
| 6:15 am – 7:00 am | Self-Study | Except for Wednesday, this period is reserved for self-study, and it is compulsory for all boarding students. Every Wednesday morning is observed for cardio exercise. This ensures that the students are physically and mentally strengthened for academic development. |
| 7:05 am – 8:00 am | 1st Lesson | All students take their first lesson for the day. |
| 8:05 am – 8:45 am | Breakfast | Students take their breakfast. The breakfast period is the first meeting for students, and attendance is compulsory. At the refectory, leaders will give important announcements to students. |
| 9:00 am – 9:55 am | 2nd Lesson | All students take their second lesson for the day. |
| 10:05 am – 11:00 am | 3rd Lesson | All students take their third lesson for the day. |
| 11:05 am – 12:05 pm | Group Study | Students meet in groups to discuss assigned tasks. The groups are supervised by teachers. |
| 12:10 pm – 12:50 pm | Lunch | Students take their lunch. Lunch is compulsory for every student. |
| 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Rest Time | All students are given 60 minutes to rest after lunch before they resume their late afternoon activities. Boarders can retire to their bed for a nap. |
| 2:15 pm – 3:10 pm | 4th Lesson | All students take their fourth and final lesson for the day. |
| 3:15 pm – 3:45 pm | Snacks | Students take their snacks. Snack time is compulsory for every student. |
| 3:55 pm – 5:15 pm | 5th Lesson | Mondays and Wednesdays are observed for sporting activities, while Fridays are observed for music and performing arts activities. Students will use Wednesdays to work on their term’s project work. This could be individual or group work. This is to inspire creativity and discovery among our students. Day students go home after this lesson. |
| 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm | Refreshment | Students refresh themselves and prepare for supper. |
| 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm | Supper | Students take their supper. Supper is the last meal of the day, and attendance is compulsory for every boarding student. At the refectory, leaders will give important announcements to students. |
| 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Preps | All boarding students attend evening studies. Attendance is compulsory. Students will observe 90 minutes for reading. Students would be accompanied by their House Guardians to their dormitories after prep. |
| 8:35 pm – 8:50 pm | Prayer Time | At the end of preps, all students meet at the Great Hall for evening prayers before returning to dormitories to sleep. |
| 9:15 pm | Bedtime | All boarding students retire to their sleeping rooms and refresh for sleep. Bedroom lights go off at 9:30 pm. |
| Time | Activity | Clarification |
|---|---|---|
| 7:05 am – 8:00 am | 1st Lesson | All students take their first lesson for the day. |
| 8:05 am–8:45 am | Breakfast | Students take their breakfast. The breakfast period is the first meeting for students and attendance is compulsory. At the refectory, leaders will give important announcements to students. |
| 9:00 am–9:55 am | 2nd Lesson | All students take their second lesson for the day. |
| 10:05 am–11:00 am | 3rd Lesson | All students take their third lesson for the day. |
| 11:05 am–12:05 pm | Group Study | Students meet in groups to discuss assigned tasks. The groups are supervised by teachers. |
| 12:10 pm–12:50 pm | Lunch | Students take their lunch. Lunch is compulsory for every student. |
| 1:00 pm–2:00 pm | Rest Time | All students are given 60 minutes to rest after lunch before they resume their late afternoon activities. Boarders can retire to their beds for a nap. |
| 2:15 pm–3:10 pm | 4th Lesson | All students take their fourth and final lesson for the day. |
| 3:15 pm–3:45 pm | Snacks | Students take their snacks. Snack time is compulsory for every student. |
| 3:55 pm–5:15 pm | 5th Lesson | This period is used for sporting activities, music and performing arts activities, and project work. |
| 5:15 pm–6:00 pm | Closing Time | Non-boarders depart home. |