preparing for the world - Dulwich College Shanghai

preparing for the worldYears 10 and 11In Years 10 and 11 the students embark on their first set of external examinations. Students in these years will complete atwo-year course with examinations occurring during May of the second year. All students will study for their InternationalCertificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or in some subjects the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).Both of these qualifications are internationally recognised.Two examination boards are used for the IGCSE/GCSE exams, Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel.Both of these boards have excellent international reputations and are used extensively throughout the world.The IGCSE/GCSE subjects offered at Dulwich College are categorised under the following headings:Group OneCore SubjectsGroup TwoLanguagesGroup ThreeHumanitiesGroup FourCreative, Technical and VocationalEnglish Language French Economics Art and DesignEnglish Literature Mandarin Business Studies Graphic CommunicationsEnglish as a Second Language* Spanish Geography DramaMathematics History Information TechnologyBiologyMusicChemistryPhysicsSport Studies*Only for appropriate candidates as determined by the College.Students must study the three Core Subjects (English, Mathematics and Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology). Theythen make a selection of optional subjects from each of Groups 2, 3 and 4. Students must then choose one additionaloptional subject. The final selection choice can come from Groups 2, 3 or 4. Due to availability and timetabling constraints,on occasions it will be necessary for students to modify their option choices.The table below highlights the exact weightings for each subject within the course of a week. The Senior School isoperating on a five-day cycle with eight periods per day. Each lesson is forty minutes in length.SubjectPeriods per week(8 period day)Year 10 Year 11English Language and Literature/ESL 6 6Mathematics 5 5Biology 3 3Chemistry 3 3Physics 3 3Languages 4 4Humanities 4 4Creative, Technical, Vocational 4 4Additional Option 4 4Physical Education 2 2PSHCE 2 2Total 40 40Years 12 and 13The mission statement of the IBO resonates powerfully with our own College Values.The IB Diploma Programme itself is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of educationwith final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. Theprogramme is taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.Students interested in applying for US universities can also sit SAT and PSAT examinations at the College.Although the College seeks to provide all students in Years 12 and 13 with access to the IB Diploma Programme thereare occasions when it may be more appropriate for students to take a Certificate programme instead. This option willstill provide students with preparation for higher education but is less demanding and is not therefore accepted by asmany universities as the Diploma itself.Students in the IB Diploma Programme are required to study six subjects, one from each Group. Three of these subjectsmust be studied at the Higher Level and three at the Standard Level.Group 1First LanguageGroup 2Second LanguageGroup 3Individuals and SocietiesEnglish A1.1 or A1.2 English B EconomicsChinese A1.1 or A1.2 Chinese B Business and ManagementSelf-Study A1.1Chinese Ab InitioGeography(Standard Level Only)(Standard Level Only)French BHistorySpanish BPsychologySpanish Ab Initio(Standard Level Only)Environmental Systems andSocieties (Standard Level Only)*French Ab initio(Standard Level Only)Group 4Experimental SciencesGroup 5MathematicsGroupArts and ElectivesBiology Mathematics Higher Level MusicChemistry Mathematics Standard Level TheatrePhysicsMathematics StudiesVisual Arts(Standard Level Only)Environmental Systems andSocieties (Standard Level Only)*FilmElectives(students may opt for an additionalsubject from Groups 2 – 4 rather thanchoosing a Group 6 Arts subject)* Environmental Systems and Societies is an interdisciplinary course that satisfies the IBO requirements for a Group 3and Group 4 option. This allows students greater flexibility in their subject choices.19 20