Level options booklet 2012

AS/A Level Options 2012

Internat ional School of Bucharest

A guide to options for Year 12 and 13 at ISB


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-fordtesthttp://www.ukcoursefinder.comhttp://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).

Fact File:

Entry requirements

All students entering year12 need to have achieved five or more Grade Cs or above at IGCSE Level.

LengthAS Level and A2 Level cours-es are one year in duration each (a duration of two years together).

AssessmentSee relevant subject pages.Subjects are graded A through to E.

Preamble

You will have their option choices confirmed by the end of June. 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• English Support• 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 following subjects are available as options. Students must choose one area of study from each option box.

OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 OPTION 4Business studies Economics (fle

only) Chemistry French/spanish/

turkishPhysics Geography ICT MathsBusiness studies * Biology History (fle only) SociologyLiterature (fle only)

IT* Travel and tour-ism*

Global perspec-tives *

Art&design

Students can take exams for syllabuses different than the ones offered by the school provided they take off-campus courses with pri-vate teachers. Marks given by these teachers will be transferred and will appear in the report card. Please see the exam officer for more details.

Attendance

At least 90% attendance is required in order to sit for the IGCSE, and for the AS or A Level examinations.

AS and A Level

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.

Qualif icat ions


AS Level Courses Option Select ion Sheet

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• English Support• IELTS

2. MATHEMATICS • MECHANICS/STATISTICS (compulsory for those taking AS Maths)• Applied Maths (for those requiring evidence of attending a Maths course)• Study Hours (this may be an examined course)

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. Write your choice here 4.BUSINESS STUDIES PHYSICS BUSINESS * LITERATURE (FLE only) _________________________

5.ECONOMICS (FLE only) GEOGRAPHY BIOLOGY IT* ART&DESIGN _________________________

6.CHEMISTRY ICT HISTORY (FLE only) TRAVEL AND TOURISM* _________________________

7.DRAMA FRENCH/SPANISH/TURKISH MATHS SOCIOLOGY 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.

__________________________Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature

An Overview 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

Mathematics University of Cambridge International Examinations

Physics University of Cambridge International Examinations

Sociology 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 Language OCR

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 TestThis is a 15 hour examination based on an Imaginative theme.Component 2: Coursework 1This 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 2As component 2 but more in depth.Component 4: Personal StudyA 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 informationcontact 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 marks2.Handling information and solving problems- 30% of the examination marks3.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 Level2 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 hourPaper 2: Structured questions – 2 hoursPaper 3: Advanced Practical Skills - 2 hours

A2 level:Paper 4: Structured questions - 2 hoursPaper 5: Planning, Analysis and Evaluation - 1 hour 15min


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 Level2 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.


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 marks2. Handling information and solving problems 30% of the examination marks3. 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


Written and practical laboratory - based examinations at the end of the first and second years of study.

AS level: Paper 1: Multiple choice - 1 hourPaper 2: Structured questions - 1hour 15minPaper 3: Advanced Practical Skills - 2 hours



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 TheatreInternally 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 PerformanceExternally 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.


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.


English Literature (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 centuriesProse: 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 EnglishLiterature and English Language (first or second language).

Length


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.


IELTS

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. Presentingyour 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


French 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, includingthe 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 andcivilisations• 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 asmagazines, newspapers, reports, books and other forms of extended writing• manipulate the target language accurately in spoken and written forms, choosing appropriate examplesof 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 Test20 minutes• Component 2: Reading and Writing1 hour 45 minutes, 70 marks• Component 3: Essay1 hour 30 minutes, 40 marks• Component 4: Texts2 hours 30 minutes, 75 marks


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 EnvironmentsHUMAN: Agriculture and Industry, energy supply, Global Economics.

Fact File:

Entry requirements

Grade C or above at IGCSE or equivalent.

Length


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.


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 andcontinuity, 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-ticularhistorical issues• thinking independently and making informed judge-ments on issues• developing empathy with people living in different places and at different times.


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.


Information and Communi-cation 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 IntegrationTHEORY: 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


Length


Assessment

One 90 minutes written examina-tion, followed by two 150 minute practical tests at the end of the AS year.


Mathematics(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 componentssuch 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


Length


Written examinations at the end of the first and second years of study.


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, ElectricFields, Capacitance, Magnetic Fields, Electromagne-tism, Alternating Currents, Quantum Physics, Nuclear Physics, Gathering and Communicating Information.

Fact File:

Entry requirements


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 hourPaper 2: Structured questions - 1hour 15minPaper 3: Advanced Practical Skills - 2 hours



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, includingthe 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 andcivilisations• 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.


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 Test20 minutes, 100 marks• Component 2: Reading and Writing1 hour 45 minutes, 70 marks• Component 3: Essay1 hour 30 minutes, 40 marks• Component 4: Texts2 hours 30 minutes, 75 marks


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 skillsCandidates should be able to dem-onstrate basic knowledge of the specified content.

AO2: Application of knowledge, understanding and skillsCandidates should be able to use their command of the specified con-tent in both familiar and unfamiliarvocational contexts.

AO3: Analysis and researchCandidates should be able to dem-onstrate their ability to use appro-priate research techniques whenproducing their event-based course-work, as well as analysing vocation-ally-related issues and problems.

AO4: Evaluation and decision-makingCandidates should be able to eval-uate information to make judge-ments, draw conclusions and makerecommendations about vocational-ly-related issues and problems


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.


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 inTurkish/English.

A Level : Listening, Reading and Writing 2Topics include society, the envi-ronment, science and technology, culture.Activities are listening, reading, writing and responding inTurkish/English.


Sociology (9699)

In a rapidly changing world, A and AS Level Soci-ology offers students the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diver-sity of human societies and their continuities with the past. The study of sociology stimulates awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focuses on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.

Course aims

• knowledge and understanding of sociological con-cepts, theories, methods and research findings, as wellas sociological principles, perspectives and applica-tions• an awareness of the range and limitations of socio-logical theory and research• an understanding of the relationship between socio-logical findings and everyday life, includingcontemporary social, cultural and political issues• an appreciation and understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity, and of continuity and changein social life• an understanding of sociological methods, including the collection, analysis and interpretation of data• improved skills of communication, interpretation, analysis and evaluation• an excellent foundation for further study.

Fact File:

Assessment

AS LevelThere are two papers (Papers 1 and 2) for the AS Level qualifica-tion. These papers both test syllabus units 1to 3:Unit 1: The sociological perspectiveUnit 2: Sociological methodsUnit 3: Social differentiation and stratification

A LevelPaper 3 tests syllabus units 4 to 9:Unit 4: Family and householdsUnit 5: EducationUnit 6: ReligionUnit 7: Crime and devianceUnit 8: Work and leisureUnit 9: Mass media


Global PerspectivesAims:

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 ComponentsThe 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 coursePresentation – 40%


International School of BucharestSos Gara Catelu, Nr.1R Sector 3

032991Bucharest, Romania

Tel:+4 (0) 21 306 9530Fax: +4 (0) 21 306 9534

www.isb.ro

Level options booklet 2012

Documents

Transcript of Level options booklet 2012