International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE)

IGCSE / Information  Option Choices (link)

IGCSE/ Information
Students at LBIS follow the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE).
IGCSE provides a curriculum and methods of assessment appropriate for a wide ability range. It is designed as a two-year curriculum programme leading to a certificate which is internationally recognised as equivalent in standard to the British GCSE, the international GCE 'O' level and the Mauritian SC examinations.
The aims of the IGCSE are:

1. to support modern curriculum development;
2. to promote international understanding;
3. to encourage good teaching practice;
4. to set widely recognised standards.

IGCSE keeps abreast of development in secondary education and provides an excellent foundation for the International Baccalaureate (IB). The IGCSE is administered by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

Features of IGCSE – Positive Achievement
The important principle of this examination is that students are rewarded for positive achievement - what they know, understand and can do - rather than being penalised for an accumulation of errors.

As well as testing whether students can recall information and present it in an orderly manner, the curriculum encourages:

1. the development of oral and practical skills;
2. an investigative approach;
3. the use of initiative to solve problems;
4. the application of skills, knowledge and understanding;
5. the ability to undertake individual projects and to work as part of a team.

The IGCSE aims to provide positive educational experiences for both student and teacher.

Suitability for a Wide Range of Students
The IGCSE examinations are suitable for the whole ability range of students. It has an 8-point scale of grades: A*, A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Grade A* is awarded for the highest level of achievement and Grade G indicates minimum performance.
To take account of differing abilities in some subjects, there is a choice between Core and Extended Curriculum papers. This allows teachers to decide on the most appropriate level of papers for their students
The Core Curriculum in each subject is within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve Grades C to G. The Extended Curriculum, which comprises the Core curriculum and Supplement material, has been designed for the more academically able and leads naturally into higher education or professional training. It is targeted at those expected to achieve Grades A* to C.
Students need not enter for the same level of curriculum in all subjects.

IGCSE Subjects offered at LBIS

Fees

Library

The Library has materials to support studies in all curriculum areas. Should students find themselves with any spare time, there is a wide range of documentation available.

There is also a section of up-to-date information on colleges and universities, subject courses and career pathways. Our Careers Guidance Counsellor is also available to help with future educational and careers advice.

 OPTION CHOICES

The IGCSE curriculum gives a broad based education to students, and works together with the International Certificate of Education to ensure that students are not unduly specializing at an early age. All students need to pass in at least 7 subjects covering the 5 groups, to qualify for the International Certificate of Education (ICE). They also need to make sure that they have the six subject areas to satisfy the requirements of the International Baccalaureate.  With this in mind Le Bocage insists that all students sit for a minimum of 8 subjects so as not to limit their chances of success.

Important points to consider while making your choice:

Due to changes in IB Diploma language syllabus where even students studying Language B will now have a Literature component, both French and English Literature at IGCSE level are compulsory and are taught alongside language.

A student, who wants to opt for Additional Mathematics, must achieve at least a Grade B in Mathematics in Form 3.

The time table blocks are prepared based on the students’ choice so as not to limit them. However, although we shall do our utmost to meet your preferences, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible for all combination of choices.

• The School also has to reserve the right to withdraw or change subject combinations according to level of demand. A course will not be offered unless there is sufficient demand. The maximum class size is 25 although most classes are less than this number. If the number of students expressing interest in a subject exceeds available places, selection criteria will be applied. You may therefore have to modify your choices depending on your academic performance over the year in Form 3.
• IGCSE grades at the end of Form 5 will strongly influence your future IB choices.
• IGCSE Grades A* - C are normally required for entry to Higher Level IB subjects.
• Core and Extended: Students obtaining less than 50% at the end of term 1 in Form 5, will be registered for Core Curriculum. Students scoring below 30% in more than 2 subjects will not be registered for CIE Exam and may be advised to repeat the same year level.
• Once subject choice has been finalised at the end of February Form 4, the students are not allowed to drop a subject at any time during the year. If a student drops a subject or misses his/her exams, a ‘U’ will appear in his/her report card.
• Subjects will only be offered if the number is viable.

The second page of the Option Form has an ‘Official Name Form’ that must be fully completed and forwarded to Mrs. Nishta Lollbeeharry, nishtal@lbis.intnet.mu.  Please read the instructions on this form carefully to avoid unnecessary additional fees. MES also requires a copy of the birth certificate to be sent with the registration form.

We will endeavour to provide first choices of subject, but this may not be possible in all cases.

Parents and students will receive information about the availability and confirmation of their option choices before the end of Term 3 in Year 9 (Form 3).

Bearing in mind personal interests, academic abilities and career aspirations, and having thought about the subjects available in Forms 4 & 5, please choose the optional IGCSE subjects by ticking (√ ) them in the list below and return this form duly signed to the Office by the 10th of July.

Guidelines to fill in the Option form:

Each student must choose his/her subjects as follows:

• Group 1: English and French, COMPULSORY.

• Group 2: 1 subject of your choice

• Group 3: 1 science subject

• Group 4: Mathematics COMPULSORY

• Group 5: 1 subject of your choice.

TO SATISFY THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF SUBJECTS YOU MUST THEN CHOOSE 2 ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS FROM ANY OF THE GROUPS.

Option Form (link)

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