Information about the IGCSE Programme at Sir Harry Johnston International School, Zomba, Malawi.

1. IGCSE INFORMATION
EVENING

2. AIMS
• To explain the Cambridge IGCSE Programme.
• To support parents and students with selecting subjects.
• To answer any questions.

3. CONTEXT
• Sir Harry Johnston International Secondary School is delighted to be
able to offer IGCSEs for the first time.
• The IGCSE programme will begin in September 2018 for students
entering Year 10. They will sit their exams in May 2020.
• Students will study for nine IGCSEs. These will be accredited by the
University of Cambridge
• The IGCSEs will include compulsory subjects and options selected by
students/parents.
• Students should select subjects which they enjoy, but also have a
strength in. They should consider which subjects will be useful to
them in the future.

4. COMPULSORY SUBJECTS
1. First Language English
2. Literature in English
3. Mathematics
4. Biology
5. French Foreign Language
6. Information and Communication Technology

5. OPTIONS
7. Chemistry OR Business Studies
8. Physics OR Art and Design
9. Geography OR Religious Studies
All students will have a compulsory weekly PE class, which is not
an exam class but a core element of the curriculum.

6. IGCSE FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH (0500)
• Cambridge IGCSE First Language English offers candidates the opportunity to respond with
understanding to a rich array of reading texts during the course as a whole. Candidates will use
these texts to inform and inspire their own writing, and write in a range of text types for
different purposes and audiences.
• Candidates will develop both their speaking and their listening skills, delivering a presentation,
and responding to questions and engaging in conversations.
• Candidates are encouraged to become appreciative and critical readers, writers, speakers and
listeners
Example Exam Exercises:
Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3
Reading
(2 hours)
Directed Writing and
Composition
(2 hours)
Speaking and Listening
(10-12 mins per pupil)
Q1: Composition and
Summary
Q2: Short answer task (200-
300 words)
Q3 Extended response to
reading (250-300 words)
Directed writing (40 marks)-
three writing tasks
Composition (40 marks)-
three writing tasks
Individually talk on a specific
theme
Speak alone (3-4 minutes)
Conversation (7-8 minutes)

7. IGCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE (0475)
Aims
The aims are to develop learners who: • enjoy the experience of reading literature • understand and respond to literary texts in
different forms and from different periods and cultures • communicate an informed personal response appropriately and
effectively • appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects • experience literature’s contribution to aesthetic,
imaginative and intellectual growth • explore the contribution of literature to an understanding of areas of human concern.
Content overview
The syllabus enables learners to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. Learners develop an
understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. Through their
studies, they learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be
able to present an informed, personal response to the material they have studied. The syllabus also encourages the exploration
of wider and universal issues, promoting learners’ better understanding of themselves and of the world around them.
Example Exam Exercises:
Paper 1 And either: Paper 2 Or Paper 3 and Paper 4
Poetry and Prose:
1 Hour 30 minutes
Drama:
1 hour 30 minutes
a) Drama (Open text): 45
minutes
b) Unseen : 1 hour 15 minutes
2 questions on 2 texts (one
poetry, one prose)
Two questions on two texts a) One question on one text
b) One question requiring

8. IGCSE MATHEMATICS (0580)
• Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics offers candidates the opportunity to apply
Mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the
part that Mathematics play in their own lives and around the world
• The Curriculum is separated into two, the core subject content and the
extended(core & supplement) subject content
EXAMINATIONS SCHEME
CORE ASSESSMENT EXTENDED
CURRICULUMPAPER 1 PAPER 3 PAPER 2 PAPER 4
Short –answer questions
based on the core curriculum
(56 Marks)
Structured questions
based on the core
curriculum (104 Marks)
Short answer
questions based on
the extended
curriculum ( 70
Marks)
Structured
questions based
on the extended
curriculum (130
Marks)

9. IGCSE BIOLOGY (0610)
• Cambridge IGCSE Biology provides student’s an opportunity to acquire
sufficient knowledge and understanding in order to become confident
citizens in a technological world and develop an informed interest in
scientific matters
• The curriculum is separated into two, the Core subject content and the
Extended subject content.
EXAMINATIONS SCHEMEPAPER 1 PAPER 3 PAPER 2 PAPER 4
Forty multiple choice
questions based on the
core curriculum. (40
Marks)
Theory, short answer
and structured
questions (80 Marks)
Forty multiple choice
questions based on the
Extended curriculum
(40 Marks)
Short answer and
structured questions
based on the Extended
curriculum ( 80 Marks)
PAPER 5- PRACTICAL OR
PAPER 6- ALTERNATIVE TO PRACTICAL PAPER 5- PRACTICAL OR
PAPER 6- ALTERNATIVE TO PRACTICAL

10. IGCSE CHEMISTRY (0620)
• Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry gives students an opportunity to recognize that
Science is evidence based and understand the usefulness and the limitations,
of scientific methods
• The Curriculum is separated into two, the Core content curriculum and the
Extended content curriculum
ASSESSMENT SCHEME
Core curriculum Extended curriculumPAPER 1 PAPER 3 PAPER 2 PAPER 4
Forty compulsary
multiple choice
questions (40 Marks)
Theory: Short- answer
and structured
questions (80 Marks)
Forty compulsory
multiple choice
questions (80 Marks)
Theory: Short- answer
and structured
questions
PAPER5- PRACTICAL
PAPER6-ALTERNATIVE
TO PRACTICAL (40
Marks)
PAPER5- PRACTICAL
PAPER6-ALTERNATIVE
TO PRACTICAL (40
Marks)

11. IGCSE PHYSICS (0625)
• Cambridge IGCSE Physics gives student’s an opportunity to develop
attitudes relevant to physics such as; concern for accuracy and precision,
objectivity and inquiry. It will provide students the opportunity to study
science courses like Engineering, Medicine etc.
• The Curriculum is separated into two, the Core content curriculum and the
Extended content curriculum
ASSESSMENT SCHEME
Core curriculum Extended curriculumPAPER 1 PAPER 3 PAPER 2 PAPER 4
Forty compulsory
multiple choice
questions based on the
core curriculum (40
Marks)
Theory. Short - answer
and structured
questions (80 Marks)
Forty compulsory
multiple choice
questions based on the
Extended curriculum
(40 Marks)
Theory. Short - answer
and structured
questions (80 Marks)
PAPER5- PRACTICAL PAPER5- PRACTICAL OR

12. IGCSE FRENCH FOREIGN
LANGUAGE(0520)
AIMS : THE COURSE AIMS AT DEVELOPING AN ABILITY TO USE THE LANGUAGE
EFFECTIVELY FOR PURPOSE OF PRACTICAL COMMUNICATION
CONTENT OVERVIEW: THE SYLLABUS IS DESIGNED FOR LEARNERS WHO ARE LEARNING
FRENCH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (FRANÇAIS LANGUE ETRANGÈRE)(FLE)
THE COURSE IS BASED ON THE LINKED LANGUAGE SKILLS OF LISTENING, READING,
SPEAKING AND WRITING
PROVIDES A COMBINATION OF SKILLS THAT PREPARE THE LEARNERS FOR FURTHER
LEVELS OF ACHIEVEMENTS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Paper Skill(s) Duration Contents (%) Total Marks
1 Listening 45 minutes session 25 % 45 marks
Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer questions testing
comprehension
2 Reading 1hour session 25 % 45 marks
Candidates read a number of texts and answer questions testing
comprehension
3 Speaking 15 minutes session 25 % 100 marks
Candidates complete 2 role plays, a topic presentation/conversation and a general
conversation. (internally assessed/externally moderated)
4 Writing 1hour session 25 % 50 marks

13. IGCSE INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (0417)
• The 2020 Cambridge Information and Communication
Technology (0147) syllabus is being updated.
• As soon as it becomes available we will share it with parents
and students.

14. IGCSE GEOGRAPHY(0460)
The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.
The aims are to enable students to: • an understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale • an
awareness of the characteristics, distribution and processes affecting contrasting physical and human
environments • an understanding of the ways in which people interact with each other and with their environment
• an awareness of the contrasting opportunities and constraints presented by different environments • an
appreciation of and concern for the environment • an appreciation of the earth including its people, places,
landscapes, natural processes and phenomena.
The syllabus is divided into three themes: Theme 1: Population and settlement Theme 2: The natural
environment Theme 3: Economic development.
Example Exam Exercises:
Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 4
Geographical Themes
(1 hour 45 minutes)
Geographical Skills
(1 hour 30 minutes)
Alternative to Coursework
(1 hour 30 minutes)
Three questions, one from
each section of the paper
Answer all questions on the
paper
Answer 2 compulsory
questions, completing a series
of written tasks

15. IGCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES 0490
The syllabus requires the in depth study of two religions focussing on the
5 topics listed in your booklet. At Sir Harry’s we will study Christianity
and Islam. Below is an example of the course content for one topic.
The final examinations at the end of two years consist of two papers.
Each exam is 1hr 45 minutes and consists of four questions: two
from the Islam section and two from the Christianity section. Marks
are awarded for knowledge (35%), Understanding and Interpretation
(35%) and Evaluation (30%).
Islam Christianity
•Ramadan: observance of the fast, those
excused from fasting and the significance of
the last ten days; Lailat ul-Qadr (Night of
Power); Id al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan).
• Performance of hajj; the meaning and
significance of each stage, Id al-Adha (feast of
sacrifice).
• Makkah and Madinah, as places of
pilgrimage and their historic significance in
Islam.
• Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent including Holy Week,
Easter, Ascension, Pentecost: how they are celebrated;
what the different major festivals of Christianity teach
about Christian beliefs.
• Sunday: the Eucharist and ideas of thanksgiving.
• Places of pilgrimage: e.g. Lourdes, Rome or local places
of pilgrimage; the reasons why Christians go on
pilgrimage.
• Historic places: e.g. Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem,
Lourdes, Rome; what these historic places teach about
Christian beliefs

16. IGCSE BUSINESS STUDIES (0450)
The aims are to enable students to: • apply their knowledge and critical understanding to current issues and problems in a wide
range of business contexts • make effective use of relevant terminology, concepts and methods, and recognise the strengths and
limitations of the ideas used in business • distinguish between facts and opinions, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data in
order to help build arguments and make informed judgements • appreciate the perspectives of a range of stakeholders in relation
to the business environment, individuals, society, government and enterprise • develop knowledge and understanding of the major
groups and organisations within and outside business, and consider ways in which they are able to influence objectives, decisions
and activities • develop knowledge and understanding of how the main types of businesses are organised, financed and operated,
and how their relations with other organisations, consumers, employees, owners and society are regulated • develop skills of
numeracy, literacy, enquiry, selection and use of relevant sources of information, presentation and interpretation • develop an
awareness of the nature and significance of innovation and change within the context of business activities • acquire a foundation
for further study of business or other subjects.
1) Understanding business activity 2) People in business
3) Marketing 4) Operations management
5) Financial information and decisions 6) External influences on business activity
Example Exam Exercises:Paper 1 Paper 2
(1 hour 30 minutes) (1 hour 30 minutes)
4 questions: short answers and data responses 4 questions based on a case study provided with
the exam.

17. IGCSE ART AND DESIGN (0400)
The aims are to enable students to develop: • an ability to record from direct observation and personal experience • an ability
to identify and solve problems in visual and/or other forms • creativity, visual awareness, critical and cultural understanding •
an imaginative, creative and personal response • confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of achievement in the practice of art and
design • growing independence in the refinement and development of ideas and personal outcomes • engagement and
experimentation with a range of media, materials and techniques, including new media and technologies, where appropriate •
experience of working in relevant frameworks and exploration of manipulative skills necessary to form, compose and
communicate in two and/or three dimensions • a working vocabulary relevant to the subject and an interest in, and a critical
awareness of, other practitioners, environments and cultures • investigative, analytical, experimental, interpretative, practical,
technical and expressive skills which aid effective and independent learning.
Areas of Study: painting and related media; print making; 3-dimensional design; photography, digital and lens based media;
graphic communication; textiles and fashion. Pupils complete tasks in any of these media
Example Exam Exercises:
Component 1 Component 2
Coursework Externally set assignment (8 hours)
Research, develop and realise a project from one
area of study in a subject content from a theme
set by the teacher.
a) Portfolio b) Final outcome
Candidates respond to one starting point set by
Cambridge International. Candidates may
produce work from the same area of study as
Component 1, but they do not have to.
a) Supporting studies b) final outcome produced
during supervised 8 hour period

18. WHAT NEXT?
• Read the course requirements and outlines in the IGCSE
booklet.
• Further information on the Cambridge syllabus can be found on
the following website: http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/
• Students should discuss their options with their parents and
teachers.
• Options Form should be completed and returned to school by
9th March.

19. Any questions?