Key Stage 4
When students are in year 9 they choose which IGCSE subjects they will study until the end of year 11. The IGCSE is a fantastic programme which develops strong academic skills in a range of different subject areas. Students are encouraged to select courses which complement their interests and talents, and allow them to further their education in the areas that they are passionate about.
All students will take English, Mathematics, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin. They then have the option of choosing from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Coordinated Science, Geography, History, Computer Science ICT, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Art and Design and Food and Nutrition.
Subjects taught in Key Stage 4
First language English is as the name suggests for students whose mother tongue or main language of communication is English. English as a First language develops the students ability analyse written text and develops communication skills such as synthesis, inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions. Students are encouraged to read widely to develop their awareness of the use of English.
Key Stage 4 IGCSE English as a Second Language is for students who already have a working knowledge of the language, which include reading, writing, listening and speaking. It is an environment that enables students to learn relevant and practical English skills, through a variety of topics and activities, that are also linked to other areas of the curriculum.
English literature is taken by students who are taking First Language English. The course focus on 3 areas: Drama, Poetry, Prose. Through analysis and understanding of these works, the students are able to appreciate the way writers can achieve their effects, explore the contribution of literature to the understanding of areas of human concern and respond to different literary texts from different periods and cultures.
Mathematics is an important subject as it provides students with lifelong skills. As well as learning mathematical concepts and developing confidence with numbers, patterns and relationships the students develop the ability to problem solve and present and interpret results.
Additional Mathematics is taken by the top set of Mathematics students who are likely to achieve A*, A in the IGCSE Mathematics course. Additional Mathematics covers topics which extend from the Mathematics topics and provides a solid foundation for Mathematical courses taken at college level.
In Coordinated Science, students will learn about basic principles of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It includes living things, chemical properties, and theories of scientific developments. In this course, learner gain knowledge of each subject, through both lab-based and classroom-based work, developing an understanding of the scientific process and concepts.
In Biology, students will learn about living things, the natural surrounding and human impact on the environment. Biology develops essential skills important for students to thrive in the working world such as handling data, practical problem-solving and applying the scientific method. Learning activities include presentations, group work, practical and theory-based learning.
In Chemistry, students will learn about materials and matter, the things that make up objects around us, as well as more unfamiliar materials. Chemistry is a subject that will teach problem solving, logical reasoning, planning, and communication skills in addition to the factual material from atoms to smart alloys. Chemistry at Eaton includes practical work which will allow students to test predictions and gain first-hand experience of the concepts they are learning in class.
In Physics, students will learn about the universe around them; from minuscule molecules to gargantuan galaxies. The students are taught through a number of different approaches in order to help them to develop their scientific thinking, and communication skills. Through practical work, students are able to experience the phenomena that they have learnt in class, and learn to apply mathematics to their observations.
This syllabus is designed for students who are learning Malay as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress through their studies.
The Cambridge IGCSE First Language Malay syllabus is for learners whose first language is Malay. This First Language syllabus develops learners’ ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.
The Cambridge IGCSE First Language Chinese syllabus is designed for learners whose first language is Chinese. The syllabus develops learners’ ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.
Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language is designed for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language and who want to consolidate their understanding to progress their education or career. Through their studies, learners achieve a thorough understanding of a wide range of registers and styles and learn to communicate appropriately in different situations.
This syllabus is designed for learners who are learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress through their studies.
Through the Cambridge IGCSE Geography syllabus, learners will develop a ‘sense of place’ by looking at the world around them on a local, regional and global scale. Learners will examine a range of natural and man-made environments, and study some of the processes which affected their development. They will also look at the ways in which people interact with their environment, and the opportunities and challenges an environment can present, thereby gaining a deeper insight into the different communities and cultures that exist around the world.
In History, students will learn about the 20th Century; from the end of 1919-2000. The students are taught through a number of different approaches in order to help them to develop their analytical thinking, and communication skills. Through source work, students are able to interpret past events, and learn to analyse current events through the lens of a historian.
In Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science learners gain a solid foundation for further study. The students learn about the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communications and people. They also learn the skills necessary to apply understanding to solve computer-based problems using a high-level programming language.
In Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gives learners a solid foundation for further study. The ICT programme encourages learners to develop lifelong skills such as problem solving. The programme deals with analysing, designing, implementing, testing and evaluating ICT systems, ensuring that they are suitable, understand that technology is evolving and are exposed to new technologies and develop the students skills at using technology in practical and work related situations.
The IGCSE Accounting syllabus introduces learners to the theory and concepts of accounting and the ways in which accounting is used in a variety of modern economic and business contexts. Learners 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 Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies syllabus develops learners’ understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Learners find out how the major types of business organisation are established, financed and run, and how their activities are regulated. Factors influencing business decision-making are also considered, as are the essential values of cooperation and interdependence.
The Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus develops an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles. Learners study the economics of different countries and how these interrelate. They also learn to work with simple economics data and to use the tools of economic analysis. Learners apply understanding of economics to current economic issues.
The Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design syllabus aims to encourage a personal response by stimulating imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. Learners gain confidence and enthusiasm as they develop technical skills in two and three dimensional form and composition, and are able to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile forms. They also learn how to develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions.
The Cambridge IGCSE Food and Nutrition syllabus introduces both the theoretical and practical aspects of buying and preparing food. Dealing with diet and health in everyday life, learners study the nutritional value of basic foods and develop the skills required to produce a balanced family meal. Consumer awareness is encouraged, as are high standards of personal and kitchen hygiene, especially when learners put their knowledge into practice in order to produce creative and enjoyable dishes.