Hedong International

Academy

YEAR 10 AND YEAR 11

IGCSE CURRICULUM
BOOKLET
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Thank you for your interest in our school. I would like to introduce our school and share some of the rationale that has resulted
in it creation and also its ethos and objectives. Hedong International School’s foundation has been inspired by the success of
Tianjin Yinghua Cambridge International School (TYCIS) based in Wuqing district of Tainjin. This school is part of the larger
Yinghua International school which was established over 15 years ago. TYCIS has now graduated 3 cohorts of students all of
whom have gone on to secure places at the top universities in the UK, USA, Canada and Hong Kong. Quite simply the success
of TYCIS is astounding and remarkable.

With this success we now wish to create a sister school and mirror the achievements of TYCS here in Hedong International
Academy. Yuncheng is an obvious location with its long cultural heritage especially in education. The quality of the students in
Shanxi province is well known and we hope to provide the best students with a platform from which they too will be able to
study across the world at globally regarded universities.

Our curriculum is based around the IGCSE and AS and A level examination set by Cambridge International. These qualifications
are considered by many to be “the Gold Standard” in terms of pre university certification. We will be giving a number of
information meetings and presentations to interested parents and students so you can find out more about these high quality
courses.

All students will be assessed using online testing systems and interviews. We will select our students based upon their English competence and
academic potential. For the highest ability students, we will be offering some generous scholarships.

This information in this booklet is intended to provide you with details of the subjects we will offer and some of the contents and more importantly
the skills students will learn. Please remember by choosing an international curriculum you will be exposing your children to a very different way of
learning and development. The focus of all of this will be to allow our student to move on to study at universities of their choice all over the word
and also to be able to succeed and excel once they are there.

This booklet will help you decide which subjects to choose. The subjects that you choose will be dependent on many factors such as:
 
· Where do you want to go to university?
. What subject would you like to study at university?
· What career are you thinking of? What subjects would be useful to you in your chosen career?
· What subjects are you good at?
· What subjects do you enjoy?
 
Do not choose a subject because you like the teacher or because your friends have chosen it.
Above all, talk with the subject teachers, your tutor, or the university guidance counsellor.
 
Remember that ALL STUDENTS must study the following subjects:-
 English, Mathematics, at least 2 Science subjects. In addition you will have Chinese Language and Culture class and PE (which is not examined).
 

1
John P Evans
Principal
IGCSE INFORMATION Years 10 and 11 are the years devoted to the IGCSE courses that
students take. These are internationally recognised qualifications and
awarded by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The students
will normally take 9 subjects which are examined, plus three non examined core subjects namely PE, Chinese Culture and Tutorial. Some of the
IGCSE subjects form part of the Core Compulsory Curriculum and others are available for students to choose, (electives / options) that complete
the students overall study programme. Students receive the following core compulsory subject lessons:
English, Mathematics, 2 Science subjects, (PE, Chinese Culture and Tutorial)
In addition to the mandatory core subjects, students choose other subjects from the list of optional subjects from a subject choice selection sheet
(an example of this is shown on page 5). Each student is expected to tick one subject in each “Subject Block” and cannot tick the same subject
twice. Careful attention must be given to any restrictions which are designed to allow students to pursue a broad and balanced curriculum. The
students will be provided with a subject choice selection form upon enrolment.

HOMEWORK
Homework is seen as an important aspect of the curriculum and
students are expected to complete their tasks by the specified
date and to the best of their ability. The time frame for
homework given here is only a guide. Many assignments given
SUBJECT CHOICE PROCESS
at IGCSE (especially coursework which contributes to final exam
marks) are long term and require students to develop good
Once a student has been accepted into our programme they complete a
time-management skills.
subject choice form. This form should be submitted to the school as soon

Students studying IGCSE should expect to spend 2 – 2.5 hours as possible. This form indicates the subjects that they are likely to want to
each night on homework and study consolidation. Experience take for IGCSE.
has shown that students respond well to parental interest in
their work and we encourage parents to monitor their child's From this information the Year 10 curriculum timetable is created to
homework habits and take an interest in what is being studied achieve the highest possible subject choice satisfaction rate for the
at school. students. It is not always possible to satisfy every student’s individual
choices. Those students who are not able to get all of their subject choices

2
are counselled onto alternative suitable IGCSE subjects.
 ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
Students are assessed regularly in a variety of different ways, depending on
what is appropriate to the subject and the type of work being undertaken. For

TEXT BOOKS
example, they will regularly sit end-of-topic tests, complete extended written
assignments or be observed preparing creative work. The way in which
students' work is marked varies from subject to subject. This means that we are
continually assessing the students in our classes and using the results of those Text books are available for most courses and offer a useful aid to
assessments to identify routes for the individual student to improve. learning. The text books generally cover the complete IGCSE course
and therefore, in most cases, one text book will cover Year 10 and Year
At the end of Year 10, all students sit exams in the subjects that they have been 11 work. Each year the teachers inspect the available text books and
studying. The exams assess what they have learnt throughout the year, so it is adopt a text book for their course. The school will order a text book for
important that students revise all the work they have covered. During each student and for course they choose to take.
January/February in Year 11 all students will sit "mock" IGCSE exams. Some
subjects require students to prepare a portfolio or coursework over the duration
of the course that is assessed and forms part of the final IGCSE grade. Details
of the IGCSE assessment structure for the individual subjects are provided in
this booklet. Students are also informed at the beginning of every year so that
they understand the various procedures that apply.

A report is produced at least twice a year which contains an attainment grade

and an effort/engagement grade for every subject studied. The grades are an
TUTORS
aggregate of the students' performance over the year to that date and are
Students are placed in a group which is overseen by a tutor. Students
calculated using the marks or grades gained throughout the preceding months
meet their tutors every day at morning registration. Tutors are the
from their tests, homework and other assessments.
first point of contact for students experiencing difficulties. They also
monitor use of the Student Planner which is used for recording
Students will be graded from A-U for attainment and “Colour Coded” for homework and provides a means for staff and parents to
effort/engagement. The attainment grades are be based on assessment criteria communicate with one another.
produced by the external examination boards and the criteria printed on the
Students will also have a Chinese speaking tutor or Housemaster to
reports.
help with communication with parents

3
 CHOOSE
All students will take Physical
Education, PSHE, Chinese, English,
Year 10 Year 11
Maths, Coordinated Science and
Global Perspectives in addition to Physical Education Physical Education 

their chosen subjects.
(during Activity time)
PHSE


PHSE
In Year 10, you then can choose Chinese
two subjects from Computer
Chinese (during Evening slots)
Science, Economics or Business English
Studies. 
 English
Maths
Maths
In Year 11, you can pick one subject Coordinated Science
from Computer Science, Economics Coordinated Science
or Business Studies
 Global Perspectives
You will a minimum of 8 subjects in Global Perspectives
total
Pick any two from:

 Pick any one from:
Here is a sample of subject choice Computer Science
option blocks
Computer Science
Economics Economics
Business Studies Business Studies
4
 CONTENTS
Page 6. BUSINESS STUDIES
Page 8. CHINESE FIRST LANGUAGE
Page 11. COMPUTER SCIENCE UNIVERSITY AND CAREER
Page 13. CO-ORDINATED SCIENCE The aim of the University and Careers Department is to prepare TYCIS students from Year
10 through to Year 13 to identify their opportunities and responsibilities, through the

Page 16. ECONOMICS development of career management skills with a clear focus on the best fit between
subject choices at school, interests, strengths culminating in each student’s individual
personal university choices towards their chosen career.
Page 19. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
• The university guidance counsellor is available for appointments throughout the school
Page 22. FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH day for one-on-one appointments to discuss future educational career options.
• Parents are welcome to have appointments with the university guidance counsellor.
Page 25. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES • During each year there will be one-on-one interviews organised with the university
guidance counsellor.
Page 28. MATHEMATICS IGCSE • Throughout each year students will be encouraged to attend the university information
sessions within the school from United Kingdom, United State of America and Canada.
• Students will be encouraged to foster their interests in their university/degree choices
via their chosen activities.
• Student sessions will work towards identifying what they want to study to ascertain what
subjects/skills are required to study his/her chosen course.
• Students will have sessions to identify their passions, interests, subject likes and dislikes
and skills, working towards identifying what they may wish to study and career choices.

5
BUSINESS
STUDIES 

0450

6
 TOPICS
ABOUT The course is split over 6 main areas that are studied for several

The course considers the types of business organisation present in weeks at a time: 

the global community and how these organisations meet their 1. Business aims and types of organisations, 

objectives through internal development and processes. External 2. Human resources, 

influences on businesses are analysed and students consider real 3. Marketing 

world case-studies to apply theory.
4. Finance 

5. Operations management 

6. External influences on businesses.

SKILLS AND AIMS

ASSESSMENT Students will have an understanding of how commercial entities
operate internally and the purpose and activities of different
functions across business organisations. They will develop
business English where they are able to use the right grammar and
vocabulary to explain and analyse business operations. Students
will be able to develop skills in numeracy, literacy, develop
approaches to finding sources of information and present data
Paper 1
50% 50%
effectively.
Paper 2

WHY
The course will provide students with a good foundation in
understanding business theory and processes in a workplace.
Students can build on this knowledge for success with future
studies at A Level and degree level. Students also learn
transferrable academic skills such as researching and organising
data, critical thinking and summarising information.

BUSINESS STUDIES - 7
 CHINESE
FIRST
LANGUAGE
0509

8
 ABOUT
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. 
Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and in order to develop an appreciation of how writers achieve their effects. The
syllabus also complements other areas of study by encouraging skills of more general application.

TOPICS
ASSESSMENT
Reading


R1: Understand and collate explicit meanings


R2: Understand, explain and collate implicit meanings and attitudes
R3: Select, analyse and evaluate what is relevant to specifc purposes
R4: Understand how writers achieve effects.

40%
Writing

Reading
Writing W1:  Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined 


60%
W2:  Order and present facts, ideas and opinions 

W3:  Understand and use a range of appropriate vocabulary 

W4:  Use language and register appropriate to audience and context 

W5:  Make accurate and effective use of paragraphs, grammatical
structures, sentences, punctuation and spelling.

CHINESE FIRST LANGUAGE - 9

 SKILLS AND AIMS
The aims are to:
• Enable students to communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively in writing
• Enable students to understand and respond appropriately to what they read
• Encourage students to enjoy and appreciate the variety of language
• Complement the students’ other areas of study by developing skills of a more general application (e.g. analysis, synthesis, drawing of inferences)
• Promote the students’ personal development and an understanding of themselves and others.

WHY
Cambridge IGCSE Certificates are general qualifications that
enable candidates to progress either directly to employment, or
to proceed to further qualifications. 

Candidates who are awarded grades C to A* in Cambridge
IGCSE First Language Chinese are well prepared to follow
courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level
Chinese, or the equivalent. 


CHINESE FIRST LANGUAGE - 10

COMPUTER
SCIENCE 

0478

11
 ABOUT TOPICS You will learn:

This course will give you an understanding of how computers do what Binary, hexadecimal, how data is transmitted, logic gates, memory,
they do. You probably know how to use a computer and in this course storage devices, how languages are translated, programming languages,
you will learn how a computer operates, what makes it function and you
HTML, CSS, PHP, SQL and Visual Basic
will write your own computer program also

SKILLS AND AIMS

ASSESSMENT
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science syllabus aims are to develop:
• Computational thinking that is thinking about what can be computed
and how, and includes consideration of the data required
• Understanding of the main principles of solving problems by using
computers

40%
•  Understanding that every computer system is made up of
sub-systems, which in turn consist of further sub-systems
Theory
• Understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how
Programming
60% they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communications and
people
• Skills necessary to apply understanding to solve computer-based
problems using a high-level programming language.

WHY
Computer Science will give a huge advantage if you want your future to involve technology in some way. From web
development, database modelling to design and game development. The topics covered may be the first time you ever
encountered the topic, this means the amount of new and interesting knowledge is a lot as is the challenge of studying
Computer Science.
COMPUTER SCIENCE - 12
CO-ORDINATED
SCIENCE
0654

13
 Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences gives learners the opportunity to

ABOUT study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically

coherent syllabus. It is a double award qualification, earning two grades.
Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject
through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. 

They learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals,
communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which
they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.

TOPICS
Biology Chemistry Physics
Characteristics of living organisms 
 The particulate nature of matter 
 Motion 


Cells Experimental techniques 
 Work, energy and power 


Biological molecules 
 Atoms, elements and compounds 
 Thermal physics 


Enzymes 
 Stoichiometry 
 Properties of waves, including light and sound 


Plant nutrition 
 Electricity and chemistry 
 Electricity and magnetism 


Animal nutrition 
 Energy changes in chemical reactions Electric circuits

Transport 
 Chemical reactions 
 Electromagnetic effects

Gas exchange and respiration 
 Acids, bases and salts Atomic physics 


Coordination and response The Periodic Table

Reproduction 
 Metals

Inheritance 
 Air and water 


Organisms and their environment 
 Sulfur 


Human in influences on ecosystems Carbonates 


Organic chemistry 
 SCIENCE - 14

 SKILLS AND AIMS
As well as a subject focus, the Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences syllabus encourages learners to develop:
• A better understanding of the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
• A recognition of the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and how to apply this to other disciplines and in everyday life
• Relevant attitudes, such as a concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
• An interest in, and care for, the environment
• A better understanding of the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, economy, technology, ethics, the community and
the environment
• An understanding of the scientific skills essential for both further study and everyday life. 


ASSESSMENT

20% 15% Paper 1

Paper 2
15% Paper 3
Paper 4
25% Paper 5

25%
SCIENCE - 15
ECONOMICS

0455

16
 ABOUT
Cambridge International IGCSE Economics programme and qualifications
develop not only subject knowledge but also skills. We encourage

Cambridge learners to be:

• Confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
• Responsible for themselves, responsive to others
• Reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
• Innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• Engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.
In addition, during their learning, students will develop the ability to apply the tools of economic analysis
• The ability to distinguish between facts and value judgments in economic issues
• An understanding of, and an ability to use, basic economic numeracy and literacy
• The ability to take a greater part in decision-making processes in everyday life
• An understanding of the economies of developed and developing nations
• An excellent foundation for advanced study in economics.

ASSESSMENT TOPICS
IGCSE Economics curriculum covers:

1. Basic economic problem: choice and the allocation of resources

30% 2.
3.
The allocation of resources: how the market works; market failure
The individual as producer, consumer and borrower
Paper 1 4. The private firm as producer and employer
Paper 2 5. Role of government in an economy
6. Economic indicators

70% 7. Developed and developing economies: trends in production,

population and living standards
8. International aspects

ECONOMICS - 17
 SKILLS AND AIMS
The aims of learning IGCSE Economics are to: develop candidates’ knowledge and understanding of economic terminology, principles and theories;
develop candidates’ basic economic numeracy and literacy and their ability to handle simple data including graphs and diagrams; develop
candidates’ ability to use the tools of economic analysis in a particular situation; show candidates how to identify and discriminate between differing
sources of information and how to distinguish between facts and value judgments in economic issues; develop candidates’ ability to use economic
skills (with reference to individuals, groups and organisations) to understand better the world in which they live; develop candidates’ understanding of
the economies of developed and developing nations and of the relationships between them; and to develop their appreciation of these relationships
from the perspective of both developed and developing nations.

WHY
This course will help learners develop an informed curiosity and
a lasting passion for learning. As an international Qualification, it
is recognised by the world’s best universities and employers,
giving students a wide range of options in their education and
career. In addition, IGCSE Economics is a high-quality
educational programme that can unlock learners’ potential.

ECONOMICS - 18
ENGLISH AS A
SECOND
LANGUAGE

0511

19
 ABOUT
English as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to gain lifelong skills and knowledge including:

• Better communicative ability in English

• Improved ability to understand English in a range of everyday situations and in a variety of social
registers and styles
• Greater awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills
• Wider international perspective.
•
This course is compulsory for IGCSE students as it satisfies the English requirement for a significant number of universities worldwide.

ASSESSMENT

TOPICS 15%
Students will improve their skills in Reading, Listening, Speaking and Speaking
Writing by studying the following set texts with guided questions in
the style of exam questions. Each component is designed to run for
Listening 15%
approximately six to eight weeks.
Reading and Writing

1. Novella – Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck 70%

2. Play – The History Boys – Alan Bennet
3. Poetry – Selected poems from Touched with Fire – Jack Hyde
4. Exam Practice – Exam techniques and Past Papers

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE - 20

 SKILLS AND AIMS
The aims of English as a Second Language are to:

• Develop ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical

communication

• Form a solid foundation for the skills required for further study or
employment using English as the medium

• Develop awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills

• Promote personal development.

This course offers an excellent foundation to academic English. It

WHY Welcome
helps prepare students for studying and living in
English-speaking schools and countries, as well as providing a
solid base for advanced English courses. Taking the course will
also help students to demonstrate their English ability or to build
the skills for other examinations which will satisfy university
language requirements.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE - 21

 FIRST
LANGUAGE
ENGLISH

0500

22
 ABOUT
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English offers candidates the opportunity to respond knowledgeably to a rich array of reading passages. Candidates will
use these passages to inform and inspire their own writing, and write in a range of text types for different audiences. Candidates also have the opportunity to
develop both their speaking and listening skills, presenting to others and responding to feedback and questions.

Candidates are able to develop a range of skills in organising content and adapting their written and spoken language to meet the needs of the purpose and
audience. Candidates are encouraged to become appreciative and critical readers, writers, speakers and listeners.

This programme will start in Year 11 and will be completed in one year.

ASSESSMENT

TOPICS
Reading Writing Unit 1 Developing Reading Skills

50% 50% Unit 2 Developing Writing Skills

Unit 3 Writing Summaries
Unit 4 Commenting on Language Techniques
Unit 5 Directed Writing
Unit 6 Speaking and Listening
Unit 7 Composition Writing

FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH - 23

 SKILLS AND AIMS
The aims are to enable learners to
• Understand and respond to what they hear, read and experience
• Communicate accurately, appropriately, confidently and effectively
• Enjoy and appreciate a variety of language
• Complement their ability to work with information and ideas in other areas of study, for example, by developing skills of analysis, synthesis and the
drawing of inferences
• Promote personal development and an understanding of themselves and others

WHY
The aims are to enable learners to
• Understand and respond to what they hear, read and
experience
• Communicate accurately, appropriately, confidently and
effectively
• Enjoy and appreciate a variety of language
• Complement their ability to work with information and ideas in
other areas of study, for example, by developing skills of
analysis, synthesis and the drawing of inferences
• Promote personal development and an understanding of
themselves and others

FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH - 24

 GLOBAL
PERSPECTIVES

0457

25
 ABOUT
Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives provides opportunities for enquiry into, and reflection on, key global issues from different
perspectives: personal, local/national and global.

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives encourages awareness of global problems and offers a range of opportunities to explore
solutions through cooperation and collaboration.

The course is not about getting everybody to think identically; rather it is a matter of opening minds to the complexity of the world
and of human thought, and encouraging empathy for the diversity of human experience and feeling.

ASSESSMENT

35% 35% Team Project

Report
Written

30%
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES - 26
 TOPICS
Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives emphasises the
development and application of skills rather than the acquisition of

SKILLS AND AIMS knowledge. Candidates develop transferable skills that will be useful
for further study and for young people as active citizens of the
future. Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives candidates will have

Candidates who are awarded grades C to A* in Cambridge IGCSE Global opportunities to acquire and apply a range of
Perspectives are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge skills to support them in these challenges, including:
International AS and A Level or the equivalent in a wide variety of • Researching, analysing and evaluating information
subjects, especially across the humanities and social sciences. In • Developing and justifying a line of reasoning
particular, this IGCSE syllabus allows progression to Advanced Level • Reflecting on processes and outcomes
Global Perspectives qualifications. • Communicating information and reasoning
• Collaborating to achieve a common outcome.

WHY
Cambridge Global Perspectives is an ideal course for students
preparing to go to university. As many of our students will be
preparing to go to a university abroad, Global Perspectives gives
students the opportunity to study in a way more attributed to
western culture. They will learn skills that are vital to succeeding
at university and will have the opportunity to learn about Global
Issues that are not covered in other subjects.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES - 27
MATHEMATICS

IGCSE

0580

28
 ABOUT
It is recommended that students who are beginning this course should have previously studied an appropriate lower secondary mathematics programme. All
students in Y10 will follow the Extended curriculum. Students who are awarded grades A* to C in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Extended curriculum are
well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level Mathematics. For a detailed syllabus of the course see
www.cie.org.uk/igcse for further information.

ASSESSMENT

TOPICS
1. Number
35%
2. Algebra and graphs
3. Geometry
4. Mensuration
5. Co-ordinate geometry
65%
6. Trigonometry
7. Matrices and transformations
8. Probability
9. Statistics

Paper 2 Paper 4

MATHEMATICS IGCSE - 29
 SKILLS AND AIMS
The aims are to enable candidates to:
• Develop their mathematical knowledge and oral, written and practical skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and
enjoyment
• Read mathematics, and write and talk about the subject in a variety of ways
• Develop a feel for number, carry out calculations and understand the significance of the results obtained
• Apply mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the part which mathematics plays in the world around them
• Solve problems, present the solutions clearly, check and interpret the results
• Develop an understanding of mathematical principles
• Recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and interpret relevant factors and, where necessary, select an
appropriate mathematical method to solve the problem
• Use mathematics as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression
• Develop an ability to apply mathematics in other subjects, particularly science and technology
• Develop the abilities to reason logically, to classify, to generalise and to prove
• Appreciate patterns and relationships in mathematics
• Produce and appreciate imaginative and creative work arising from mathematical ideas
• Develop their mathematical abilities by considering problems and conducting individual and co-operative enquiry and experiment, including
extended pieces of work of a practical and investigative kind
• Appreciate the interdependence of different branches of mathematics
acquire a foundation appropriate to their further study of mathematics and of other disciplines.

WHY
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of mathematical knowledge and understanding. Successful candidates
gain lifelong skills, including:

• Deeper understanding of mathematical principles

• The further development of mathematical skills including the use of applications of mathematics in the context of everyday situations and in other
subjects that they may be studying
• The ability to analyse problems logically, recognising when and how a situation may be represented mathematically
• The use of mathematics as a means of communication
• A solid foundation for further study. MATHEMATICS IGCSE - 30
Hedong International Academy