Cambridge Assessment International Education

Established in 1858, Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications that prepare students with the essential knowledge and skills to prosper in the real-world and at the same time, help them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning.

Widely acknowledged as an international passport to progression and success, CAIE’s international qualifications are recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, giving students a broad spectrum of education and career options. As a not-for-profit organisation, CAIE devotes its resources to delivering high-quality educational programmes that aspire to unleash its learners’ potential.

Setting the global standard for international education, CAIE’s programmes and qualifications are created by subject experts who are rooted in academic rigour and as such, their educational materials reflect the latest educational research. Well supported by teaching and learning resources, CAIE’s programmes and qualifications also provide a solid platform for learners to progress from one stage to another.

In addition, CAIE developed the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) over 25 years ago. It now attracts over 900 000 entries every year from over 140 different countries. Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international passport to progression and success.

Programme Introduction

The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Upper Secondary is exclusively designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding in four (4) core subjects which constitute English – First Language, Mathematics, Physics and Physical Education (non-examinable). Students are also required to choose a minimum of two (2) or up to three (3) optional subjects (examinable) comprising Biology or Mathematics – Additional, Chemistry or Accounting, Information and Communication Technology, STEM, Chinese – First Language, Chinese – Second Language, French – Foreign Language, Malay – First Language, Hindi as a Second Language, Tamil (non-examinable).

In the course of their educational pursuit, students will learn how to utilise learner-centred and enquiry-based approaches to learning. The core curriculum describes the knowledge, understanding and skills that learners will develop and explain how these will be assessed. At the end of the two years, students will sit for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Examinations. Upon successful completion, students can proceed to embark on the Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level.

DIMENSIONS International College is a registered Cambridge school.

For updated and accurate information of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), please visit their website at http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/

Read our students’ success stories here: https://dimensions.edu.sg/info-news/igcse-students-recognised-for-impressive-academic-achievements/

Objective

The objective of this course is to prepare students for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Examinations, giving them a better understanding and overview of the Cambridge IGCSE Examinations academic subjects comprising of English, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics and more.

Designed for

• Candidates who are between the ages of 14 – 25.
• Candidates who wish to acquire a qualification that is internationally recognised.
• Candidates who wish to pursue degrees or certificates of higher education.

Course Outline

Compulsory Subjects (examinable)

• Outline for English – First LanguageThe Cambridge IGCSE English learners develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in both speech and writing. 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.
• Outline for MathematicsThe Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build learners’ confidence by helping them develop a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships, and places a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Learners also gain an understanding of how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.
• Outline for PhysicsThe Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. They learn about the basic principles through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Learners also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at Cambridge Advanced, skills which are useful in everyday life.
• Outline for PhysicsThe Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. They learn about the basic principles through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Learners also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at Cambridge Advanced, skills which are useful in everyday life.
• Outline for Information and Communication TechnologyCambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, including:
  • understanding and using applications
  • using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to solve problems
  • analysing, designing, implementing, testing and evaluating ICT systems, ensuring that they are fit for purpose
  • understanding the implications of technology in society, including social, economic and ethical uses
  • awareness of the ways ICT can help in home, learning and work environments.

• Outline for STEMThis curriculum contains a wide range of activities including theory presentations, inquiry-based investigations, research activities, modeling and simulation, practical hands-on experiments and testing tasks.
• Outline for Chinese – First LanguageReading Candidates are assessed on their ability to:
  R1: Understand and collate explicit meanings
  R2: Understand, explain and collate implicit meanings and attitudes
  R3: Select, analyse and evaluate what is relevant to specific purposes
  R4: Understand how writers achieve effects.
  Writing Candidates are assessed on their ability to:
  W1: Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
  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.
  
• Outline for Physical Education (non-examinable)The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
  • AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles that underpin performance in physical activity / sport
  • AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles to a variety of physical activities / sports, including the analysis and evaluation of performance
  • AO3: Demonstrate the ability to select and perform appropriate skills to produce effective performance in practical activities

Optional Subjects – Choose minimum two (2) or maximum three (3)

• Outline for BiologyCandidates will study topics which include; Characteristics and classification of living organisms, organisation of the organism, movement in and out of cells, biological molecules, enzymes, plant nutrition, human nutrition, transport in plants, transport in animals, diseases and immunity, gas exchange in humans, respiration, excretion in humans, coordination and response, drugs, reproduction, inheritance, variation and selection, organisms and their environment, biotechnology and genetic engineering as well as human influences on ecosystems.
• Outline for Mathematics – AdditionalThe Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics enables learners to extend the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics course and use skills in the context of more advanced techniques. It will equip students with the necessary mathematical concepts and skills for continuous learning in Mathematics.
• Outline for ChemistryThe Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus enables learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at Cambridge Advanced, skills which are useful in everyday life.
• Outline for AccountingThe Cambridge 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.
• Outline for Chinese – Second LanguageThis syllabus assesses Reading, Writing and Speaking. Assessment Objectives (AOs) have been grouped under skill headings, but it is recognised that these are interrelated. Candidates must demonstrate ability in the following areas:
  • AO1 Reading:
    R1: Understand and respond to information presented in a variety of forms
    R2: Select and organise material relevant to specific purposes
    R3: Recognise, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions
  • AO2 Writing:
    W1: Communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately
    W2: Convey information and express opinions effectively
    W3: Employ and control a variety of grammatical structures
    W4: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of appropriate vocabulary
    W5: Observe conventions of paragraphing, punctuation and character formation
    W6: Employ appropriate register/style
  • AO3 Speaking:
    S1: Communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately
    S2: Convey information, articulate experience and express thoughts and opinions
    S3: Employ and control a variety of grammatical structures
    S4: Demonstrate knowledge of a range of appropriate vocabulary
    S5: Employ suitable pronunciation and stress patterns
    S6: Listen to and respond appropriately to the contributions of others

• Outline for French – Foreign LanguageThe Assessment Objectives (AOs) are:
  AO1 Listening: Understand and respond to spoken language
  AO2 Reading: Understand and respond to written language
  AO3 Speaking: Communicate in speech, showing knowledge of a range and variety of vocabulary, and applying the grammar and structures of the target language accurately
  AO4 Writing: Communicate in writing, showing knowledge of a range and variety of vocabulary, and applying the grammar and structures of the target language accurately
  
• Outline for Malay– First Language The syllabus is designed for learners 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 of listening, reading, speaking and writing and these are built on as learners progress through their studies.
• Outline for Hindi as a Second Language This syllabus aims to build up the students’ competency and understanding of the Hindi Language. The purpose of the Hindi syllabus is to ensure students are able to write letters, dialogues and speeches. Students will be able to interpret and answer questions that include Combination or Separation of Words, Idioms, Proverbs and Words in Pairs, Sentence Transformation and Cloze Passage. They will be exposed to different comprehension questions and techniques of answering comprehension questions.
• Outline for Tamil (non-examinable)Students will learn and practise the following skills:
  • Tamil vocabulary and grammar
  • Tamil composition coaching, useful Tamil phrases
  • Tamil oral coaching
  • Coaching for O-Level Tamil

• Optional Elective for AEIS (English/Mathematics) – Secondary 3

Note: DIMENSIONS International College reserves the right to withdraw the offer of the elective subject that fails to meet a minimum class size of 10 students

Scope of Study

Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Upper Secondary syllabus

Delivery Mode

Lectures, tutorials, discussions, interactive lessons and laboratory work

Commencement Date/Intakes

Click here to check the dates of Programme Intake for 2024
Click here to check the dates of Programme Intake for 2025
DIMENSIONS reserves the right to change the intakes at any time without prior notice.

Course Fees Per Year

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# One-time Fee

Please click here for more information on the fees which are likely to be incurred during the students’ course of study. Students are expected to pay for the stipulated fee(s) incurred, if necessary.

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Payment Mode

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For further details, please contact your Admissions Officer at 6334 0600.

Duration

24 months Institutional Training

Maximum allowed period for a student to complete the course is 48 months

Maximum Candidature Period

Student is not allowed to retake the course and/or request for a refund in the event if he/she fails to complete the programme within the maximum candidature period.

Opportunities for Further Education/Career Pathway

Students may proceed to embark on the Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level programme.

Entry Requirements

Class Periods

Monday to Friday: 9.15 am – 12.30 pm and 1.45 pm – 4.45 pm
A total of 1250 hours – five (5) days per week (Monday – Friday)*
*Excluding Public Holidays and School Holidays

Examination Period

Internal: Termly basis
External: Open for Year 4 students:

• Registration starting from February for the Cambridge IGCSE Examinations held in June of the same year.
• Registration starting from August for the Cambridge IGCSE Examinations held in November of the same year.

(Subject to change and final confirmation by CAIE)

Assessment Methods

Internal: Term Tests for all subjects except for Physical Education (non-examinable)
External: Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Examinations, at the end of the two years

Assessment Grading Criteria

Internal: The Term Tests are marked according to the Cambridge IGCSE Grading System.
External: The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations are set and marked by Cambridge Examiners according to the Cambridge IGCSE Grading System.

The Cambridge IGCSE Grading System is as follows:

Expected Examination Results Release Date

Not more than 3 months after the final assessment

Qualification Award

Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education awarded by Cambridge Assessment International Education

Graduation Requirements

A “Pass” in the external examinations to be issued a certificate

Teacher – Student Ratio

Average teacher-student ratio is 1:40
Note: The number of students in the classroom is subject to the maximum seating capacity.