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Ages 14 to 16

IGCSE CURRICULUM AT BIS HCMC (Years 10 - 11)

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education or IGCSEs are an internationally recognised set of qualifications based around the British education system. Our broad and balanced IGCSE curriculum challenges and inspires, nurturing every aspect of our student's academic, personal, and emotional development. Our Year 10 and 11 students are empowered to make their own choices and personalise their learning based on their future aspirations and passions. The two-year program concludes with IGCSE exams which prepare students for the rigorous IB Diploma Program to follow. 
 
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A Personalised Curriculum

Students study the core subjects of English language and literature, coordinated science and maths, in addition to Vietnamese for Vietnamese Passport Holders. Students then personalise their curriculum by selecting 4 subjects from our Cambridge IGCSE options:
  • Art, Drama, Music
  • Business studies, Economics
  • ICT
  • Design technology
  • Geography, History
  • PE
  • Separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Mandarin, French or Spanish
"The IGCSEs gave me the opportunity to develop my passions and develop my love and experience in the subjects in a way that has immensely helped me progress in the IBDP program so far."

Oscar
Year 12 Student
A personalised curriculum

Nurturing Passions and Strengths

Whether your child has a clear vision for the future or is still exploring their passions and strengths, the IGCSEs provide ample opportunity for them to develop knowledge, build study and assessment skills, and learn more about themselves and their future aspirations. With 763 subject option combinations, your child can truly personalise their curriculum pathway to unlock a whole world of possibilities.

To provide a holistic and well-balanced education that maintains physical, social and mental health, students also continue to take non-examined subjects of core PE and wellbeing.

For students for whom English is not their first language, they can also take an IGCSE  in their native (first) language such as Mandarin Chinese, German, French and Urdu. Vietnamese students  study a core Vietnamese component covering literature, history, geography and culture.

Taught by world-class subject specialists, our IGCSE curriculum will spark your child’s curiosity, developing their skills, knowledge and experience for further study in the IBDP.

 
IGCSE OPTIONS BOOKLET
co-curricular activities & expeditions

beyond the curriculum

In addition to their core and chosen subjects, students have access to over 100 co-curricular activities to further expand their skillset and experience.  In Year 10 they will have a chance to join adventure or community-based expeditions to Switzerland, Cambodia, Dalat - Mui Ne or Quy Nhon.

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Supporting the Options Process

Our students and parents receive extensive support and guidance in choosing their subjects from all subject specialists and Heads of Year. Students can receive further guidance from our Secondary Leadership team especially our Deputy Head Teacher of Curriculum and Learning and from the College and University Guidance Team.


Options Assembly
At the start of Year 9 students will have an assembly explaining the IGCSE process in more detail. 
1. Options Assembly
IGCSE Options Evening
In September of Year 9, parents and students will be invited to an IGCSE Options Evening where they will be introduced to the choices on offer and have the opportunity to discuss the subjects in more detail with the Heads of department. 
2. IGCSE Options Evening
First Thoughts Forms
Students submit their first thoughts forms by October and the option blocks are formed from this. 
3. First Thoughts Forms
Final submission
Students submit an second form after receiving the option blocks, with their final confirmation of choices. 
4. Final submission
Guidance for New Students
For new students joining us in Year 10 our admissions team will initially discuss and lead you through the options process.  Students and parents will also have the opportunity to discuss options in further detail with our academic teams too, ensuring that both current and new students are thoroughly supported.
New Students Joining in Year 10

OUR 2023 IGCSE RESULTS

Our IGCSE student's exam results consistently surpass UK national averages, setting them up for success for their IB Diploma Programme and the top universities across the world. 
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99.2%
of our IGCSE students achieved A*-C grades.
99%
of our IGCSE students achieved A*-C grades.
25
students achieved A*/A in all subjects.
70.2%
of grades awarded were at A*/A.

Our Unique Pathway to the IBDP and Top Universities Worldwide

From the IGCSEs to IBDP, our unique pathway offers the best of both worlds for our students, giving them the opportunity to explore their passions and skills, develop key skills and in-depth subject knowledge, and prepare them for admission to the top universities worldwide. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IBDP AT BIS HCMC
Introducing the IGCSES
Ages 14-16 our students follow the structured and academically robust IGCSE curriculum, which allows for subject personalisation and an in-depth study of of subject content. 
 
Introducing the IGCSES
Examination Practice
Culminating in the IGCSE examinations, the 2 year course gives students a goal to work towards and provides students with the opportunity to develop discipline, exam skills and good study habits. 
Examination Practice
Gaining Insights for the IBDP
After studying their 4 chosen subjects alongside their core subjects, our students learn more about where their skills and passions lie and gain further insights into potential future pathways in time for the start of the IBDP.
Gaining Insights for the IBDP
Building skills on Foundational Knowledge
After the achievement of their IGCSEs, BIS HCMC students go on to study the International Baccalaureate Programme, this time selecting 6 subjects, 3 at higher level and 3 at standard level. With their in-depth foundational knowledge of their chosen specialisations, students now place more focus on their skills-development, including critical thinking, reflection, enquiry, as well as balancing their academic studies with their personal, social and emotional health.
Building skills on Foundational Knowledge
Exam Readiness
With the previous experience of standardised examinations in the IGCSE programme, students have already built up a wealth of knowledge, exam skills, stress management and revision skills to succeed in their IBDP exams. BIS HCMC Students consistently achieve top exam results that are consistently way above the world average. 
Exam Readiness
A Headstart to the Top Universities in the World
When the time comes to submit applications to their chosen universities, our students will be able to pull experiences from two very different ways of learning, they will have experienced multiple pathways for personal development and have an unparalleled breadth of skills under their belt. The top universities worldwide recognise both the IGCSEs and IBDP as incredibly prestigious qualifications and will consider both during their admissions process.
A Headstart to the Top Universities in the World
Flourishing
Our students go on to attend the top universities and specialist institutions around the world, including the University of Oxford, Stanford University,  Imperial College London and the University of Melbourne.
Flourishing

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LEARNING

Your child will flourish at BIS HCMC, where our all-encompassing approach to education balances academic excellence with personal growth and wellbeing, inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

More about OUR academic excellence