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Years 10-11

IGCSE Years 10-11

Options

FAQs and Contact details

Futures Curriculum

Overview:

The accredited curriculum in Years 10-11 prepares students for iGCSE examinations in a range of subjects. Alongside the experience, skills and interests students pursue through the Futures Curriculum, students are well-prepared to engage with the pathways available to them in Years 12-13 and beyond.

In keeping with our aim of maintaining future pathways of study, all Island School students take the following core iGCSE subjects, which are explained below in the linked videos:

Students will select a further two optional iGCSE courses, from the list below. Further details of these courses are outlined within the subject videos on the Options tab.

  • Business Studies
  • Computer Science 
  • Drama 
  • Design Technology 
  • Economics 
  • Fine Art
  • Food Preparation and Nutrition 
  • Geography 
  • History 
  • Music 
  • Religious Studies

Students also continue to participate in Physical and Health Education, which is not externally examined. 

All Island School students study English Language in Year 10 and take the examinations for this subject in May of Year 10. All other subjects are two year courses, with the examinations taking place in May and June of Year 11. In some subjects, students will have completed assessed coursework in advance of this date, which counts towards their final grade. 

Year 9 Students are asked to submit their preferred two option subjects, as well as back-up options, by in November, each year. These option choices will be used to create the timetable. Students are able to request changes after this date, though we may not be able to accommodate these changes as the timetable will have been created based on choices.

In March each year final choices will be confirmed with students.

To support the decision making process on these two subjects, we have created the subject videos below:

Students will have structured time to review these videos during Thrive lessons and be encouraged to discuss these options with their Tutors, parents and the subject teachers and leaders of these courses.

If you have any questions and would like to discuss these with a member of staff, please see our Further Information Tab, which includes answers to frequently asked questions as well as the contact information for specific areas of the curriculum.

Please see our frequently asked questions (FAQ) document, which addresses a number of topics raised by students and parents.

If you cannot find what you are looking for within the FAQs, please see our contact information below.

Area or Subject Member of staff Email address
General questions about options process and iGCSEs Mark Jobling, Head of Middle Phase mark.jobling@online.island.edu.hk
Elements Courses and the Futures Curriculum Ross Burrough, Deputy Head of Curriculum ross.burrough@online.island.edu.hk 
A Language Other than English Martyn Najman, Head of Languages martyn.najman@online.island.edu.hk 
Business Studies  Anny Kim, Deputy Head of I&S anny.kim@online.island.edu.hk 
Computer Science  Kevin Lester, Teacher of Computer Science kevin.lester@online.island.edu.hk 
Drama Paul McCracken, Head of Arts paul.mccracken@online.island.edu.hk 
Design Technology  Steve McGill, Head of Design steve.mcgill@online.island.edu.hk 
Double Science Andy Skitt, Deputy Head of Sciences andy.skitt@online.island.edu.hk 
Economics Anny Kim, Deputy Head of I&S anny.kim@online.island.edu.hk 
English Language & Literature Teri Eves, Deputy Head of English teri.eves@online.island.edu.hk 
Food Preparation and Nutrition Chileshe Chisulo, Teacher of Food P&N chileshe.chisulo@online.island.edu.hk
Geography Howard Davis, Deputy Head of I&S howard.davis@online.island.edu.hk 
Global Perspectives.  Ross Burrough, Deputy Head of Curriculum ross.burrough@online.island.edu.hk
History Howard Davis, Deputy Head of I&S howard.davis@online.island.edu.hk 
Mathematics George Beckley, Head of Mathematics george.beckley@online.island.edu.hk
Music Joe Travers, Deputy Head of Arts joseph.travers@online.island.edu.hk 
Visual Art  Carmen Woods, Deputy Head of Arts carmen.woods@online.island.edu.hk 
Religious Studies Maryanne McPhee, Head of I&S Maryanne.McPhee@online.island.edu.hk 

The Futures curriculum includes two sections Elements and Explorations that focus on the development of key skills or competencies and the development of knowledge. The key skills and competencies are: Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking.

Elements
Elements courses provide the opportunity for students to find their passion. There are over 50 courses to choose from covering a wide range of areas such as Architecture, Marine Biology, Law and Acting. Students take 10 courses over three years and these courses are internally assessed. Elements courses are chosen in October each year as part of the Options process. The choices are made after discussion and guidance with House staff and teachers, and through consultation with parents. Students are advised of the impact that any choice may have on their future at school and beyond.

Explorations
This compulsory course leads to the IGCSE in Global Perspectives and the IE Award in ICT. Students work in research groups to study areas such as World Conflict, Health, Poverty and Education. Leadership and collaboration skills are developed during the three years as the research groups contain students from Years 9, 10 and 11. Click here for more details.

Futures Curriculum aims

  • develops students’ skills and knowledge and prepares them for the challenges within the IB Diploma and Careers Programme,
  • helps students to be confident, independent learners, collaborators and critical thinkers,
  • gives students new experiences and opportunities to discover their passions,
  • allows students to specialise in their areas of interest,
  • gives students the opportunity to serve others and develop compassion,
  • prepares students for life beyond school,
  • makes education engaging, inspiring and fun.