English as a Second Language (0511)

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to develop practical communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Learners will be presented with a variety of stimuli that will build up their skills in reading and writing. They will learn to select relevant details, understand the difference between what is directly stated and implied, and practise writing for different purposes and audiences. Learners will listen to a range of spoken material, including talks and conversations, in order to develop listening skills. Learners will engage in conversations on a variety of topics, and develop their skills in responding to different situations and audiences with a degree of accuracy and clarity. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language will enable learners to become independent users of English, and to be able to use English to communicate effectively in a variety of practical contexts.

Link to full syllabus: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/414306-2020-2021-syllabus.pdf

Key Benefits

Cambridge IGCSE 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.

Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment.

Recognition and progression

The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses.

Candidates who achieve grade C overall, with grade 2 in Speaking, in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510 (Speaking Endorsement) can be considered to be at a level equivalent to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Candidates who achieve grade C overall in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0511 (Count-in Speaking) can be considered to be at a level equivalent to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.

UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable to the standard of GCSE in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities worldwide.

Resources

The following are the preferred resources at Istanbul International School:

  • Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0511 Coursebook
  • Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0511 Workbook

 

Cambridge International Examinations

Core Candidates take:

i

Paper 1

Reading and Writing – 70% (1.5 hours)

Six exercises testing a range of reading and writing skills

Externally assessed

i

Paper 3

Listening – 30% (40 minutes)

Candidates listen to several short extracts and longer texts, and complete a range of task types, including

short-answer questions, gap filling, matching, multiple choice and note-making.

Externally assessed

i

Component 5

Speaking (10 – 15 minutes)

Separately endorsed

Following a 2 – 3 minute warm-up conversation,

Candidates engage in a 6 – 9 minute discussion

With the examiner on a given topic.

Internally assessed/externally moderated

Extended Candidates take:

i

Paper 2

Reading and Writing – 70% (2 hours)

Six exercises testing a range of reading and writing skills

Externally assessed

i

Paper 4

Listening – 30% (50 minutes)

Candidates listen to several short extracts and longer texts, and complete a range of task types, including

short-answer questions, gap filling, matching, multiple choice and note-making.

Externally assessed

i

Component 5

Speaking (10 – 15 minutes)

Separately endorsed

Following a 2 – 3 minute warm-up conversation,

Candidates engage in a 6 – 9 minute discussion

With the examiner on a given topic.

Internally assessed/externally moderated

Early Years

Our programme is designed to encourage a balance of child initiated and teacher facilitated activities. The programme offers children a variety of choices. The environment includes art, dramatic play, maths, language work, enjoying books, art, music, water and sand play, science activities, and so on. Our goals include the encouragement of each child’s natural curiosity and interest in learning.

Primary School

Our School’s primary curriculum is built around the need to provide knowledge skills and understanding arranged by subject under three areas of study, environmental studies, life skills and the expressive arts. Our primary grades 1 – 4 are equivalent to Years 2 – 5 in the Cambridge Curriculum.

Middle School

Our School’s primary curriculum is built around the need to provide knowledge skills and understanding arranged by subject under three areas of study, environmental studies, life skills and the expressive arts. Our primary grades 1 – 4 are equivalent to Years 2 – 5 in the Cambridge Curriculum.

IGCSE

Cambridge IGCSE™ is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds, although it can be taken by students of other ages. It is tried, tested and trusted. It is taught by over 4800 schools in 146 countries. The programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment.

AS/ Level

The A Level syllabuses prepare learners for university study, which is why universities worldwide value and recognise Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications.