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:
Paper 1
Reading and Writing – 70% (1.5 hours)
Six exercises testing a range of reading and writing skills
Externally assessed
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
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:
Paper 2
Reading and Writing – 70% (2 hours)
Six exercises testing a range of reading and writing skills
Externally assessed
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
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