Mandalay International Science Academy is proud to offer Cambridge IGCSE, the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognized by leading universities and employers worldwide and is an international passport to progression and success. Not only is it truly international – it gives students more options than any other international qualification. That means more subjects to choose from, more ways to learn and more ways to succeed.
The standards of Cambridge IGCSE is aligned with the GCSE qualification taken in England.
We have embraced the IGCSE curriculum due to current high demand. We offer Cambridge IGCSE as a Cambridge International School and Examination Centre. The following subjects are offered in Year 10 and 11:
High School (Year 10 – 11) | ||
No | Subject Name | No of Periods |
1 | English* (English a Second Language) | 7 |
2 | Additional Mathematics | 4 |
3 | International Mathematics | 4 |
4 | Physics | 3 |
5 | Chemistry | 3 |
6 | Biology | 3 |
7 | Business Studies | 3 |
8 | Economics | 3 |
9 | Arts/Music/PE | 2 |
10 | Elective Language | 2 |
11 | ICT | 3 |
12 | Global Perspectives | 1 |
13 | College Counseling | 1 |
14 | PSAT English | 2 |
15 | PSAT Math | 2 |
*First Language English might be offered on demand. However it depends on the number of the students and the availability of teachers and school facilities. Students must submit their request in the first week of the academic year. Students cannot choose both English as a second Language and First Language English if offered.
English
English as a Second Language
This subject helps students develop skills, which are needed for practical communication. They also build solid foundation skills required for further study or employment using English as the medium. Students become aware of the nature of the language and language learning skills. It also promotes learners’ personal development. Students are assessed in four skills: Reading Comprehension, writing, speaking and listening.
Additional Mathematics
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics has a Pure Mathematics only content, which enables learners to extend their mathematical skills and understanding in the context of more advanced techniques. It also enables learners to acquire a suitable foundation in mathematics for further study in the subject, such as engineering and computer programming.
International Mathematics
Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics has been developed for schools offering an international curriculum. It prepares students for the IB Diploma mathematics courses. With this curriculum students will acquire a solid foundation of mathematical skills and learn how to develop strategies for solving open-ended problems. The course also allows learners to develop and sharpen their investigation and modeling skills, and introduces them to the use of graphical calculators – a necessary part of the IB Diploma.
Physics
The 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 of Physics through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Learners develop experimental and investigation skills, which are needed for their further studies as well as daily life experiences. Physics has links to many other courses in higher education such as engineering, space and astronomy sciences.
Chemistry
The Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Chemistry is an experimental science that connects theoretical knowledge with the practical applications. Learners develop experimental and investigation skills, which are needed for their further studies as well as daily life experiences. Chemistry has links to many other courses in higher education such as medicine, biological sciences and environmental sciences.
Biology
The Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus helps learners to understand the living world around us, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Learners develop experimental and investigation skills, which are needed for their further studies as well as daily life experiences. Biology has links to many other courses in higher education such as medicine, health sciences, botanic and zoology.
Business Studies
The Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies syllabus develops learners’ understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Learners find out how the major types of business organisation are established, financed and run, and how their activities are regulated. Factors influencing business decision-making are also considered, as are the essential values of cooperation and interdependence. Learners not only study business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry. The syllabus provides both a foundation for further studies and an ideal preparation for the world of work.
Economics
The Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus develops an understanding of economic terminology and principles and of basic economic theory. Learners study the economics of developed and developing nations and how these interrelate. They also learn to handle simple data and undertake economic analysis, evaluate information and discriminate between facts and value judgments in economic issues. A foundation for further studies, the syllabus also encourages a better understanding of the world in which learners live, and helps them play an active part in the decision-making process, whether as consumers, producers or citizens of the local, national and international community.
ICT
The Information Communication Technology syllabus encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, which will be useful to them in their work across the curriculum and prepare them for future employment. They will develop understanding of the implications of technology in society, including social, economic and ethical uses and awareness of the ways ICT can help in home, learning and work environments. The syllabus combines theoretical and practical studies focusing on the ability to use common software applications to solve problems, including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, interactive presentation software, web browsers and website design. Learners analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems, ensuring that they are fit for purpose.
Global Perspectives
Global Perspectives is a cross-curricular and skills-based subject which develops critical thinking skills and global awareness; promotes internationalism and encourages students to be open-minded individuals through activities and strategies like team work, presentations, projects, and working with other learners. Students discuss contemporary global issues such as poverty, global warming, and peace and conflict in the world.
College Counseling
This course aims to provide high school students an awareness of academic future planning and career opportunities and college readiness. Moreover students plan and participate in extracurricular activities and community projects. Students develop leadership and organizational skills, and practice long-term commitment, which they will need in their future life as well as university and job applications. Through community projects they help others and learn how to contribute to their local community and environment.
PSAT
This course is provided for the students who are planning to continue their academic career in US. PSAT is the preliminary version of SAT Examinations, prepares students for it, and helps students in college planning in US. Students become familiar with the PSAT questions and take practice tests during the course.
Art
Art curriculum in high school focuses on developing creativity and rigorous understanding of arts and design skills of students. A wide range of activities and projects including painting, drawing, coloring, composition and craft works achieves this.
Physical Education
Physical Education encourages students to participate in physical and sports activities within and beyond the school. Students learn to develop competency in a wide range of physical activities. The course also aims to build students’ teamwork, self-confidence and competitive skills.
Music
Music curriculum in high school focuses on three core areas of musical experience; performing, composing and listening. Students have various opportunities to perform both as individual and/or group in activities such as morning assemblies, talent shows and different ceremonies. Students understand the basic musical structure styles and genres. Our students learn to play different instruments such as piano, keyboard, violin, flute and etc.
Elective Language
This course aims to develop basic communicative skills in the target language and strategies for effective language learning. It also helps students foster an understanding of different cultures. We offer Chinese and Japanese currently.
Subject Selection
Subject | Year 10 | Year 11 | Remarks |
English | Compulsory | Compulsory | English as a Second Language (0511) |
International Mathematics (0607) | Compulsory | Compulsory | |
Additional Mathematics (0606) | Compulsory | Optional | At the end of first term of Year 10, students have the option to drop Additional Mathematics with the approval of academic committee.* |
Physics (0625), Biology (0610) and Chemistry (0620) | All Compulsory | At Least Two of Three Subjects | |
Economics (0455) and Business Studies (0450) | At least one | At least one | |
Second Language | One Compulsory | One Compulsory | The selected course in Year 10 must continue in Year 11. |
PE /Art /Music | One Compulsory | One Compulsory | Students may change their selected subject at the end of Year 10 only. |
ICT (0417) | Optional | Optional | |
Global Perspectives (0457)* | Compulsory | Compulsory | |
PSAT English | Optional | Optional | This course might be given after classes due to timetable constraints in some campuses. |
PSAT English | Optional | Optional | This course might be given after classes due to timetable constraints in some campuses. |
*Since the IGCSE assessment of this course requires more teaching hours, which is not available in the recent schedule, currently we are not preparing our students for the Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives Examinations. However the content is delivered based on the Cambridge Global Perspective syllabus.