Year 9 Options Booklet 2022

IGCSE
subject op ons at Runnymede College

(2022)
ART
Why study this subject?
GCSE Art and Design equips students with the skills to enjoy, produce and engage with the visual
arts. It provides the opportunity to:
• apply a crea ve approach to problem solving
• to consider and develop original ideas from ini a on to realisa on
• analyse cri cally their own work and the work of others
• express individual thoughts and choices con dently
• take risks, experiment and learn from mistakes
What I will study and learn?

In GCSE Art and Design you will explore a wide range of crea ve prac cal ac vi es and respond in a
personal way to various themes. A large range of media and materials will be used to experiment
with enabling the development of many skills and techniques. These will range from pain ng and
drawing, charcoal, print-making, collage and photography and experimental mark-making.
A wide variety of ar sts will be studied to develop cri cal thinking, ar s c language and the ability
to respond to them in a personal way.
A visit to the Thyssen Museum is an intrinsic part of the course to inves gate rst hand the work of
ar sts.
How will I be assessed?

The Edexcel GCSE (9-1) consists of two internally assessed and externally moderated components:
Component 1: Personal Por olio (internally set) 60% of the quali ca on
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment - 40% of the quali ca on
Please note that GCSEs are marked on a 9-1 scale rather than A*- U.
Calle de la Salvia, 30, 28109 Alcobendas, Madrid. +34 916 508 302 runnymede-college.com
ti

ti

ti
ti
tf

ti

fi

ti

ti

ti

fi
ti
ti
ti
fi

ti
ti
ti
ti
ti

ti
fi
ti

ti

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

Studying GCSE art and design enables you to progress onto A Level Art.
ti

BIOLOGY

Runnymede has a tradi on of success at IGCSE Biology over the years (80% A*-A grade in 2017) and
the subject is a very strong academic subject that will provide you with knowledge and skills
important for everyday life and also ideal prepara on for university.
Biology IGCSE allows you to study the astounding variety of organisms on the planet and how each
species prospers in its environment. From basic building blocks (cells) up to ecosystems we will
explore all of life’s facets and the ways organisms have evolved to survive.

In Year 10 we consider classi ca on, cells and life processes. We study nutri on and transport and
the body systems involved in diges on, breathing and blood circula on. We also look at the
immune system and its role in health & disease.
In Year 11 we focus on human biology by looking at the nervous, excretory and reproduc ve
systems. We explore inheritance and gene cs and inves gate the possible e ects of humans on the
environment and ways we can help conserve and protect vulnerable species and ecosystems.

Most topics in IGCSE Biology are explored through prac cal work and by hands on experimental
inves ga ons. This helps develop an understanding of the scien c method and of the importance
of collec ng reliable and valid data.
At the end of Year 11 the IGCSE Biology is assessed by three exam papers that include a range of
short wri en answers, mul ple choice and prac cal ques ons.

Studying Biology can eventually lead to studying degree courses such as medicine, medical
biosciences, pharmacy or neuroscience if you take it on to A Level. A Level Biology is also
ideal prepara on for degrees in biochemistry, gene cs, forensics, environmental sciences,
food sciences, or biotechnology. Biology is relevant to psychology or sports science.
ti
ti
ti
tt
ti

ti
ti
ti
fi

ti

ti

ti
ti

ti
ti

ti
ti
ti

ti
fi
ti

ti
ff
 
ti

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry is essen ally the study of what all of the things around us are made of and how
these things interact. Studying Chemistry at IGCSE level and beyond is important if you want
to go into any science related career in the future, especially in the chemical, biological and
medical direc ons. But regardless of whether you want to con nue to study science in the
future, you should study Chemistry if you are interested in the world around you, from the
“micro” to the “”macro”, from what the structure of plas cs might be to how us humans can
reduce the nega ve e ects that we are having on our planet. Chemistry is one of the
gateway subjects for a career in technology, engineering and scien c inves ga on.

You will learn about making chemicals, atoms, chemical reac ons, electricity in reac ons, ba eries,
energy, industrial processes, acids and bases, air, water, metals, sulphur and the chemistry of
organisms and plas cs (and much more!)
The prac cal aspects of the course are very important as pupils have the opportunity to put into
prac ce the theory learned in class. Pupils will complete regular prac cals and develop the
intellectual and prac cal skills necessary to undertake inves ga ons regarding the material covered.

There are 14 units of study and you will usually have a test at the end of each. You will 2 exams in
Year 10 (December and June) and 2 in Year 11 (October and March).
You will then sit 3 external IGCSE exams at the end of Year 11.

Studying Chemistry can lead into many di erent areas of science and the subject is considered to be
central within the scien c disciplines. Below are some of the careers that chemists typically
pursue:
Analy cal chemist; hazardous waste chemist; pulp and paper chemist; water chemist; science
writers; doctor; cataly c chemist; materials scien st; chemical engineer; biotechnologist.
Other related careers: Healthcare scien st; clinical biochemistry; forensic scien st; pharmacologist;
research scien st (physical sciences); toxicologist.
Jobs where your degree would be useful include: chartered cer ed accountant; environmental
consultant; higher educa on lecturer, nuclear engineer; patent a orney; science writer; secondary
school teacher.
ti
ti

ti
ti
ti
 
ti

ti
ti
ti
ti
ff
ti
ti
ti
fi

ti

ff
ti

ti
ti
ti

ti
ti
ti
fi
tt
ti
fi

ti
ti
ti
ti
ti

tt
DRAMA
Drama is an ideal subject for students who are crea ve, mo vated and keen to develop skills in both
performance and analysis. If you have enjoyed the drama ac vi es which form part of your English
lessons in Years 7 to 9, then you will also enjoy the Drama IGCSE.
You will develop your talents as a performer, becoming more con dent at ac ng, improvising, and
developing original drama (devising). You will work individually, in pairs and in groups, which will
develop your teamwork, communica on and public speaking skills, as well as your ability to work
independently and imagina vely.
You will also develop analy cal skills, learning how to evaluate and explore your own devised
drama, and producing essays which will extend your ability to write clearly and accurately in English.
You will also learn about theatrical produc on and design elements.
You will improve your ability to express yourself on stage and on the page, while engaging with
emo ve and rewarding theatre texts.
Drama IGCSE will support your study of subjects like English Literature and Art, and also
complement all subjects which require e ec ve wri en communica on, including History,
Geography and Biology.
Drama is also the only subject which can be taken as a h IGCSE op on, which would involve some
students (who have to be con rmed by Mr Crumpton) taking the subject in two lunch me periods,
and then being expected to work in their own me to rehearse their prac cal pieces. Most
students, however, are encouraged to choose the subject as one of their four op ons.

Drama IGCSE is divided into prac cal and theore cal/wri en components. The prac cal coursework
makes up 60% of the quali ca on, and comprises three elements, which are all lmed at
Runnymede. They are then marked internally, and externally moderated by the Cambridge exam
board. Marks are also available for a student’s commitment, focus and crea vity throughout the
prac cal side of the course. The prac cal tasks are:
• A devised group piece. Students develop and perform their own piece of original 15-minute
drama, based on a s mulus given by their teacher.
• An individual scripted piece. Students prepare and perform a 3-minute monologue from a
play.
• A group scripted piece. Students rehearse and perform a 5-minute duologue or extract from
a play.

The nal wri en exam (2 hours 30 minutes) makes up 40% of the IGCSE, and has two
sec ons. In prepara on for this, students will devise another piece of drama (though they
will not be assessed as performers for this), which they will then analyse, evaluate and
explore in response to the exam ques ons. In addi on, in December of Year 11, we receive
the pre-released material, which is an extended extract from a play. Students study this
extract in terms of performance, direc on and design, and then write about it in the nal
exam.
ti
fi
ti
ti

tt
ti
ti

fi
ti
ti

fi
ti

ti

ti
ti

ti
ti
ff
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti

ti
tt
fi
ft
tt
ti
ti
ti
fi

ti

ti
ti
ti
ti
fi
ti
ti
fi
ti


Drama IGCSE students can con nue studying the subject at A Level, but the IGCSE will also develop
a range of very useful transferable skills, par cularly in terms of communica on, language and
teamwork. These will be valuable later for university degrees in business/management, as well as
humani es courses like Interna onal Rela ons, History and Geography.
Students who study this subject may go on to further work and study in the crea ve arts (including
theatre, lm and television), or they could work in arts and events management, PR and adver sing,
journalism or law.
ti
fi

ti
ti
ti
ti
ti

ti
ti
ti
EXTRA ENGLISH

IGCSE Second Language English o ers students the opportunity to improve their language skills and
knowledge. They will be become more con dent speakers and writers of English, which will have
posi ve e ects on their educa onal progress at Runnymede.
Through studying this IGCSE, students will develop:
• be er communica on in English - focusing on speaking, listening, reading comprehension and

wri ng
• improved understanding of English in a variety of registers and styles
• language-learning skills and greater awareness of how language works
• building vocabulary and use of idioma c expression
• speci c skills such as structuring essays and wri ng for di erent purposes and audiences
• addi onal prac ce in skills for First Language IGCSE (Note-taking & Summary, Directed Wri ng)
• addressing spelling and gramma cal accuracy and elimina ng second language errors
• strengthening their general language base which is important for other subjects taught in
English, including History, Drama and Geography

In Year 10, students will be prepared for the IGCSE Second Language English, which they will take at
the end of the academic year.
Year 11 is dedicated to prac sing and reinforcing the language skills required for English First
Language IGCSE, while also working on and improving coursework. Students will spend the year
ensuring that they do as well as possible in the First Language IGCSE, while also consolida ng their
wri en communica on skills in general, which will support their learning in most other IGCSE
subjects.

• Reading and Wri ng Paper (2 hours).
• Listening Paper (50 mins)
• Speaking (15 mins).

By developing their speaking, wri ng, reading and listening skills in English, students will be able to
enter the sixth form feeling more con dent about their language abili es, which will feed into
success in any subject taught in English. This may also lead them to feel more capable of choosing
Economics, English Literature or History at A-level, for example.
Fluency in English is an increasingly essen al skill in today’s compe ve job market, so any subject
which allows students to improve their ar culacy and eliminate common errors will be useful for
university study and a professional career in the UK, USA or Spain.
tt
ti
tt
ti
ti
fi

ff
ti
ti
ti
ti

ti

ti

ti

ti
ti
ff

fi
ti
ti
ti
fi
ti

ff
ti

ti
ti

ti

ti
ti

GEOGRAPHY

Geography explores how the decisions and events of today will shape the world of tomorrow. It is a
dynamic and relevant subject for all young people as it explores some of the great challenges facing
the next genera on.
Some of the topics covered include: popula on growth, migra on, urbanisa on, industry, water
security, energy supplies, food produc on, natural disasters, climate change and development.
Studying Geography will help you develop an understanding of these, as well as allowing you to
develop many diverse and useful skills, including research, analy cal, presenta on, numerical, data
collec on, team work, communica on skills to name a few.
It covers a broad range of topics, allowing students to develop an understanding, compassion and
concern for the planet and its people.

Year 10 Units:
Theme 1: Popula on and se lement
• Popula on dynamics
• Migra on
• Popula on structure
• Popula on density & distribu on
• Se lements and service provision
• Urbanisa on
Theme 2: The natural environment

• Earthquakes and volcanoes
• Rivers
• Coasts
• Weather
• Climate and natural vegeta on
Paper 2: Geographical Skills

Year 11 Units:
Theme 3: Economic development
• Development
• Food produc on
• Industry
• Tourism
• Energy
• Water
• Environmental risks of economic development
Paper 4: Alterna ve to coursework
tt
ti
ti

ti
ti
ti

ti

ti

ti
ti

ti

ti

tt

ti

ti

ti

ti

ti
ti
ti
ti
You will have 3 exams:
Paper 1: Geographical themes - with ques ons based on theme 1, 2 and 3 (1 hour 45 minutes) -
worth 45%
Paper 2: Geographical skills (1 hour 30 minutes) - worth 27.5%
Alterna ve to coursework exam paper (1 hour 30 minutes) - worth 27.5%

Geography covers such a broad range of issues and helps you develop a number of
transferable skills, making it an excellent basis for many di erent degrees and careers such
as: Interna onal Rela ons, Environmental Science, Poli cal Studies, Business Studies,
Management Studies, Economics, Journalism, Anthropology, Sociology, Earth Sciences,
Engineering, Architecture, Hospitality, Law, Surveying, Sustainability, Computer Science, etc.
ti
ti

ti
ti

ti

ti
ff

LATIN

What do J.K. Rowling, Mark Zuckerberg and a Nobel prize-winner in Physics have in common? They
all studied La n. Why did they nd it interes ng?
• They enjoyed the challenge of learning and understanding another language, which, although
familiar in many ways, is not that easy. But it is worth it.
• There are many things useful things it can give you. First, a major part of the study of La n is the
language. It helps you to understand and use English (as half of English vocabulary comes from
La n), and Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian.
• Knowledge of La n gives a richer vocabulary. It helps you understand the basic structure of
language. This leads to be er expression, both when wri ng and speaking.
• La n also involves study of an ancient and di erent civilisa on. Roman civilisa on provided the
founda ons of the civilisa on in which we live, and helps in understanding it.
• It seems a good idea to be able to step back from the modern world occasionally - to see how
other people have lived and to look at our world in a more detached way.
• Reading a range of literature wri en two thousand years ago in a very di erent world from ours
is interes ng in itself.
• Studying what the Romans wrote and wri ng about it also helps pupils to develop useful
analy cal skills.
So you have the sa sfac on of doing something challenging and get lots of bene ts!

The work in Year 10 is, rst, a thorough consolida on of the work done in Years 7 to 9 and, then, the
language is studied further, following the La n to GCSE textbook series. The language syllabus is
completed by the end of Year 10.
In Year 11, there is emphasis on the La n literature set texts of the course. In 2022, one of these is
epic poetry, an excerpt from Virgil's Aeneid Book 3, the other is prose, an extract from the work of
the poli cian and philosopher Cicero. At the same me, the grammar and syntax learned in Year 10
is further revised through prac ce papers.

The IGCSE is sat at the end of Year 11 and consists of two ques on papers of equal weigh ng in the
nal grade. One ques on paper has two passages of La n, to translate into English and to answer
ques ons on. There is a list of vocabulary to study for this paper.
The other ques on paper has ques ons on the two La n literature texts which will be studied
during Year 11. The ques ons involve narra ve understanding the texts and discussing their
contents.

IGCSE La n gives proof of knowledge and understanding of La n language and literature.
To have a pass at La n is an excellent quali ca on (and in these days a slightly unusual one) for
those applying for universi es, par cularly for those interested in such courses as English, History,
PPE, Journalism, Modern Languages or Law.
fi
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti

ti

ti
ti

ti
ti
ti
ti
ti

fi
ti
ti
ti
tt
ti

ti
fi
tt

ti
ti
ti
ti
fi

ti
ti
ti

ff
ti
ti

ti

ti
ti

ti
ti
ti
ti

ff

ti
fi

ti
ti

Universi es are going to no ce you when you apply if you have done La n - whether it is at IGCSE
or A Level. They will see you as a student capable of academic study at the highest level, whether it
is going to be in a subject related to your studies of La n or not.
Although La n - like many subjects - is not related to par cular jobs, it prepares you for jobs linked
with its content and language skills such as being a lawyer or journalist or pursuing an academic
career; and it is also a clear proof of your ability to work hard and to learn - possibly anything!
Many important people, who have gone on to success in very di erent jobs, have studied La n at
school and university. Two writers of children’s books were much in uenced by it - J.K. Rowling
(Harry Po er) and C.S. Lewis (Narnia). Charles Geschke founded Adobe Systems.
Anthony Legge was given the Nobel Prize for Physics - but he studied La n and Greek at Oxford.
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, studied La n and is said to have quoted from the
Roman poet Virgil at a Facebook conference!
ti
tt
ti
tt
ti

ti
ti
ti
ff

fl
ti
ti

ti

MUSIC

IGCSE Music is a diverse and exci ng quali ca on, which is designed for students who wish to
develop their ability to create, perform and understand di erent types of music. To be able to
achieve well in this course you should be someone who is already commi ed to progressing as a
performer with a specialist teacher, who is interested in growing as a composer of original music,
and who is open-minded when listening to unfamiliar styles and genres of music.

There are three areas of learning in IGCSE Music. Firstly, you will study a wide range of music from
di erent eras and countries. You will analyse and inves gate music from the Western Classical
Tradi on from 1600 to the present day, as well as exploring the music of La n America, the
Caribbean, the Indian Subcon nent, the Far East, the Middle East, as well as Sub-Saharan African.
As well as studying these di erent musical tradi ons through ac ve learning in the classroom,
Madrid’s rich cultural scene provides us with opportuni es to enhance our learning through hos ng
visi ng musicians, a ending live performances and through par cipa ng in performance seminars
using ethnic instruments.
You will develop your ability to create and develop original musical ideas, and how to use the
elements to their poten al to add excitement and interest to your composi ons. You will also
con nue to focus on your main instrument of voice, performing solo and ensemble repertory of
your choice that challenges you and demonstrates your talent.

Component 1: Listening - this will be assessed in a 1:15 hour examina on at the end of Year 11, in
which you will be played extracts from a wide range of styles and tradi ons, and asked ques ons
about the music. The examina on will contribute 40% of the marks towards your overall IGCSE
grade.
Component 2: Performing - this component consists of prepared performances of your own own
choice, which will be recorded. In one recording you will sing or play individually for a minimum of
2 minutes, and in a second recording you will sing or play as part of an ensemble for a minimum of
2 minutes. This coursework por olio will contribute 30% of the marks towards your overall IGCSE
grade.
Component 3: Composing - this component consists of two original composi ons, wri en for
di erent instruments and/or voices. Your composi ons should be contras ng, and will be judged for
the originality of your ideas, the structure of your pieces, your use of the instruments or voices you
have selected, your composi onal technique, and the presenta on of your score. This coursework
por olio will also contribute 30% of the marks towards your overall IGCSE grade.

Studying GCSE Music most directly prepares you for future study in Music, or in each of the three
areas of the course. Apart from developing broadly as a musician, this quali ca on will promote
and extend your skills of analysis, presenta on, crea vity, collabora on, and communica on.
ff
ff
ti
tf
ti
ti

tt
ti
ti

ff
ti

ti
ti
tf
ti

fi
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti

ti
ti
ff

ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
tt
ti
ti
ti
fi
ti
ti

tt
ti
ti

ti
PHYSICS

Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond
us. It is the most basic and fundamental science. Physics challenges our imagina on with concepts
like rela vity and string theory, and it leads to great discoveries, like computers and lasers, that, in
turn, lead to technologies which change our lives—from healing joints, to curing cancer and to
developing sustainable energy solu ons.
Physicists look for all the hidden laws that explain why all ma er and energy in the known universe
exists, where it comes from and how it behaves the way it does. So, if you’re wondering how forces
of nature, like gravity, work or how aircra stay up in the air, Physics might provide you with
answers.

Year 10
The topics covered are: mo on, forces and energy, thermal physics and waves
Year 11
The topics covered are: waves, electricity and magne sm, nuclear physics and space.
The aims of the course are to enable students to:

• acquire scien c knowledge and understanding of scien c theories and prac ce
• develop a range of experimental skills, including handling variables and working safely
• use scien c data and evidence to solve problems and discuss the limita ons of scien c
methods
• communicate e ec vely and clearly, using scien c terminology, nota on and conven ons
• understand that the applica on of scien c knowledge can bene t people and the environment
• enjoy science and develop an informed interest in scien c ma ers which support further study

Internal Assessment
Regular end of topic tests in each subject every 6-7 weeks allow students to measure their progress
through the course. There are end of year examina ons to ensure students are on the correct
course route.
Physics is an experimental science and therefore prac cal work will be an important part of the
syllabus. There is no coursework, but numerous experiments and class demos to develop prac cal
skills and complement theory.
External Assessment
Students will sit all their exams at the end of the course in Year 11.
Three papers assessing knowledge and understanding from di erent topics.
Paper 2: Mul ple Choice Paper 45 min.
Paper 4: Long Answer ques ons 1hr 15min
Paper 6: Alterna ve to Prac cal 1 hr.
 
 
 
ti

ti
fi

ti
ti

fi
ff
ti
ti
 
 
ti
ti
ti
ti

ti

 
ti
ft

fi
 
ti

fi
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
fi
fi
tt
ff
tt
fi
 
ti
ti

ti

ti

ti
ti

fi

ti


Physics brings a broad perspec ve to any problem. Because they learn how to consider any problem
physicists are not bound by context. This inven ve thinking makes physicists desirable in any eld. A
bachelor’s degree in physics is a great founda on for careers in Science, Engineering, Medicine,
Computer Science, Economics or Finance.
ti
ti
ti
ti

fi

Year 9 Options Booklet 2022

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Year 9 Options Booklet 2022

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Year 9 Options Booklet 2022

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

IGCSE

subject op ons at Runnymede College

What I will study and learn?

How will I be assessed?

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

Why study this subject?

What I will study and learn?

How will I be assessed?

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

Why study this subject?

What I will study and learn?

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

What I will study and learn?

How will I be assessed?

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

Why study this subject?

Through studying this IGCSE, students will develop:

• be er communica on in English - focusing on speaking, listening, reading comprehension and

What I will study and learn?

How will I be assessed?

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

Why study this subject?

What I will study and learn?

Theme 2: The natural environment

Paper 2: Geographical Skills

Paper 4: Alterna ve to coursework

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

Why study this subject?

What I will study and learn?

How will I be assessed?

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

Why study this subject?

What I will study and learn?

How will I be assessed?

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

Why study this subject?

What I will study and learn?

The aims of the course are to enable students to:

How will I be assessed?

Future opportuni es (degrees and careers):

You might also like