Academic departments

The Academic departments of SCIE

The School separates subjects into Departments.

Department Subjects Taught
Art Art (IG), Fine Art (A)
Biology Biology (IG)(A)
Chemistry Chemistry (IG)(A)
Computer Science Computer Science (IG)(A)
Commerce Business studies (IG), Economics (IG)(A), Accounting (A)
English English (IG)(A), Drama (IG)(A), EPQ
Humanities Geography, History, Sociology, Psychology
Languages Chinese (IG), Japanese (IG), Spanish (IG)(A)
Mathematics Mathematics (IG)(A), Further mathematics
Music Music (IG)(A)
Physics Physics (IG)(A)
Physical Education Physical education (IG)

 

The Departments;

Art:

The Cambridge International A Level Art and Design syllabus considers expression and communication. Learners gain an understanding of visual perception and aesthetic experience, and the ways in which art and design creates a language of its own. Most of the work for this syllabus is practical or studio based, so that learners can develop their abilities of observation and analysis of the visual world, sensitivity, skill, personal expression and imagination.

Biology:

Biology is the study of living organisms. The A level course aims to provide an insight into the living world for students, improve their skills of reasoning and data analysis, along with handling apparatus and experimental design. The students should develop an awareness of how Biology impacts on everyday life and the developing technologies associated with Biological Science. The course provides a firm foundation for students applying for Medicine, Life Science or other science courses for their under-graduate degree.

 

Chemistry:

Chemistry is the study of matter, atoms and molecules, and their interactions with each other. The A level course aims to provide an introduction to the study of Chemistry for students and to show how Chemistry is an integral part of everyday life. At the same time, we look into the basis of chemical reactions and the practical techniques needed to observe and quantify them. This requires development of good equipment handling, as well as observational and reasoning, skills.

 

Computer Science:

Computer Science aims to provide a general understanding and perspective of the development of computer technology and systems, which will inform their decisions and support their participation in an increasingly technologically dependent society. Provide the necessary skills and knowledge to seek employment in areas that use computer science develop their knowledge and understanding of computer science through entry to higher education, where this qualification will provide a useful foundation for further study of computer science or more specialist aspects of computer science.

 

Commerce:

IGCSE Business Studies; is a very practical course, which is designed to give students an understanding of the business world and how they might be a part of it.

Accounting; is a practical study of how different types of transactions are categorised and recorded.
Successful accounting ensures that company finances are transparent and effective decision making can take place. This is an applied course that provides students with a working knowledge of accounting systems and the underlying principles on which they are based.

Economics; is a social science that studies the behaviour of producers, consumers and governments. This is a British (Cambridge International Examinations) curriculum course spanning over two years, designed for students to go on to further studies of Economics or related subjects at university.

 

English:

Students now have multiple options based on their ability and interest level. Many students will work towards Edexcel’s IGCSE English Language in G2, which will develop the students’ abilities and is recognized by many universities. Some students who wish to challenge themselves will work to-wards Edexcel’s GCSE English Language, which is the same examination taken by students in the UK. Both courses are designed to develop students’ English proficiency through the exploration of English Language use and analysis of various texts, both fiction and non-fiction. Upon completion of a Language qualification, most students will work towards their IGCSE Literature qualification, which will develop students’ skills in reading and writing, as well as analytical and critical thinking skills.

 

Humanities:

Geography: is the study of the Earth and the Physical and Human processes which shape it.

IGCSE Geography aims to encourage students to develop a sense of place and an understanding of relative location on a local, regional and global scale and an awareness of the characteristics and distribution of contrasting physical and human environments.

History: is the study of life in the past. IGCSE History is designed to give students a basic understanding of History, providing a wide range of international topics and issues of the 20th century, as well as looking in greater depth at the history of Russia.

Psychology: is the science of human behaviour. It is a relatively new science for A level study, but it is becoming very popular in many schools and colleges.
Sociology: is the study of society; it is about all kinds of social relationships that people share with each other, in their families, in their schools and in the work. Sociology has proved to be a very popular addition to the SCIE course offer.

 

Languages:

Chinese; SCIE students will pursue higher education in west-ern countries, and as such will inevitably be influenced by the cultures and values of these countries. There-fore, students should be well-grounded in their native Chinese culture and language, and establish a strong identity within themselves, in order to benefit most from this experience.

Japanese; Understand and respond to spoken language; Understand and respond to written language; Communicate in speech, showing knowledge of range of the target language; Communicate the language in writing.

Spanish; is said to be one of the easiest languages to learn. Much of its vocabulary is similar to English and written Spanish is almost completely phonetic. Moreover, while mastering the grammar of Spanish can be a challenge, basic grammar is straightforward enough to have meaningful communication after only a few lessons

 

Mathematics:

At SCIE, we recognize that many of our students have entered the college having studied in the rigorous Chinese Mathematical system. In G2 therefore, we teach the first year of the A Level Mathematics programme, a year earlier than would be usual. We acknowledge that Mathematics is much more than getting the right answer and therefore our classes are designed to inspire students’ mathematical thinking and ability. Students are guided to develop comprehension of the problem, analysis, and synthesis of information, planning, and execution by considering novel approaches and evaluate the solutions obtained to develop logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

 

Music:

Ever thought about the vast influence of western music in your everyday life?

How did music originate and develop over the years?

How can a person create an entire opera in 7 days?

Music at SCIE embodies the development of basic musical skills, knowledge and understanding, through the activities of listening, performing and composing.

 

Physics:

The study of Physics at this level is aimed at providing a worthwhile educational experience through well designed studies of experimental and practical science.

Students at SCIE are expected to follow the Extended curriculum which includes both the Core and the Supplement.

Both theory and practical work are seen as integral parts of the course, and students will be tested on both in the final examination as out-lined in the ‘Scheme of Assessment’.

The syllabus content consists of the following main sections, the specific details of which will be found in the syllabus document issued by Cambridge International Ex-aminations

 

 

Physical Education:

Theory Component;

This is split into areas where you will study the following;

Anatomy and Physiology
Health, Fitness and Training
Skill acquisition and psychology
Social, cultural and ethical influences
Practical Component;
You will need to choose 4 sports and you will be assessed based on your levels of fitness, skill and your ability to apply those skills in competitive situations.