Core Subjects

In G1, students begin their 2-year study of IGCSE English Language and IGCSE English Literature. The two components are combined in G1 over 6 periods per week. In G2, this changes to 4 periods of Language and 4 periods of Literature.

G-level students will become familiar with a range of literary genre from 19th Century poems and short stories to 20th Century novels and plays. The Language component also contains nonfiction texts such as autobiography, articles and speeches.

The Language course enables students to develop their creative and transactional writing skills. Some students take this opportunity to submit their work for publication in the English department magazine which is published yearly and led by a team of students who work on the layout and editing.

Literature students develop their critical thinking as well as essay writing and presentation skills. The course provides an element of independent learning as students research socio-historical contexts and the lives of famous authors.

A lively atmosphere of student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction is typical in English classes. Regardless of shyness or ability, all students will increase their confidence and fluency in spoken English. Students will learn to function effectively in a small group situation, and this will also lead to their development of social and leadership skills.

10-15% of our G-level students go on to complete a full A-level in English Literature or Language. Others complete a half A-level or Advanced Subsidiary.

At SCIE we recognize that many of our students have entered the college having studied in the rigorous Chinese Mathematical system. Starting in G1 therefore, we teach the first year of the A Level Mathematics programme, two years earlier than would be usual.

At the end of the next academic year in G2, students sit the AS Level Mathematics (9709) examinations in Pure Mathematics 1 (P1) and Mechanics (M1), before going on to study the remaining two components Pure Mathematics 3 (P3) and Probability and Statistics (S1) of the full A Level in their A1 year.

In G1, the Students self-study the IGCSE course and the department will support the students with revision activities after the Mock exam. Throughout the course, students practice past examination questions to become familiar with the standards required in the examination.

During the G1 year we will be covering topics from P1 that will prepare them for learning P3 and have a deeper understanding of their subjects. The main new topics in the P1 course include calculus, teaching our students the theories and applications of differentiation and integration, as well as the Quadratics, Series, Functions, Coordinate geometry, Circular measure and Trigonometry.

While the M1 course covers kinematics, forces in equilibrium, Newton’s Laws of Motion as well as Work, Energy & Power.

In June 2024, our students achieved an average grade of A* in IGCSE and A in the AS examination.

The 21st century is an era of technological revolution and globalisation. At SCIE, our goal is to cultivate high-caliber talents with cross-cultural competence. While students gain an understanding of Western culture, it is essential they also strengthen their mother tongue. Only in this way can they build a solid foundation in Chinese cultural literacy and develop genuine cultural confidence. Rooted in China and with a global outlook, our students are encouraged to contribute to humanity’s progress.

SCIE’s Chinese Literature and History course differs from traditional language or history classes. The curriculum focuses on Chinese history (20%), Chinese literature (70%), and traditional culture (10%), delivered in an integrated, non-segregated manner. The course features rigorous instruction, open classroom discussion, and diverse assessment methods, aiming to inspire a love of Chinese, foster appreciation, and develop critical thinking. Regular and final assessments align closely with the Cambridge Chinese syllabus, emphasising reading and writing. Exams include modern and classical Chinese reading comprehension, guided writing, and essay writing.

Chemistry is a branch of science that deals with the study of matter, including atoms and molecules, and their interactions with each other. IGCSE Chemistry is a course designed to provide students with a solid foundation in Chemistry, which they can build on for future studies. It aims to develop both theoretical and practical scientific skills, as well as to help students appreciate the impact of chemistry and the chemical industry on modern life.

The two-year Chemistry course includes various areas of study. Pure Chemistry covers topics such as the nature of matter at a particle level, atomic structure, the periodic table, group properties, transition elements, noble gases, metals, sulphur, nitrogen, types of chemical bonds, stoichiometry, electrolysis, chemical energetics, speed of reaction, reversible reactions, redox reactions, acids and bases, oxides, salts, identification of ions and gases, and Organic Chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and organic acids.

The Applications of Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry covers the production of energy, fuels, extraction and uses of metals, purification of water, composition of air, pollution, plastics, and polymers.

The goal of studying IGCSE Chemistry goes beyond merely acquiring knowledge of the course material. It involves applying that knowledge to solve new problems, performing calculations, and conducting weekly experiments. This approach helps learners develop a range of experimental skills, including handling variables and working safely. Eventually, it fosters a love for science and encourages an informed interest in scientific matters, thereby supporting further study.

In the field of chemistry, calculations are a regular occurrence. While the calculations themselves may be simple, the level of mathematical thinking required is quite high. However, the most essential skill for this field is the ability to comprehend and utilize a vast amount of chemical terminology, and then apply that knowledge to solve problems.

We have one practical session every week for our IGCSE Chemistry course, which complements the theory work we cover in the other three lessons. Our new campus boasts state-of-the-art Chemistry labs. Therefore, if you choose Chemistry at IGCSE, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with various laboratory techniques.