What you'll study
The course develops the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, using texts and situations drawn from everyday and international life. Topics are organised around five broad areas:
- everyday activities
- personal and social life
- the world around us
- the world of work
- the international world
Lessons are practical and skills-based. Students follow spoken English through conversations, announcements and interviews; read emails, articles, messages and other real texts; take part in role plays and topic discussions; and write everything from forms to emails, articles and short extended pieces. Throughout, they widen their vocabulary, sharpen their grammar and learn to communicate ideas and opinions clearly. Students in Years 7 to 9 follow a supportive English programme first, linked to Cambridge CEFR levels, which lays the foundation for this qualification.
How it's assessed
Assessment is entirely by examination, evenly balanced across the four skills, with no coursework. Students sit four components:
- Listening (25%): understanding spoken English from everyday situations
- Reading (25%): comprehension of written texts through a range of question types
- Speaking (25%): a role play and two topic conversations, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated
- Writing (25%): practical and extended tasks, including emails, letters and articles
Students are awarded grades from 9 to 1.
Where it leads
The IGCSE is a strong foundation for Sixth Form and beyond. It leads naturally into our Sixth Form IELTS Academic preparation, the qualification widely required for entry to universities worldwide, and gives students the communication skills they draw on across every other subject.
How to choose it
English as an Additional Language is for students whose first language is not English. Speak to us about the right English pathway for your child, and book a visit to meet the department.
Your next step
Discover how Kingsley supports English as an additional language, from first arrival to university.
Northdown Road, Bideford