Covenant International School (CIS) is a fully accredited Cambridge school that is eligible to offer exams at both IGCSE and AS/A Levels.
Covenant International School (CIS) is a fully accredited Cambridge school that is eligible to offer exams at both IGCSE and AS/A Levels.
At CIS, Years 10 and 11 (typically students aged between 14 and 16 years) students will prepare to sit for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education external examinations – IGCSE – the world’s most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds. IGCSE provides an excellent preparation for Cambridge Advanced Level studies. Cambridge syllabuses are international in flavour but with a local relevance; designed for an international student body with content to suit a wide variety of schools, but avoiding cultural bias.
Year 10 and 11 students are expected to take 4 elective courses in addition to the 3 compulsory/core subjects of English Language, Maths, and Religious Studies. The compulsory subjects are taken as two-year courses and the elective courses are taken as one-year courses (two taken per year). In addition to the IGCSE courses, students will also take either Myanmar Language or Korean Language classes each year. Examinations for the courses will be at the end of each school year (two in Year 10, and five in Year 11).
The Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design syllabus aims to encourage a personal response by stimulating imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. Learners gain confidence and enthusiasm as they develop technical skills in two and three dimensional form and composition, and are able to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile forms. They also learn how to develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions. An ideal foundation for further study, Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design also develops a greater awareness of the role played by the visual arts in society and in history, broadening cultural horizons and individual experience.
With an emphasis on human biology, the Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at Cambridge International A Level, which are useful in everyday life.
As they progress, learners understand how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
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 study at Cambridge International A Level and an ideal preparation for the world of work.
The Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus enables learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at Cambridge International A Level, skills which are useful in everyday life.
As they progress, learners understand how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
Learners following the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science syllabus develop their understanding of the main principles of problem solving using computers. They can apply their understanding to develop computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language. Learners also develop a range of technical skills, as well as being able to effectively test and evaluate computing solutions. Studying Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science will help learners appreciate current and emerging computing technologies, the benefits of their use and recognise their potential risks.
Through practical and theoretical study, learners develop an understanding and enjoyment of drama, developing group and individual skills and studying ways to communicate ideas and feelings to an audience. They learn how to discover the performance possibilities of a text and other stimuli, and devise dramatic material of their own. Learners also develop their performance skills, the demonstration of which will form part of the final assessment.
The Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus develops an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles. Learners study the economics of different countries and how these interrelate. They also learn to work with simple economics data and to use the tools of economic analysis. Learners apply understanding of economics to current economic issues.
The Cambridge IGCSE Design and Technology syllabus enables learners to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with different media, materials and tools. As a result, learners gain greater technical and design awareness, while developing skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity. They also develop the communication skills central to design making and evaluation.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English is designed for learners whose first language is English. The course enables learners to:
Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
The syllabus is designed to teach learners about sustainable development in a world where the security of resources and life-sustaining systems is endangered by human impact. It draws upon disciplines such as biology, Earth science, geography and economics.
Learners gain an understanding of the Earth’s natural systems and how people use natural resources; they then investigate the impact of human development on the environment and learn how the environment can be managed sustainably in the future, from a local as well as a global perspective.
Through the Cambridge IGCSE Geography syllabus, learners will develop a ‘sense of place’ by looking at the world around them on a local, regional and global scale. Learners will examine a range of natural and man-made environments, and study some of the processes which affected their development. They will also look at the ways in which people interact with their environment, and the opportunities and challenges an environment can present, thereby gaining a deeper insight into the different communities and cultures that exist around the world.
Meeting government ministers, organising a local river clean-up project and writing to the United Nations about climate change, are just some of the activities learners are pursuing through the Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives course.
Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives is a groundbreaking and stimulating course that stretches across traditional subject boundaries and develops transferable skills. It is both cross-curricular and skills-based and taps into the way learners of today enjoy learning, including team work, presentations, projects, and working with other learners around the world. The emphasis is on developing the ability to think critically about a range of global issues where there is always more than one point of view.
The Cambridge IGCSE History syllabus looks at some of the major international issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as covering the history of particular regions in more depth. The emphasis is on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research.
Learners develop an understanding of the nature of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference and find out how to use and understand historical evidence as part of their studies. Cambridge IGCSE History will stimulate any learner already interested in the past, providing a basis for further study, and also encouraging a lifelong interest in the subject. Both coursework and non-coursework options are available.
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.
An essential subject for all learners, Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a strong basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build learners’ confidence by helping them develop competence and fluency with mathematical concepts, methods and skills, as well as a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships. The syllabus also places a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Learners also gain an understanding of how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.
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 also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at Cambridge International A Level, skills which are useful in everyday life.
As they progress, learners gain an understanding of how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
The Cambridge O Level Religious Studies syllabus focuses on Christian origins. It encourages learners to take a thoughtful approach to the study of the life and teaching of Jesus, as contained in the Gospel of Luke, and also considers the birth and development of the early church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
As a result, learners develop an enquiring and critical approach to the study of biblical texts and are able to explore the religious, ethical and historical questions raised. The syllabus is open to learners of any religion (or none), and both the New International Version and the Revised Standard Version of the Bible are used for quotations.
A-Level (or Advanced Level) phase is composed of Years 12 and 13 (typically students aged 17 and 18 years). A-Level courses can be completed at two levels, Advanced Subsidiary level (AS) and Advanced Level (A-Level). In the first year of a course students complete the AS components (exam/s and any required course work) to gain their AS level standard. (AS level examinations may be taken at this stage if a student does not intend to continue through to A level.) The student then builds upon the AS level with a second year at the A2 level. Once the A2 components of the course have been completed the student is awarded an overall A Level grade for that course.
In Year 12, students will select several elective courses at AS level. Students can sit the exam at the end of the first year to receive credit as an AS course, but some courses can continue to the second year in order to receive credit as a full A-Level course. Students will be guided in selecting courses from IGCSE levels to support the AS and A-Level courses that will best support their applications to universities in their area of interest.
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. They also learn how to relate their skills to an enhanced knowledge of their own cultures, past and present, as well as an appreciation of practical design problems.
Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology is ideal for learners who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.
Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry is ideal for learners who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.
This syllabus encourages learners to be innovative and creative and to develop their ability to design high quality products. Through their studies, they will develop an awareness of the significance of design and technology on society, while also learning more about production processes and industrial practices.
Learners will be encouraged the use ICT to build their design and technological abilities, and develop critical evaluation skills which they can employ in a variety of technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental, social and cultural contexts. As a result, learners will also become discerning consumers of design and technology, able to make informed choices.
Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language provides learners with the opportunity to study English language and its use in communication. Learners will be encouraged to respond critically to a wide variety of texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, and to promote skills of communication, reading, research and analysis.
Through their study, learners will develop an ability to read and analyse material, gaining further knowledge and understanding of English language features and issues. Learners will also develop the skills of writing clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences.
This AS Level syllabus develops scientific knowledge and understanding of global environmental issues and theories, and of the policies and strategies for managing the environment. The course covers the sustainable use and management of resources, and strategies that aim to protect environments. Learners will interpret and analyse data and do investigative work. Case studies allow teachers to choose their own examples to investigate, which may be local, regional or global.
Although Cambridge International AS Level Environmental Management extends and complements the relevant Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses, learners do not need to have studied the subject before starting the course.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives and Research prepares learners for positive engagement with our rapidly changing world.
Learners broaden their outlook through the critical analysis of – and reflection on – issues of global significance. The Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives and Research syllabus is based on skills rather than on specific content. Learners develop research, thinking, reasoning and communication skills by following an approach to analysing and evaluating arguments and perspectives called the Critical Path. Collaborative skills are enhanced through participation in a team project. The skills gained through study of Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives and Research enable students to meet the demands of twenty-first century learning and to make a successful transition to study in higher education.
This syllabus encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general. At A Level, learners also study simple programming for the web relevant to their own use of IT.
Cambridge International A Level Mathematics develops a set of transferable skills. These include the skill of working with mathematical information, as well as the ability to think logically and independently, consider accuracy, model situations mathematically, analyse results and reflect on findings.
Learners can apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and these skills equip them well for progression to higher education or directly into employment.
Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of physics, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of physics ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics is ideal for learners who want to study physics or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.
