IGCSE English Language (English as a 2nd Language)

Board:

Cambridge International Examinations

Course code:

0510

Duration:

2 years

Aims of the course:

This course is aimed at students for whom English is not their first language but for whom it is a lingua franca. It assesses students’ ability to use English as a medium of practical communication.

·        To develop the ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication;

·        To form a sound base for the skills required for further study or employment using English as the medium;

·        To develop an awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills, along with skills of a more general application;

·        To promote students’ personal development.

Levels available:

Core (grades ‘C’ to ‘G’) or extended (grades ‘A*’ to ‘E’)

Topics covered:

Writing for different purposes; understanding writers’ craft; developing oral skills through topical debate.

Assessed:

By examination, at the end of the 2 year course and coursework

Assessment details:

CORE

Paper 1
1hr 30 mins
70%
Reading and writing

EXTENDED

Paper 2
2 hrs
70%
Reading and writing

 

Paper 3
30-40 mins
30%
Listening

Paper 4
45 mins
30%
Listening

 

All students for both tiers are also awarded an Oral Communication Certificate after teacher assessment. This does not affect the examination grade but students will receive a separate grade for Speaking: 1 is the highest grade and 5 is the lowest grade.

Leads to:

It is a key qualification to indicate proficiency in English for continuation of AS and A-level study and develops written, oral and reading skills.