ONYX

Key Stage 4 (Age 14 - 16)

This is the final stage of compulsory education for your child, and is the same as the two final years of the Spanish Secondary Compulsory Education System (ESO). The main aim of this stage is to prepare students for successful IGCSE and BTEC grades. The IGCSE is a balanced international curriculum which is designed to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. The curriculum consists of a two-year course of study leading to an examination which is typically taken at the end of year 11. The curriculum is suitable for students of all nationalities and different levels of ability. It prepares students for higher level courses such as; International Baccalaureate; International Advanced Level; vocational training; and for employment. The IGCSE covers a broad range of subjects with syllabuses which are regularly reviewed to keep pace with developments in educational practice and to meet the needs of schools throughout the world.

The Examinations
IGCSE examinations are held twice a year, in May and November. The examination boards charge a fee for the administration and assessment of each subject taken. These are due, per subject taken, on top of your normal school fees. At the moment, the fee is approximately 100 euros per IGCSE or GCSE. BTEC courses which are worth 2 x GCSEs cost 250 euros each at the start of the course. However, there is no exam fee at the end and the courses are transferable if you leave. The school intends to start a fund for families on lower incomes. Further information is available from the office. The examinations are structured so that students of differing abilities and skills can follow the same curriculum. In some cases, the students are assessed using papers designated as Core or Extended. The "Core" curriculum is designed to be appropriate for students expected to achieve grades C to G, and the "Extended" curriculum is designed to be appropriate for students expected to achieve grades A* to C. The "Supplement" describes the extra topics or depth of topic that must be added to the Core Curriculum to produce the Extended Curriculum.The decision whether a student should be entered at Core or Extended level in each subject examined, is made by the subject teacher, in consultation with the parents and student. This decision is usually taken after the "Mock" examinations taken in the January prior to the May/June examinations.

Retake Examinations
Students may retake examinations to improve their grades. Two possibilities exist: either to enter in November or to wait until the next May/June session of examinations which is organised by the school.

Coursework
Syllabi have alternatives to coursework. Whether a student will carry out course work in a subject or sit an alternative to coursework paper instead, is indicated in course descriptions of each subject in the curriculum booklet.

The coursework submitted by a student is marked by the teacher. Samples are then sent to be moderated by External Examiners, appointed by the boards, to ensure that they have been marked fairly. Teachers will be informed of the outcome of the moderation. Coursework may only be offered by schools where teachers have been specially trained in its assessment. Crucial decisions regarding which external examination courses to take in years 10 (Key Stage 4) are made by students during their year 9. These decisions are significant in that they may well influence not only the academic courses to be studied in the future, but individual career paths as well. We want such decisions to be made in an informed and careful manner, with the decision-making process involving students and their parents and a variety of appropriate staff at Mar Azul. All students are required to study 4 core subjects, and can choose up to 5 additional optional subjects. In addition PSHE, Religious Education, IT and Physical Education are taught throughout the curriculum although an examination is not necessary. Each course requires enough students to make it viable to run; therefore some subjects may not run every year.

IGCSE First Language English and Literature double award
The First Language English syllabus will develop students' ability to communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively in speech and writing. Students will be encouraged to use relevant vocabulary, to employ correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and to display a sense of style and audience. While there is a strong emphasis on reading and writing skills, an optional test or school-based assessment in speaking/listening is available. The syllabus will help students to understand and respond appropriately to what they see, hear and experience, and to enjoy the full variety of the English language. In addition, it will complement their other studies by developing general skills such as the ability to analyse, synthesise, and make inferences, order facts and present opinions. A study of First Language English will promote personal development and an understanding of self and others. Through the study of literature students are encouraged to read, interpret and evaluate literary texts. They will develop an understanding of texts in terms of literal meaning, relevant contexts and deeper themes or attitudes. They will learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use language to achieve their effects, and to communicate an informed personal response. The study of literature allows students to explore areas of universal human concern, thus leading to a greater understanding of themselves and others.  

IGCSE Mathematics
Students will be encouraged to develop their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment. They will develop a feel for numbers and for patterns and relationships in Mathematics. There will be a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Students will be encouraged to communicate clearly and reason logically using mathematical concepts. The Mathematics syllabus aims to encourage students to make use of Mathematics in other subjects and to provide a firm foundation for the further study of Mathematics and other disciplines.

IGCSE Foreign Language Spanish
In studying Foreign Language Spanish the emphasis is on developing the ability to communicate effectively in practical situations in all countries where the language is spoken. The four linked skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are encouraged and expanded throughout the course. The syllabus offers students an insight into the culture and civilization of the countries where the language is spoken. It encourages a positive attitude towards language learning and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilizations.  

IGCSE Biology
The Biology syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practical studies leading to an understanding of the concerns and basic principles of biology, with emphasis on human biology. Students will develop scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of biology in relation to the four main areas of syllabus content. These are: characteristics and classification of living organisms, organisation and maintenance of the organism, development of the organism and continuity of life and relationships of organisms with one another and with their environment. The course will stimulate an interest in, and concern for, the environment. It will prepare students to become confident citizens in a technological world and to take an informed interest in scientific matters; it will also form a basis for more advanced study.

IGCSE Chemistry
The Chemistry syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practical studies leading to an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry. Students will develop scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of chemistry; these will be of use in everyday life and, if desired, will form a basis for more advanced study. Students will gain an awareness of the study and practice of science and will understand that scientific applications may have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the individual, the community and the environment. The course will prepare students to become confident citizens in a technological world, and to take an informed interest in scientific matters.  

IGCSE Physics
The Physics syllabus offers a combination of theoretical and practical studies leading to an understanding of the basic principles of physics. Students will develop scientific abilities and skills relevant to the study of Physics; that will be of use in everyday life and, if desired, will form a basis for more advanced study. Students will gain an awareness of the study and practice of science and will understand that scientific applications have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the individual and the environment. The course will prepare students to become confident citizens in a technological world, and to take an informed interest in scientific matters and the environment. 

IGCSE Geography
Students will be encouraged to develop a sense of place and an understanding of relative location on a local, regional and global scale. Through a study of the characteristics and distribution of a selection of contrasting physical and human environments, students will come to understand some of the patterns and processes which affect the development of these environments. They will gain an insight into the spatial effects of the ways in which people interact with each other and with their environments. Together with a wider understanding of different communities and cultures throughout the world, students will come to appreciate the contrasting opportunities and constraints presented by different environments. Emphasis will be placed on developing core Geographical skills throughout the course to enable pupils to meet the demands of the examinations. 

IGCSE History
The History syllabus offers students the opportunity of studying some of the major international issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as looking in somewhat greater depth at the history of particular regions. However, the emphasis within the syllabus is as much on the development of historical skills as on the acquisition of facts. The syllabus will promote an understanding of the nature of cause and consequence, continuity and change, similarity and difference, based on an appreciation of the nature and use of historical evidence. The syllabus aims to stimulate student’s interest in and enthusiasm about the past, and to provide a sound basis for further study and the pursuit of personal interests.

IGCSE Religious Studies

The syllabus promotes an enquiring, critical and sympathetic approach to religion especially in the contemporary world. It develops knowledge of the varied nature of religion and the ways in which this is reflected in experience, belief and practice. It also reflects moral issues. The course will prepare students to become more sensitive and knowledgeable citizens in the world.

IGCSE Sociology

Key Topics

• Families

• Education

• Religion

• Sociological Methods

• Theory & Methods.

“Gain a sound understanding of sociological principles covering social patterns, people, culture and the environment.”

BTEC Courses

BTECs are vocational qualifications providing a more practical, real-world approach to learning and skills development but still underpinned by traditional teaching. BTEC qualifications can open doors directly in your chosen career path or you can develop further with a Higher National Diploma or University Degree.

Unlike A Levels and GCSEs, BTEC Firsts and Nationals are assessed through ongoing coursework and graded assignments and there are no exams to take at the end. Mar Azul International School is required to “internally verify” at least 50% of all assignments to ensure that they are meeting the quality standards laid down by Edexcel (The Examining Board responsible for the qualifications). Edexcel will also “Externally Verify” a representative sample of your assignments so you can be sure that your qualification is subject to stringent quality standards. Assignments can be graded as pass, merit or distinction depending on how well you have met or exceeded the learning outcomes set down by your teacher. Your overall grade will be based on the cumulative grades you have achieved throughout your assignments.

BTEC First’s are at Level 2 on the Qualification grid which means they are equivalent to GCSE’s. In addition to a BTEC First, you can go on to study BTEC Nationals at Level 3 on the Qualifications grid which means they are equivalent to A levels. If you wish to further your studies, you can do so at San Miguel International College. At the college you can choose to study a BTEC First Certificate (equivalent to 2 GCSE’s), a BTEC First Diploma (equivalent to 4 GCSE’s), a BTEC National Award (equivalent to 1 A level), a BTEC National Certificate (equivalent to 2 A levels)or a BTEC National Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels).

BTEC Firsts: All students will study to achieve the BTEC First Certificate over a 2 year period. This requires a commitment of a minimum of 2 hours study at school per week with additional homework and assignments to be completed in your own time. On completion, you may chose to cash in your qualification for a Certificate or go on to study a BTEC First Diploma at our College of Further Education.

Please see below a full list of BTEC courses available at Mar Azul International School:

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Art and Design

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Business Studies

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Engineering

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Hair and Beauty

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Travel and Tourism

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in ICT Practitioners

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)

• BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Sport