The National Curriculum of England (UK) is a very structured curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of all students, stretching brighter children and supporting those who need it through differentiated teaching and learning activities. The curriculum extends and excites all students, whatever their interests or ability. Through it, teachers are able to identify, celebrate and nurture the talents and intelligences of students.
British education is renowned for concerning itself with the development of the whole personality.
In the British education system, students are taught to learn by questioning, problem-solving and creative thinking rather than by the mere retention of facts, hence giving them analytical and creative thinking skills that they will need in the working world. A variety of teaching and assessment methods designed to develop independent thought as well as a mastery of the subject matter is used.
The National Curriculum of England has a clearly defined series of academic and other objectives at every level. mydrasa focuses on Key stage 3 (Year 7-9), Key stage 4 IGCSE/GCSE (Year 10-11) and Key stage 5 A-Level (Year 12-13).
mydrasa added subjects related to Key stage 4 to Year 9, and added subjects related to Key stage 5 to Year 11 for student preparation.
IGCSE stands for the "International General Certificate of Secondary Education". It is a program leading to externally set, marked and certificated examinations from the University of Cambridge. Any student who takes an IGCSE subject will be gaining a qualification that is recognized globally.
The exam boards covered under the International GCSE are Cambridge, Edexcel, and Oxford AQA.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is designed for students whose first language is not English but who need English to improve their educational or career prospects.
A pass at grade C or above is recognised by a number of UK universities as evidence of competence in the language for university entrance.
The syllabus assesses students’ ability to use English to communicate in writing, reading, listening and speaking. It develops the ability to use English in a variety of contexts and provides a sound language base for further study, or for employment in an environment where English is used.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is an international exam and students come from both English and non-English-speaking countries.
There are two syllabuses for English as a Second Language. In Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language syllabus 0510 (oral endorsement), marks for the oral component do not contribute to the overall grade learners receive for the written components. Instead, certificates record the achievement of grades 1 (high) to 5 (low) for speaking. The speaking component for 0510 is compulsory (not just for 0511).
In the Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in English as a Second Language syllabus 0511 (count-in oral), the oral component is compulsory and contributes 15 per cent to the overall syllabus grade.
Syllabus 0511 has been approved by Ofqual for use in state-maintained schools in England because it meets the requirements of the National Curriculum in England.
Independent schools in the UK may enter for either syllabus 0510 or 0511. State-maintained schools in England may enter learners for syllabus 0511 only.