IGCSE English as a Second Language

 

This course is designed for students who have English as their second or additional language. It is a full IGCSE course that is accepted at A-Level and Universities around the world as a valid English Language qualification.

The IGCSE ESL is a skills based course that aims to enable students to do the following:

• To develop the ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication in a variety of situations.
• To form a sound base for the skills required for further study and 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, (e.g. writing for specific purposes, analysing and synthesizing material).

Students are examined on Reading and Writing for 2 hours and on Listening Skills for 40 minutes. There is also a 15-minute oral examination.

All students are currently required to take the English Language (First Language) exam – which takes place in May at the end of Year 11. The IGCSE ESL exam is therefore taken in November, soon after students enter Year 11 and offers students an additional English language qualification.

What are the advantages of taking IGCSE ESL ?

• No long coursework assignments – improve your speaking confidence with the 15-minute oral assessment.
• Better English Language reading and writing skills that are useful in all subjects.
• Improved general knowledge and vocabulary from exposure to newspapers and magazines.
• Exposure to radio and television excerpts to enhance listening skills.
• Developing Oral confidence and speaking skills through short group discussions, presentations and speeches.
• Summarizing, skimming, scanning and note-taking skills.
• Writing in different registers, both formal and informal. Writing for specific purposes - reports, business letters, letters of complaint, persuasion, transactions, arguments etc.
• Less examination pressure in May, because you take this one in November. Lots more time after November in Year 11 to work on improving subject coursework in other subjects and developing revision and study skills.
• Two useful English Language GCSE grades – IGCSE ESL and the English as a First Language.

 

For Further Information :

Please see Dr. Rod