Cambridge IGCSE Curriculam

Cambridge IGCSE Curriculam

Cambridge IGCSE · Grades 9–10

Build knowledge. Choose your direction.

At Candor, Cambridge IGCSE gives students the academic depth, subject choice and independent learning habits they need to move confidently into the IB Diploma Programme, Cambridge AS & A Levels and beyond.

Grades 9–10Two purposeful years
Internationally recognisedTrusted worldwide
Choice with guidanceA pathway built around each learner
IGCSE students learning, collaborating and creating
Cambridge Upper Secondary at Candor

Rigorous learning. Real choice.

Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for students aged 14 to 16. Its internationally focused syllabuses develop deep subject knowledge and future-ready skills while asking students to apply, analyse, investigate and communicate.

The curriculum is flexible by design. At Candor, strong core learning in English, mathematics and science is enriched through breadth of choice and cross-curricular learning. Students build a balanced programme with guidance that considers their interests, strengths and future plans—preparing them for advanced study and increasingly independent learning.

The Cambridge Learner

Ready to learn. Ready for life.

Learning at Candor reflects the five Cambridge learner attributes through daily classroom practice, intellectual enquiry, collaboration and reflection—helping students become ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

  • 01

    Confident

    Secure in their knowledge, willing to explore ideas and ready to communicate with clarity.

  • 02

    Responsible

    Thoughtful about their learning, their choices and their impact on others.

  • 03

    Reflective

    Able to evaluate progress, respond to feedback and identify purposeful next steps.

  • 04

    Innovative

    Equipped to approach new challenges with creativity, flexibility and resourcefulness.

  • 05

    Engaged

    Curious about the world and prepared to participate intellectually and socially.

How students learn

Knowledge that travels beyond the classroom.

ASK

Intellectual enquiry

Students question assumptions, investigate evidence and learn to develop reasoned conclusions.

APPLY

Purposeful practice

Clear instruction and deliberate practice establish the knowledge and skills needed for confident application.

CONNECT

New contexts

Students transfer what they know to unfamiliar situations, make connections and solve problems.

REFLECT

Ownership of progress

Feedback, self-assessment and goal setting help students understand how to improve.

Subject choice at Candor

A broad programme. A personal pathway.

Students select a balanced combination with support from teachers, programme leaders and counsellors. Candor’s subjects are organised within Cambridge’s six official IGCSE subject groups.

01

Creative and professional

  • Art & Design
  • Computer Science
  • Design & Technology
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Physical Education
02

English language and literature

  • First Language English
  • English Literature
  • English as a Second Language
03

Humanities and social sciences

  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Global Perspectives
04

Languages

  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Hindi
05

Mathematics

  • Mathematics Extended
  • International Mathematics
  • Additional Mathematics
06

Sciences

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Co-ordinated Sciences
  • Environmental Management

Subject availability, combinations and base viability may vary by cohort, staffing and timetable. The school’s current subject-selection guide is the definitive source for each admissions cycle. Students are expected to continue an additional language already studied; changes at this stage are normally not encouraged.

Science investigation in a Candor laboratory
The Candor Experience

Learning through evidence and action.

Our laboratories, creative spaces, green campus and organic farm extend learning beyond textbooks. Students investigate, design, perform, debate and test ideas—developing the practical competence and intellectual confidence required by IGCSE courses.

  • Four science laboratories
  • Practical investigation
  • Creative performance
  • Global perspectives
  • Environmental learning
Assessment with purpose

More than remembering. Evidence of understanding.

Assessment varies by subject and may include written examinations, oral work, coursework and practical assessment. Throughout the two years, teachers use regular evidence of learning to identify strengths, address gaps and prepare students well for final assessments.

01

Clear standards

Students understand syllabus expectations, assessment objectives and what quality looks like.

02

Actionable feedback

Feedback identifies the next step, giving students time and support to improve their work.

03

Varied evidence

Knowledge and skills are demonstrated in forms appropriate to each subject, including practical and oral work.

04

Recognised outcomes

Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are accepted by universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic ability.

Challenge with support

Known as a learner. Supported as a person.

Grades 9 and 10 bring greater choice, challenge and responsibility. Teachers monitor progress closely and work with families so concerns are identified early. English-language support, academic guidance, wellbeing teams and PEC counselling help students build the confidence and habits to succeed.

  • Academic guidance
  • English-language support
  • Wellbeing and PEC
  • University pathway advice
  • Boarding available
Teacher conferencing with an IGCSE student
What comes next

One strong foundation. Two excellent pathways.

IGCSE gives students the knowledge, examination confidence, research skills and recognised qualifications to progress into either of Candor’s senior secondary routes. Subject choices and performance in Grades 9–10 help shape the most appropriate programme and course levels for Grades 11–12.

GRADES 11–12

IB Diploma Programme

A broad, academically challenging programme of six subjects plus the DP core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service.

GRADES 11–12

Cambridge AS & A Levels

A specialised pathway that allows students to concentrate on a smaller number of subjects in substantial depth.

A connected learning journey

Progress with purpose.

GRADES 1–5

IB Primary Years Programme

Inquiry and strong foundations

GRADES 6–8

Cambridge Lower Secondary

Depth, independence and discovery

GRADES 9–10

Cambridge IGCSE

Choice, rigour and recognised qualifications

GRADES 11–12

IBDP or AS & A Levels

Advanced study and university preparation

Frequently asked questions

What families want to know.

How are subjects selected?

Students and families receive guidance based on interests, previous achievement, future study plans and the combinations available in the timetable. The current subject-selection guide explains the precise options for each cohort.

Does every subject use the same assessment format?

No. Depending on the syllabus, assessment may include written papers, oral work, coursework and practical components. Teachers explain the requirements and assessment objectives for each course.

Can students change their additional language in Grade 9?

Students are normally expected to continue the language they have already studied because language courses build on prior learning. Candor offers French, German, Spanish and Hindi, subject to the current timetable and entry guidance.

How does IGCSE prepare students for Grades 11 and 12?

Students develop subject knowledge, examination confidence, research skills, independence and effective study habits. Their choices and results also help determine suitable subjects and levels in the IB Diploma or Cambridge AS & A Level pathway.

Plan the right IGCSE pathway

Discover where your child can go next.

Meet our team, explore subject choices and learn how Cambridge IGCSE at Candor prepares students for advanced study and life beyond school.