3º British: IGCSE simulation

Hello everyone!

As previously told, your new task is to take a simulation (or mock) on the IGCSE. This task is mandatory for everyone and it will be part of the 20% of your mark this term so, please, take it seriously and try to do your best. 

When is it going to take place? On Wednesday 20 May, at 11:00 I will send you and email with the choosen Igcse in pdf format. That simulation will have 3 parts (Human geography, natural environment and economical geography). You MUST answer ONE question from each section. You will have exactly 48 hours to solve it and send it back to me. Not very stressful, isn't it?

Besides, you will have several days to prepare it in advance.

First of all, download and fill this self-evaluation-template. That table contains everything you should know for the Igcse, both the theory and the examples (case studies) you can be asked about. For example (ahem!...), would you be able to explain why the population change in a country and how different political laws, such as pro-natalist, can affect it? Other examples, do you know what is the Pacific Ring of Fire? Can you explain why people live in volcanic areas despite the danger? What is subsistence farming? How many energitical resources can you name?...

By revising your class materials (notes, monthly works, etc.) you should find enough information for all the items included in that self-evaluation template. You can also have a look to this list of case studies that were explained (or at least mentioned) in class. 

And remember that Mondays at 16:00 you can volunteer join my class at Teams and ask me doubt or clarifications about this Igcse simulation, ok?

Ready?...

3º-4º British: updated news IGCSE

Good news! Finally TODAY I have received the confirmation about the process for the IGCSE Geography & History exams: the process of convalidation will be similar to English as First language. 

Although Cambridge will take the final decission over your mark, at the end it will be based on your score in my subject; that means that we must continue with the scheduled plan: lessons, monthly works, etc. 

Don't give up and work hard this term! :)

3º and 4º British: your IGCSE exams

The quarantine situation due to Covid-19 will probably also impact the scheduled examination plan (EBAU, IGCSE, etc.). 

For those of my students that are taking this year IGCSE the lattest news are that nothing has changed and you are expected to get your exams as planned in May-June (hopefully, everything will be back to normal by then): "We currently plan to deliver the June 2020 series where schools are open or exams can be held safely elsewhere".

You can read here the full message to Cambridge Schools from Chief Executive Christine Özden.

3º and 4º British: IGCSE 2019

If your are thinking about your options for taking the IGCSE exams (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), in THIS LINK you will find all the information needed for May 2019 (dates, syllabus, percentages, etc.). 

It is an important decission, so take your time...

3º British: Create your own case study

Here you have your new online task of the term! In groups, you have to create a case study activity about the primary sector. You can choose ONE of the following topics (Each one has some helpful links for stating, but you can find out your own online resources):

Option A. Vineyard cultivation in France (Global production, plantation’s needs and map)

Option B. Cocoa cultivation in Ghana (Sustanaible Cocoa farming and Ghana business news)

Option C. Is there a butter crisis in France? (BBC explanation and Solution from Asturias)
Option D. Tulip flowers cultivation in India (Plantation’s needs and Kashmiri case)
Option E. Cheese production in Asturias (Food & Drink sector, varieties and 2015 production)

Option F. Mussels cultivation in Kerala, India (Kerala case and Oyster Opera)

Remember that the best one will be selected to be part of this term exam (with a maximum value of 2 points) J Your activity MUST include:

- One question about vocabulary (0’25 points)

- Two short questions for working with maps, photos or diagrams (0’25 each)

- One question about description of maps or photos (0’25 points)

- One question about “suggestions” or “personal opinion” (0’5 points)

- One question “From a named country…” (0’5 points). Here you have also to include a link to a possible answer or example.

Obviously, you HAVE TO include also visual resources (maps, diagrams or photos) that will allowed to solve the questions.

When finish, send it as a attached file to blogeducativo08@gmail.com. This activity is mandatory and you will receive a mark for it. In case you fail to finish it, do it out of date (21  January) or just copy, the score will be 0.

Ready? Let’s go! J

3º British: For a named country that you have studied…

As you already known, you will be asked to give a real and detailed example of any topic in the IGCSE exams. As these questions are the most valuable in the exam (7 marks!), you have to be sure to prepare a good revision. 

Because of that, here you have a summary of examples and cases studies that we have studied in class during this academic year and you might be able to use in your IGCSE. I have also include a 6º part with the natural environment cases that we will study after Easter holydays (eg. Volcanoes, earthquakes, etc.). Have a look... GOOD LUCK!

In the meantime, remeber also the structure and rules of IGCSE.

1. POPULATION

Odd population pyramids due to migration (Qatar)

Aeging (elderly) population: Puebla de Almenara (Spain) and  Japan

Anti-natalist: China and the one-child policy (Before and after 2013)

Pro-natalist: Finland and France

Migration’ management: The points system in Canada

2. SETTLEMENT

Sustanaibility (definition and case of Abu Dhabi)

Sustanaibility (Curitiba and Whitehill Bordon)

Sustanaibility & Gender (Safety women’s program)

Gentrification (redevelopment of city centers): Chueca

Shanty towns: “Favelas” of Rio de Janeiro

Shanty towns: Kibera (Nairobi) and sources

Rural areas and modernity: Asiego de Cabrales (from an exam)

3. PRIMARY SECTOR

Market gardering and Hydroponic cultivation (Tomatoes in Netherlands)

CAP and diversification (Changes in farming in East Anglia, UK)

Green Revolution (India)

Energy (Changing energy in UK, Progranm 2020 & Brexit)

Farming in Mezzogiorno (Italy)

Oil explotation in Madagascar

Energy and pollution: Exxon Valdez oil spill (exam question)

Vineyard cultivation, France (Global production, plantation’s needs and map)

Cocoa cultivation, Ghana (Sustanaible Cocoa farming, Ghana business news)

Cheese production in Asturias (Food & Drink sector, varieties)

Mussels cultivation in Kerala, India (Kerala case and Oyster Opera)

Tulip flowers cultivation in India (Plantation’s needs and Kashmiri case)

4. SECONDARY SECTOR

Changing location of industry in UK (M4 corridor)

Worldwide location (Twinnings Tea and Cadbury chocolates)

TNCs: Ford in Chennai (India)

Industry in LEDCs: Intermediate Tech Development Group (Northern Kenya)

Industry in MEDCs: Panasonic in Osaka

Industry in MEDCs: Playmobil in Malta (from an exam)

Industry in MEDCs: Bayern in Asturias (from an exam)

5. TERCIARY SECTOR

Tourism and natural environment: Lake District National Park

Tourism and natural environment: Serengeti (Kenya)

 Ecotourism

6. PLATE TECTONICS & VOLCANOES / CLIMATE ISSUES

Ruapehu volcanic eruption (New Zealand)

Etna (Sicily, Italy)

Kobe’s earthquake (1995)

Coastal management in Holderness (Coastal erosion)

Hurricane Katrina (2005)

Global warming: Greenhouse effect, carbon footprints and effects.

Britain’s weather and climate
The impact of drought in the UK (2004)

IGCSE 2017: Updated News

UPDATED FOR 2017

Here you have the basic information about this year's exams (I've also included an example of each one from May/June 2015). Have a look to the examples before taking your decission.

3º British: Geography

·                     Geo. Paper 1 (Code 0460/12): Tuesday 2 May (Questions and photos). 

·                     Geo. Paper 2 (Code 0460/22): Monday 8 May (Questions and photos). 

·                     Geo. Paper 4 (Code 0460/42): Tuesday 6 June (Questions and photos). 

In the meantime, you should read the rules for the Geography's exams and have a look to all the examples explained at class that you can use on the real Igcse...

4º British: History

·                     Hist. Paper 1 (Code 0470/12): Friday 5 May (Exam). 

·                     Hist. Paper 2 (Code 0470/22): Friday 12 May (Exam). 

·                     Hist. Paper 4 (Code 0470/42): Monday 5 June (Exam). 

As in the previous case, you should read the rules for the History's exams.

GOOD LUCK! 

Homework for March

It's time for a special task. You have to download and print the dossier (related with your level - Remember the password!) and bring it to class. As usual, answer the questions as complete as possible. They will be colleted before the Easter Holidays. 

• 1º British: Anglosaxons, Vikings and Normans (If you need it, you can also print the theoretical topic for looking up information). Limit day: Tuesday 15 March.
• 3º British: IGCSE simulation (Paper 1 Exam and Insert Photos). Answer 3 complete questions (from 6 possible options). Limit day: Thursday 17 March.
• 4º British: IGCSE simulation (Papel 2 Exam). Choose 1 option (19th or 20th century) and them answer ALL the questions from that option. Limit day: 4º B/C Wednesday 16 Mach - 4ºA Thursday 17 March.

This work is individual and mandatory and will be part of the score of the third term. If you fail to finish it, do it out of date, or just copy from a webpage, the mark will be a 0 for this work.

Ready? 3, 2, 1... Good luck! J

IGCSE 2016

Here you have the basic information about this year's exams (I've also included an example of each one from May/June 2015). Have a look to the examples before taking your decission.

3º British: Geography

·                     Geo. Paper 1 (Code 0460/12): Tuesday 3 May (Questions and photos). 

·                     Geo. Paper 2 (Code 0460/22): Friday 6 May (Questions and photos). 

·                     Geo. Paper 4 (Code 0460/42): Tuesday 24 May (Questions and photos). 

In the meantime, you should read the rules for the Geography's exams and have a look to all the examples explained at class that you can use on the real Igcse...

4º British: History

·                     Hist. Paper 1 (Code 0470/12): Monday 9 May (Exam). 

·                     Hist. Paper 2 (Code 0470/22): Friday 13 May (Exam). 

·                     Hist. Paper 4 (Code 0470/42): Monday 6 June (Exam). 

As in the previous case, you should read the rules for the History's exams.

GOOD LUCK! 

3º British: IGCSE 2015

Here you have, finally, the basic information about this year's exams (I've also included an example of each one from November 2012):

• Geo. Paper 1 (Code 0460/12): Tuesday 5 May, 10:00 - 11:45 hours. 
• Geo. Paper 2 (Code 0460/22): Friday 8 May, 10:00 - 11:30 hours. 
• Geo. Paper 4 (Code 0460/42): Tuesday 19 May, 10:00 - 11:30 hours. 

In the meantime, you should read the rules for the Geography's exams and have a look to all the examples explained at class that you can use on the real Igcse...

GOOD LUCK! 

Would you pass an Oxford University exam?

Oxford and Cambridge are some of the most famous (and demanding) universities in the world. Their difficult access exams are also well-known and now, thanks to the following link, you can read some examples of the Oxford exam questions. As you can see, there is not only one correct answer; even more, the important point here is not the answer in itself but your thoughtful thinking. That is: your ability for finding the deep cause of a problem, for selecting and linking ideas,  for giving and explaining reasons and consequences, and for expressing in a rational way your reflections.

Causes, consequences, reasoning ability... does they sound familiar to you? Yes! In class, you are being trained in all of them! So don't worry, at the end of the academic year, you will be able to pass your IGCSE - Cambridge exam!

Let's work! J

Source: Diario Vasco via DDR

IGCSE 2014

Here you have, finally, the timetable for the IGCSE exams of this year. You can also read the rules for the Geography's exam and review those links from Cambridge and BBC-Education.

GOOD LUCK!

British IGCSE: May 2013 exams

This is the timetable for the exam of this year:

History (4º): In this subject the exams will be divided in 3 parts. You have more details (and even information of the topics/questions of the exam!) in this information pdf:

• Paper 1 (Theory): Tuesday 7 May. Hour: 9:00 - 11:00
• Paper 4 (practice: alternative to coursework): Wednesday 22 May. Hour: 10:00 - 11:00
• Paper 2 (Theory): Friday 24 May. Hour: 10:00 - 12:00

Geography (3º): In this subject the exams will be divided in 3 parts:

• Paper 2 (theory): Friday 10 May. Hour: 10:00 - 11:30
• Paper 1 (theory): Friday 17 May. Hour: 10:00 - 11:45
• Paper 4 (practice: alternative to coursework): Tuesday 21 May. Hour: 10:00 - 11:30)

Geography' exam details

As the Geography’ exams seem to be longer and more complex, here you have some useful information:

Paper 1: 1hr 45 minutes (75 marks). What’s the % of the total marks? 45%

You have to answer 3 of the 6 questions available, so take your time to choose your questions carefully at the start of the examination. Each question will be based on one or more resources, which may be a photograph, a map, a sketch map, diagrams, graphs, written information or tables of data... You will be asked to analyse and use the resource/s to show your understanding of geographical ideas. It will not matter that the examples/places used in the questions are not familiar to you, but it is important that you know and understand geographical ideas so that you can apply them to any situation. To gain the highest marks you will often need to illustrate your answer by referring to a relevant case study you have learnt.

Paper 2: 1hr 30 minutes (60 marks). What’s the % of the total marks? 27.5%

This Paper tests your geographical skills. You must answer all the questions, including a compulsory map work question. You will need to use the map extract to answer specific questions about the area shown on the map. The compulsory question may include the use of grid references (4 and 6 figure) and direction, distances, understanding contour lines, and interpreting physical and human features of the area. The other questions will require you to complete and use a variety of different graphs, diagrams, photographs, tables of data, etc. You will also be asked to interpret the information. You will be marked on the accuracy of your answers, so you need to make sure you go to the exam well equipped with a pencil, rubber, ruler, set square and protractor.

Paper 4: 1 hr 30 minutes (60 marks). What’s the % of the total marks? 27.5%

This is, basically, two case studies: you will answer two questions, each based on a theoretical investigation,which test how you would carry out coursework. The questions will cover data collection methods, presenting data, analysing patterns in data and writing a conclusion.

Good luck!

3º and 4º British: IGCSE Exams

Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international curriculum for 14-16 year olds. Cambridge IGCSE is taken in over 100 countries worldwide and are widely accepted by higher education institutions and employers around the world as evidence of academic ability.

Cambridge IGCSE develops learners’ skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving, and even introducing cross-curricular perspectives, giving learners excellent preparation for the next stage in their education.

The students will take examinations in May/June 2013. If you are thinking about them, you can visit the following sites:

• Cambridge’s official website (GEOGRAPHY): you can read carefully the 2013 syllabus and even past papers and examiner reports. You can also prepare a small review of the topics using the BBC page.

• Cambridge’s website (HISTORY): again, you can read carefully the syllabus for this year’ exam, and even past papers and examiner reports. You can also prepare a small review of the topics using the BBC page.

Think carefully about them and... Good luck!