Sunday, February 20, 2011

Which Cambridge Curriculum ?

Dear Colleagues ,

Here is the first of a couple of social science department specific questions to ponder about the upcoming move to the Cambridge system . If any of us go to meetings where these topics get addressed , please return to our blog and post comments about what you find out . So , here you go ...............

There are two Cambridge Secondary Level 2 curriculums for the 9 th and 10 th grade . The IGCSE and the “ O Level “ . Which of these will be implemented in the YUHSD ? While these curriculums generally offer the same categories of social science courses ( history , economics , geography , sociology , psychology , and religion ) , there are differences in course details . For example , the IGCSE history course ( the syllabus that we were looking a week ago ) starts with the early 1800 s . However , the “ O Level " syllabus is titled “ world affairs between 1917 and 1991 “ .

Regards ,

Doug Rothschild

2 comments:

  1. Doug - it is my understanding that the IGCSE courses will be purchased. That has been the one that Ian has been using.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mr. Randall ,

    A couple of questions and an observation for you .

    First , the questions . Do you know who at the district suggested that Ian use the ICGSE course ? Also , what may have been the rationale ?

    Here is the observation . If you look at the Cambridge website , the following statements might lead one to think that the “ O curriculum ” would be recommended . Here is how the “ O curriculum ” reads :

    “ Cambridge O Levels have been designed especially for an international market and are sensitive to the needs of different countries. The curriculum also enables teaching to be placed in a localised context, making it relevant in various regions.

    In some parts of the world, schools use Cambridge O Level as an international alternative to the local government's examination. Universities in many countries, including Canada and the USA, will admit learners on the basis of their Cambridge O Level performances alone. ”

    Regards ,
    Rothschild

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