The Pre-IGCSE programme covers the British curriculum for the first 3 years of secondary education, referred to as Years 7, 8 and 9 (ages 11, 12 and 13).

The Pre-IGCSE programme prepares pupils for the content and subjects which they will study for their IGCSE exams. The curriculum is designed to enable pupils to become confident and successful independent learners, improving the personal, learning and thinking skills that will ensure their academic success higher up the school. The curriculum introduces pupils to a wide range of academic and cultural experiences designed to stimulate their intellectual curiosity.

The Pre-IGCSE years at MCS are a great time to develop wide-ranging and transferable skills that will be needed as pupils work their way through the school and onto the exciting worlds of university and work. Those following this programme are encouraged to read widely, to develop digital skills and to invest time and energy in the Co-curricular and pastoral sides of college life.

All pupils study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Art & Design, Design Technology, a Modern Foreign Language (French / Spanish), Physical Education, Computing, Drama and Life Skills (PSHE). Non-native English speakers receive lessons in English as an Additional Language if required.

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is equivalent to the GCSE qualification taken by UK students to prepare them for A Levels. IGCSEs are offered in many countries across the world as well as in the UK itself, where many private schools feel they are better preparation for A Levels than the GCSE.

IGCSEs are internationally recognised qualifications that lead directly into A-levels.

At MCS most pupils study the following ‘core’ subjects at IGCSE:
Mathematics
A Modern Foreign Language – French or Spanish
English - Either First Language and/or Literature or English as an Additional Language
Biology, Chemistry and Physics - Dual or Triple Award Science depending on ability

Pupils are also able to choose additional ‘option’ subjects to study at IGCSE:

• Art & Design
• Business Studies
• Computing
• Design Technology
• Geography
• History
• Physical Education

The optional subjects available to IGCSE pupils will continue to develop as the School continues to grow.

A Levels are two year academic courses designed to lead candidates directly on to university. The vast majority of pupils will take A Levels in 3 subjects during Years 12 and 13. The A Level subjects on offer at Malvern College Switzerland can be found below.

The A Level curriculum is supplemented by supervised private study in order to prepare pupils for the rigours of university life. Also built into the curriculum are numerous opportunities for collaborative project work and for research. Sixth Formers at Malvern College Switzerland also receive advice tailored to their specific interests about university applications and careers.

A Levels allow for specialisation, but this does not come at the expense of a broad and holistic curriculum. A Levels allow for entry into universities around the world; they are widely recognised and well-respected qualifications. We anticipate being able to offer the subjects listed below for those starting in September 2023.

SUBJECTS OFFERED:
Art & Design * Biology * Business Studies * Chemistry * Computing * Design Technology * Economics * English Literature * French * Geography * History * Mathematics * Further Mathematics * Spanish * Physics * Physical Education

In addition to their A Level subjects, Sixth Form pupils will also have the opportunity to undertake additional ‘elective’ options, to supplement and enrich the in-depth learning occurring in their A Level subjects. Examples of some of the elective options on offer at MCS are below. Each of the below electives will enable pupils to achieve an additional, internationally-recognised qualification, which they will be able to use for University and job applications, alongside their 3 A Level qualifications.

• Maths in Context
• Global Perspectives
• Thinking Skills
• Independent Research Projects

As during the Pre-IGCSE and IGCSE programme, English as an Additional Language lessons remain available for pupils during the Sixth Form if required.

The Foundation Year programme is available for pupils who are age-appropriate for the A Level programme, but who have not studied the British Curriculum previously, or who have not sat IGCSE examinations. Experience has demonstrated that pupils in this situation benefit greatly from a foundational year, inducting them into the British curriculum and ensuring that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the A Level programme.

Pupils in the Foundation Year follow a curriculum equivalent to IGCSE / Year 11. They will study a broader range of subjects than in the A Level programme (English, Maths, Science, a Language and a Humanities), and sit an accelerated suite of IGCSEs at the end of the academic year. They will then select which subjects they would like to study for the 2-year A-Level programme at the end of the Foundation year.

This programme is an excellent option for pupils who are looking to join us for a one-year enrichment programme, enabling them to gain valuable, internationally-recognised qualifications from their time at MCS.