Global Perspectives IGCSE

Global Perspectives IGCSE

Course Length

One year.

The course

The Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives syllabus is inherently interdisciplinary, providing students with the opportunity to develop essential skills for addressing global challenges in our interconnected, information-rich world. It encourages students to think about sustainable living and how to navigate changes that impact their life opportunities and choices, helping them find their active role in the world. To support students in these endeavours, the syllabus focuses on developing a range of skills, including:

• Researching, analysing, and evaluating information
• Developing and justifying a line of reasoning
• Reflecting on processes and personal learning
• Communicating information and reasoning
• Collaborating to achieve common goals

These transferable skills are valuable for future studies and will help learners become active, informed citizens. Students are encouraged to explore ideas from various communities, countries, and cultures. Through engaging topics, they will investigate issues of global significance, direct their own studies, and cultivate independent thought, which will enable them to develop skills, explore global issues, and consider diverse perspectives.

The topics are: arts in society; change in culture and communities; climate change, energy and resources; conflict and peace; development, trade and aid; digital world; education for all; employment; environment, pollution and conservation; globalisation; health and wellbeing; law and criminality; media and communication; migration and urbanisation; political power and action; poverty and inequality; social identity and inclusion; sport and recreation; technology, industry and innovation; transport, travel and tourism; values and beliefs; water, food and agriculture.

What skills do I need?

An ability to work constructively in a team as well as independently, to write coursework and to be inquisitive about global events and issues.

How is the course assessed?

There are three components. The first is a written examination consisting of four compulsory questions, based on a range of sources provided with the question paper. Sources will present an issue of global significance from a range of different perspectives – personal, local and/or national, global – and will be on a topic from the topic list. It lasts 85 minutes and is worth 35% of the IGCSE. The second component is the individual report. You research a significant global issue of your choice from the topic list and write a report of 1500–2000 words. It is worth 30% of the IGCSE. The third component is the team project. You will work in a team, choosing a topic from the topic list and identifying a local issue. You will devise and develop a collaborative project on an aspect of the issue considered from a range of perspectives. You will write a reflective paper of 750- 1000 words on your research, contribution to the team you’re your personal learning.

Reading List

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives Student’s Book (2023)
Gonzalez, AC, Gould, M, Miller, B and Ravenscroft, A, Collins
ISBN 9780008547509

Exam Board and Specification Codes

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives 0457

Duncan Chamberlain
Head of Department