Cambridge IGCSE English - First Language (0500)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE™ First Language English is for learners whose first language is English. The course enables learners to:

develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing
use a wide range of vocabulary, and the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed
develop more general analysis and communication skills such as inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used.

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English - First Language (0900)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE™ (9-1) First Language English is for learners whose first language is English. The course enables learners to:

develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing
use a wide range of vocabulary, and the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed
develop more general analysis and communication skills such as inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used.

This syllabus is graded from 9 to 1 but is otherwise the same as Cambridge IGCSE™ First Language English (0500). You can view papers and other resources for Cambridge IGCSE™ First Language English (0500); these may be useful for teaching Cambridge IGCSE™ (9-1) First Language English (0990).

Cambridge IGCSE English – Prima Lingua (USA) (0524)

Syllabus overview

This syllabus is available only to Centers participating in the NCEE Excellence for All initiative in the USA. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (US) is designed for learners whose first language is English.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (US) learners develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in both speech and writing. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (US) also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0475)

Syllabus overview

The syllabus enables learners to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. Learners develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed.

Through their studies, they learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material they have studied.

The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting learners' better understanding of themselves and of the world around them.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0992)

Syllabus overview

The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting learners' better understanding of themselves and of the world around them.

This syllabus is graded from 9 to 1 but is otherwise the same as Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0475).

Cambridge IGCSE English (as an Additional Language) (0472)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE English (as an Additional Language) enables learners to develop practical language skills and build their confidence in communicating in English.

The syllabus:

is suitable for learners whose first language is not English
develops learners' ability to communicate in English clearly in a range of familiar situations
builds learners' knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in the context of five broad topic areas
develops all four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, with each skill worth 25% of the final assessment.

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English (as an Additional Language) (0772)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English (as an Additional Language) enables learners to develop practical language skills and build their confidence in communicating in English.

The syllabus:

is suitable for learners whose first language is not English
develops learners' ability to communicate in English clearly in a range of familiar situations
builds learners' knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in the context of five broad topic areas
develops all four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, with each skill worth 25% of the final assessment.

This syllabus is graded from 9 to 1 but is otherwise the same as Cambridge IGCSE English (as an Additional Language) (0472).

Cambridge IGCSE Core English as a Second Language (0465)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE Core English as a Second Language is for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language. The syllabus:

is suitable for learners whose first language is not English
develops learners’ ability to understand and use English in a range of situations
builds learners’ awareness of the nature of language and the three language-learning skills: reading, writing and listening
focuses on practical communication for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study
develops transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) (0511)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language.

The syllabus:

is suitable for learners whose first language is not English, but who study through the English-medium.
develops learners’ ability to understand and use English in a range of situations
builds learners’ awareness of the nature of language and the four language-learning skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking
focuses on practical communication for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study
develops transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.

Marks for the speaking component do contribute to the overall grade. A speaking endorsement component is offered in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510).

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language (Count-in Speaking) (0991)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language is for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language.

The syllabus:

is suitable for learners whose first language is not English, but who study through the English-medium.
develops learners’ ability to understand and use English in a range of situations
builds learners’ awareness of the nature of language and the four language-learning skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking
focuses on practical communication for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study
develops transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.

Marks for the speaking component in Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language (0991) do contribute to the overall grade. A speaking endorsement component is offered in Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language (0993).

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Speaking endorsement) (0510)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language. The syllabus:

is suitable for learners whose first language is not English, but who study through the English-medium
develops learners’ ability to understand and use English in a range of situations
builds learners’ awareness of the nature of language and the four language-learning skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking
focuses on practical communication for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study
develops transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.

Marks for the speaking component in this syllabus do not contribute to the overall grade candidates receive for the written components. A count-in speaking component is offered in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0511).

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement) (0993)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language is for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language. The syllabus:

is suitable for learners whose first language is not English, but who study through the English-medium
develops learners’ ability to understand and use English in a range of situations
builds learners’ awareness of the nature of language and the four language-learning skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking
focuses on practical communication for everyday use, which can also form the basis for more in-depth language study
develops transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.

Marks for the speaking component in Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language (0993) do not contribute to the overall grade candidates receive for the written components. A count-in speaking component is offered in Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language (0991).

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