DSB is one of approximately 500 IGCSE schools in India. What sets us apart from many is our strong belief that a broad and balanced selection of subjects best supports all learners in their journey towards academic success. The IGCSE programme sets high expectations of students' achievement that help evidence their growth as learners. Students are introduced to the rigours of studying subjects in preparation for external exams. For the first time, they exercise choice about what they study in school and are faced with consequences if performance doesn’t evidence learning. This is where they start to solve their own learning issues.
At DSB we offer the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) IGCSE. Students are expected to study ten subjects with an emphasis on diversity which is considered most favourably by universities, and which ensures good preparation for studies in grades 11 and 12 at the IB Diploma. CAIE identifies five curriculum areas under which they group their subjects. These are listed below along with the subjects offered in each of these by DSB. We encourage all students to take subjects from each of the areas and incorporate student choice as much as possible into how we schedule the options. We are able to ensure that the maximum number of students get their first choices. Subjects emboldened are compulsory.
- Group I: Languages. English/English as a Second Language, German First and Second Languages, French and Hindi Second Language.
- Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences. World Literature History, Geography and Economics
- Group III: Sciences. Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Group IV: Mathematics. International Mathematics and Additional Mathematics
- Group V: Professional and Creative. IGCSE PE, Design and Technology, Music and Art
In grades 9 and 10 students continue to receive Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and also participate in core PE.
Learners of German and French often take their IGCSE a year early and then spend grade 10 working towards higher-level language qualifications from the respective countries:
- German - the Deutsches Sprachdiplom 1 (DSD1) B1 level
- French - the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) B1 level
This also provides a strong foundation for studying these subjects at IB Diploma and ensures our students are very high scoring in language acquisition subjects.
The IGCSE programmes of study comprise highly academic and content-heavy learning outcomes, but at DSB we intentionally do not lose sight of our mission to develop the whole learner. Our IGCSE subject units are planned explicitly to continue developing the attributes of the IB Learner Profile and the dispositions of internationally-minded citizens of a digital age. We continue to ensure our students have an inherent understanding of the value and importance of diversity and a love of knowledge that provides the foundations for their future success in study and life beyond.
If you would like to find out more about our IGCSE programme - please reach out to our Head of Secondary Camille Gautier headofsecondary@dsbindia.com
Teachers at DSB believe in making school life enjoyable and rewarding. They are committed to providing a high level of pedagogical delivery in every sense. Every IGCSE teacher at DSB is trained to teach the subject under the guidance of Cambridge training programmes so that they can give our students the best possible preparation for these programmes and qualifications. Moreover, the regularly updated resource bank, library and use of technology in learning with teachers and students around the globe, make learning enjoyable and unique at DSB.
Why DSB?
DSB is a truly international school in the heart and hub of Mumbai city, providing students with a unique educational experience. We believe in preparing students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. With a flexible approach provided by the Cambridge International Curriculum and our unique Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATLs), DSB shapes the way students learn, helping them to discover new abilities and a larger world.
A striking feature of studying the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum at DSB involves the large range of subjects we offer.
‘Studying IGCSE subjects at DSB has introduced me to different cultures and traditions; not only through my studies but also through the people I met here. It has ignited a new passion in me helping me discover my strengths.’ Lefika Masonya - Cambridge IGCSE, DSB Grade 10 student.
Cambridge IGCSE at DSB
DSB offers 20 subjects at the IGCSE level, of which students follow 10 subjects over the course period of two years (Grades 9 and 10). We believe in preparing students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. With a flexible approach provided by the Cambridge International Curriculum and our unique Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATLs), DSB shapes the way students learn, helping them to discover new abilities and a larger world.
The subject choices are as follows:
- English (Language, World Literature, and as a Second Language)
- French (as a Foreign language)
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Geography
- History
- German (as a First and as a Foreign language)
- Hindi (as a Second language)
- Physical Education
- Design and Technology
- Mathematics
- Additional Mathematics
- Art and Design
- Music
Along with these subjects, students are also required to take PSHE (Physical, Social and Health Education) and core PE lessons.