GIS Year 10 Elective Choices

The GIS Diploma 

Year 10 Elective Choices 

2023/2024

At GIS we believe in the importance of a 

holistic education that is more than just 

achieving fantastic IGCSE and A Levels: 

it also needs to prepare you for the 

future, which requires a broad knowledge 

and a wide range of skills. 

For this purpose, we have developed our 

curriculum, offering an extensive choice of 

electives that will help prepare you for your 

own next steps and life beyond GIS. 

GUIDELINES TO ELECTIVE CHOICES 

Select your elective choice and two reserves 

Choose what is right for you 

Group size will determine whether or not an elective runs 

For some electives there will be a selection process to 

ensure the course will be suitable for you

Year 10 Electives 

Alternative Sports 

Challenge, Explore, Enjoy 

This elective will provide students with an opportunity to 

play alternative sports and be physically active. Students 

will get the opportunity to participate in a number of 

sports. Some examples can be found below: 

Volleyball, Table Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Metaball, 

Short Tennis, Handball, Tchoukball, Aussie Rules, Gaelic 

Football 

Take this if: 

You wish to be active and try new/different sports. This will 

help you manage the stresses involved in chasing academic 

excellence. 

Coaching & Leadership 

Introduction to Sports Leadership and Coaching 

Lead, Motivate, Inspire 

This elective will support students through 

understanding the importance of developing leadership 

characteristics, how they can be strengthened in a 

practical environment and the safety/support networks 

that should be built between teammates, coaches and 

friends. 

Take this if: 

You would like to understand the role of coach. 

You want to learn more about safety in sport. 

You are interested in training athletes. 

Chinese Culture 

Explore, Experience, Appreciate 

In this elective, students will gain a deeper insight into 

Chinese culture and be able to research a cultural topic 

of personal interest. Additionally, they will be able to 

develop a number of key skills that will be useful beyond 

the elective. 

Take this if: 

You would like to improve your presentation skills. 

You would like to develop your chinese cuisine cooking skills. 

Close Harmony Choir 

Sing, Learn, Grow 

Come and discover the joys of singing together and 

creating powerful harmonies with others. In this 

elective, you will learn to sing songs from a range of 

styles, cultures and time periods, you will form new 

friendships through making music together, and you will 

learn about how music works on a much deeper level. 

Take this if: 

You enjoy singing. 

You enjoy discovering new music. 

You want to deepen your understanding of music harmony. 

You want to feel uplifted and energised each week. 

You do not need to play music to take this elective, however it does 

compliment the music IGCSE and A Level very well. 

Creative Interactive Media 

Analyse, Conceptualise, Create 

Graphic Design is the practice of conceptualising and 

visualising ideas and experiences with illustration, 

photography, digital imagery, and media. 

User interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) are 

the yin and yang of web design. 

Take this if: 

You want to understand the purpose and content of 

pre-production. 

You want to be able to create a digital graphic, animation and 

websites. 

You want to understand the purposes and features of 

animation and websites. 

Digital Entrepreneurs 

Challenge, Experiment, Success 

Let's start a software company! By joining this elective, 

you'll become a founding member of GIS's new in-house, 

student-run software development company. You'll learn 

how commercial companies manage the design, coding, 

and testing of software, solving real problems. Particular 

skills covered will include design thinking (how to come 

up with workable solutions to problems) and Agile 

development (one of the most popular software 

development management models). 

Take this if: 

You would like to know how to write user stories and assess 

your product against them. 

You would like know how to use Git properly, including pull 

requests and code reviews.


Essential Digital Literacy Skills 

Innovate, Organise, Excel 

In this elective, you'll learn to use office applications 

effectively, saving time and enabling professional and 

academic work. You'll also have the opportunity to gain a 

globally recognised professional qualification (ICDL) 

recognised by employers worldwide. 

Take this if: 

You would like to develop your personal organisational 

strategies. 

You would like to obtain a professional qualification. 

Film Studies 

Analyse, Critique, Share 

Film has been the major art form of the 20th and 21st 

centuries. Over time, it has been shaped and crafted to 

create new meanings and experiences, which in turn have 

influenced and been influenced by the world around us. 

In this elective, we will explore the different micro 

elements of film and read how aspects of film form 

construct our cinematic experience. Later on in the 

course, we will explore different readings of film in 

relation to genre, gender and representation, which will 

culminate in students analysing a film of their choice. 

Take this if: 

You have a keen interest in studying a range of films from 

different eras and perspectives. 

You want to hone your critical thinking skills. 

You want to develop your reasoning skills and evaluating skills. 

You are prepared to discuss and share your ideas with your 

peers. 

French Beginner (DELF A1) 

Learn, Converse, Communicate 

French Intermediate (DELF A2-B1) 

Challenge, Communicate, Grow 

This intermediate French course is designed for students 

who want to continue their language learning journey 

while pursuing IGCSE/A Level options. You have the option 

to take the DELF exam at the Alliance Française for an 

externally assessed qualification (Level A2-B1). Foreign 

language study offers numerous skills that contribute to 

personal and professional growth, with long-term benefits 

for your future. 

Take this if: 

You would like to develops your analytical and communication 

skills. 

You are keen to continue learning French alongside your other 

subject choices. 

Only for students with a minimum of 2 years prior experience studying 

French. 

Gym Fitness 

Build, Advance, Stretch 

If you're looking to grow your biceps, get a six-pack, build 

your glutes, or improve your physical and mental health, 

this elective is perfect for you. Whether you are beginner 

or advanced in the gym, we welcome everyone. By 

joining this elective, you'll have access to a wide range of 

equipment to keep your workouts fresh and exciting. 

Working out in a gym surrounded by motivated individuals 

can help you stay on track. Plus, having a dedicated place 

to exercise is more appealing than working out in a park 

or at home. Remember, when you feel tired, just imagine 

how amazing you'll feel once you reach your goal. 

Take this if: 

You would like to develop your fitness in a fun environment. 

This is the perfect opportunity for beginners to learn 

French and explore French-speaking culture (no 

experience required!). You can also opt to take the DELF 

exam at the Alliance Française for an externally assessed 

qualification (level A1). Foreign language study offers 

valuable personal and professional growth, providing you 

with skills that can benefit you throughout your life. 

Take this if: 

You would like to develop your analytical and communication 

skills. 

You enjoy a new challenge and like to speak to people in 

different languages!


Harkness Debating 

Debate, Collaborate, Articulate 

Put simply, Harkness debates involve a small group of 

students and a teacher sitting around a table and 

discussing an issue. 

Crucially, you lead the discussion with minimal input from 

the teacher. The aim of the Harkness style of debate is to 

give you ownership of the discussion and to enable you to 

develop a wide range of interpersonal skills through 

reflection and review. You will learn how to become a 

skilled and eloquent orator, a researcher, a collaborator, 

and a leader. 

The debates will focus on a shared stimulus; be it a 

chapter from a book, an article, a podcast or video clip. 

Take this if: 

You would like to develop the skills and confidence to become a 

good public speaker. 

You want to develop leadership skills that facilitate strong 

outcomes from the team of students you are working with. 

Health & Fitness 

Move, Learn, Grow 

This elective will allow you to maintain your health and 

fitness and develop practices and habits that will be 

important for the rest of your life. Consider well-being 

and health holistically and develop your knowledge of 

how to maintain a healthy lifestyle when living 

independently. Finally, develop an understanding of 

fitness trends and alternaitve methods of training. All of 

which will help you get in shape, ready for your summer 

beach holiday. 

Take this if: 

You want to develop your health, fitness and understanding of 

what it takes to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

Malay IGCSE Preparation 

Engage, Prepare, Achieve 

This elective is specifically for Malaysian nationals who 

have not yet sat the IGCSE Malay exam and would like to 

take this in KS4, without using one of their IGCSE 

options. 

Malay Language & Culture 

Connect, Communicate, Learn 

In this elective, students have the opportunity to learn 

about Malay language and culture without the pressure of 

an IGCSE exam. Lessons will cover everyday Malay language 

and elements of culture. 

Take this if: 

You are Malaysian or non-Malaysian and you would like to to 

learn more about Malay language and culture. 

You are a Malaysian national looking for a non-exam route for 

your Malay studies. 

Mandarin as Foreign Language 

IGCSE 0547 (SHORT COURSE) 

Challenge, Learn, Achieve 

In this elective, students will continue to work on their 

knowledge and key skills needed for the IGCSE 0547 

Mandarin as a foreign language qualification. 

Take this if: 

You would like to continue learning Mandarin as a foreign 

language and obtain a recognised qualification. 

Only for students who have been studying Mandarin from Year 7 to 9 

and wish to take the exam in the future. 

Mandarin Beginner (HSK1) 

Challenge, Experience, Converse 

The HSK test is China's official proficiency test for 

non-native Chinese speakers. It sets the global standard for 

proficiency levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. HSK 

I corresponds to the A1 level of the Common European 

Framework of Reference (CEF). Passing HSK I indicates the 

ability to understand and use simple Chinese phrases for 

basic communication needs. 

Take this if: 

You would like to learn simple Chinese phrases to support 

communication. 

You are interested in obtaining a recognised qualification. 

Take this if: 

You are a Malaysian national and have not already taken the 

IGCSE Malay exam. 

You would like to sit the IGCSE Malay in Year 10 or Year 11.


Mandarin Intermediate (HSK2) 

Interact, Communicate, Converse 

The HSK test is China's official test of Chinese Language 

Proficiency for non-native speakers, serving as the 

global standard from beginner to advanced levels. HSK 

(Level II) evaluates test takers' proficiency in everyday 

Mandarin Chinese. It corresponds to Level II of the 

Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of 

Other Languages and the A2 Level of the Common 

European Framework of Reference (CEF). Those who 

pass HSK (Level II) demonstrate a strong command of 

basic Chinese, enabling them to engage in simple and 

routine communication tasks, exchanging information 

on familiar and routine topics. 

Take this if: 

You would like to develop your grasp of Chinese language to 

a higher level. 

You enjoy taking on new challenges. 

Only for students with a minimum of 2 years prior experience 

studying Mandarin. 

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) 

Explore, Develop, Focus 

A super-curricular focus on completing a MOOC (Massive 

Open Online Course) of your choice can directly link to 

your higher education options. You have a wide range of 

courses to choose from, some of which can even lead to 

certification by prestigious universities worldwide. 

Take this if: 

You want flexibility and independence in your learning. 

You would like access to a wide range of learning 

opportunities not traditionally available in the curriculum. 

You wish to enhance your skills and begin working towards 

specific career opportunities. 

Performance & Music Appreciation 

Explore, Discover, Perform 

If you want to enhance your performance skills and 

broaden your musical awareness with other like-minded 

musicians then this is the elective for you. 

We will push the boundaries of what you thought you were 

capable of in music and learn about how ‘The Greats’ 

reinvented the game in their own times. This course will 

delve into a broad range of styles and cultures, tailored to 

the strengths and interests of those who sign up. 

Take this if: 

You love discovering and studying new music. 

You want to push your solo/ensemble performance and theory 

skills to another level. 

You are grade 4 standard or above in your instrument. 

You can read traditional music notation. 

This elective is not a substitute for IGCSE or A Level music, but does 

compliment these courses if you are taking them. 

Photography 

Create, Visualise, Capture 

Unleash your inner photographer with the captivating 

Photography elective! Embark on a creative journey as you 

explore a diverse range of techniques and processes, 

capturing breathtaking moments through your lens. 

Develop your skills in composition and lighting, and unlock 

your artistic vision in this immersive photography 

experience. 

Take this if: 

You want to understand how to take better photos. 

You would like to explore a range of creative techniques and 

processes to take your photography skills to a new level. 

You want to 'wow' people with your images.


Political Affairs 

Discuss, Debate, Enlighten 

To make sense of current affairs, a deeper understanding 

of politics is essential. In this elective, you will acquire 

fundamental knowledge about political systems and 

engage in discussions and debates on their application to 

recent events. We will explore topics such as "Democracy 

in Crisis?" and "Can we protect Human Rights?" 

Additionally, our final unit, titled "Overlooked," will delve 

into the political situation in Southeast Asia. Through a 

student-led thematic project, you will contribute to our 

'Overlooked' student magazine, shedding light on various 

political issues impacting the region. 

Take this if: 

You want to make sense of current affairs. 

You would like to explore democracy and Human Rights and 

engage in thought-provoking debates. 

You want to shed light on overlooked political issues in 

Southeast Asia. 

Prop Making 

Decorate, Create, Enhance 

By enrolling in the prop-making elective, students can 

make meaningful contributions to three school 

productions. Actively engaging in the creation of dynamic 

and creative props, students play a vital role in enhancing 

the visual appeal of the performances. This elective 

provides an exciting gateway into the world of theatre, 

allowing students to showcase their artistic talents on 

stage. 

Sculpture 

Craft, Sculpt, Immerse 

Explore a wide range of techniques to create sculptural 

works of art. Each term will have a distinct focus and 

outcome, utilising materials such as clay, found objects, 

cardboard, wire, and even puppetry. This course provides 

a supportive and inspiring environment for you to express 

yourself and unleash your artistic potential through the 

creation of unique and imaginative sculptures. 

That this if: 

You want to explore and develop your creativity. 

You are excited to gain hands-on practical experience. 

Sound Recording & Production 

Create, Record, Produce 

Recording music was once the sole territory of expensive 

recording studios, but with the impact of the internet and 

digital recording software, the role of the sound engineer 

has opened up to all music enthusiasts. 

On this elective you will learn the principles of recording, 

mixing and production in various musical styles and use 

your skills to produce the music you want! 

That this if: 

You love music, technology and creativity. 

You want the opportunity to be involved with music outside of 

a GCSE/A Level context (there is no crossover). 

You want the skills to record bands, choirs, orchestras or even 

just yourself! 

Take this if: 

You want to be involved in school productions. 

You would like to learn various 3D and decorative techniques 

and develop your project management and creative skills. 

Public Speaking 

Confidence, Positivity, Spirit 

In this elective we will develop public speaking skills 

necessary for confidently delivering engaging and 

convincing speeches. We will break down the skills used 

by great public speakers that make them great at their 

craft, and then try to build these skills into our own 

practice. 

Be prepared to create and deliver speeches, and to give 

and receive feedback, in a safe, supportive and 

motivating space. 

Take this if: 

You are keen to improve your public speaking. 

You are interested in careers in law, business, education, 

finance, sales or any other sector that involves public speaking. 

You would like to improve your self-confidence.


Spanish Beginners (DELE A1) 

Challenge, Experience, Converse 

This is the perfect opportunity for beginners to start 

learning Spanish and immerse themselves in 

Spanish-speaking culture (no prior experience required!). 

At the end of the course, you have the option to take the 

DELE exam for an externally assessed qualification (level 

A1) if desired. Foreign language study offers numerous 

benefits for personal and professional growth, equipping 

you with valuable skills for future endeavors. 

Take this if: 

You are keen to learn new things. 


skills. 

Spanish Intermediate (DELE B1) 

Interact, Communicate, Converse 

This intermediate Spanish course is specifically tailored 

for students who want to continue their language learning 

journey while pursuing their IGCSE / A Level options. At 

the end of the course, you have the option to take the 

DELE exam to obtain an externally assessed qualification 

(Level A2-B1). Foreign language study offers numerous 

benefits for personal and professional growth, providing 

you with valuable skills that can be utilized in various 

aspects of your future life. 

Take this if: 

You are keen to continue learning Spanish. 


skills. 

Only for students with a minimum 2 years prior experience studying 

Spanish. 

Study Skills 

Prepare, Apply, Review 

This elective will help you to develop learning strategies 

that will improve your confidence and optimise your 

performance in your studies. 

The course will explore the latest research and findings 

into how learning takes place and how they can be 

applied to daily practice and be part of your toolkit for 

success! 

Take this if: 

You want to learn effective study techniques. 

You want help organising your time and studies. 

You want to learn how to revise.

GIS Year 10 Elective Choices

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?