Programmes & Qualifications

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).

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

Syllabus updates

Summary of the changes
- We have updated this syllabus to make it clearer and more accessible for both teachers and learners and to make sure that it reflects current educational thinking.
  
  What are the main changes to the syllabus?
  
  To support teachers and learners, we have:
  - removed tiering (research suggests that in language qualifications students should access the full grade set to achieve their best possible outcome)
  - made the Listening paper 100% multiple-choice in response to feedback from teachers
  - simplified and improved the accessibility of the teacher/examiner notes in the speaking component
  - removed the summary task from the Reading and Writing paper and replaced it with a new multiple-choice question in response to feedback from teachers who told us that some students struggle with the summary task.
  What are the main changes to the assessment?
  - With the removal of tiering, there are now three components which are accessible to all candidates: Paper 1 Reading and Writing, Paper 2 Listening and Component 3 Speaking Test.
  - We have made changes to the duration and number of marks available on the Listening paper and Speaking test.
  - We have split the assessed part of the speaking test into three smaller parts to make it clearer to teachers/examiners and students what is expected from them. Teachers/examiners can also now make notes in the test.
  - To reduce the burden on teachers/examiners and to allow them to focus on assessing the candidate, we have listed all the questions on the speaking assessment card.
  - The mark schemes have been updated for all components.
  When do these changes take place?
  
  The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2024 onwards. Examinations are available in June and November.
  
  Please see the 2024-2026 syllabus above for full details.
Teaching and learning resources
- Coming soon
  
  We are developing a comprehensive range of resources to help teachers deliver this updated syllabus.
  
  We aim to provide a scheme of work and other relevant classroom resources. Example Candidate Responses will be available following the first examination in 2024. Visit the School Support Hub from June 2022 onwards for details.
  
  Endorsed resources
  View the latest endorsed resources that are being developed by our endorsement partners for this syllabus.
  
  Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Second edition) (Hodder Education)
  
  Confidently navigate the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language syllabus with an all-encompassing course companion. Expertly formulated to ensure students develop practical language skills and key cultural knowledge, it provides real-world, internationally focused guidance.
  
  Read more on the Hodder Education website
  
  Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Third edition) (Collins)
  
  This course provides complete coverage of the updated syllabus for examination from 2024 and features a wide variety of topics, authentic texts and creative activities that cover all four skills.
  
  Read more on the Collins website
  
  Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Sixth edition) (Cambridge University Press)
  
  Build key English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through exciting topics such as fashion and food with clear and accessible guidance. Also includes step-by-step writing activities and language/grammar tips. CEFR Exit Level B1/B2.
  
  Read more on the Cambridge University Press website
  
  Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (2nd edition) (Marshall Cavendish Education)
  
  The series focuses on building strong communication skills and linking language in real-world contexts to prepare students to be future-ready.
  
  Read more on the Marshall Cavendish Education website
  
  Success International English Skills for Cambridge IGCSE (Fifth edition) (Cambridge University Press)
  
  Explore ten engaging topic-based units whilst advancing English writing, speaking, reading and listening skills. Guidance to help students understand how they learn and exam-style activities are also included. CEFR Exit Level B2+/C1.
  
  Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Subscribe to syllabus updates

Important notices

Grading scale
- Please note that if you make an entry for the A*-G grading scale, it is not then possible to switch to the 9-1 grading scale once the entries deadline has passed. If you find that you have accidentally made an entry for the A*-G syllabus, you must withdraw and re-enter before the entries deadline.
English for every learner
- Find out more about our range of English syllabuses to suit every level and ambition.
Grade descriptions
- For some subjects, we publish grade descriptions to help understand the level of performance candidates’ grades represent.
  
  We paused the publication of grade descriptions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the awarding standard in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
  
  As the awarding standard has now returned to the pre-pandemic standard, we are working to produce up-to-date grade descriptions for most of our general qualifications. These will be based on the awarding standards in place from June 2023 onwards.
Submit for Assessment
- Check the Submit for Assessment page and the samples database for information and guidance on submitting moderated and examined work using Submit for Assessment.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

Cambridge Early Years

Cambridge Primary

Cambridge Lower Secondary

Cambridge Upper Secondary

Cambridge Advanced

Other

Cambridge Exams Officers' Guide

Information for schools about Covid-19

Programmes & Qualifications

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

Syllabus overview

Syllabuses

Syllabus updates

What are the main changes to the syllabus?

What are the main changes to the assessment?

When do these changes take place?

Coming soon

Endorsed resources

Important notices

School Support Hub

Stay up to date