IGCSE Subject Choices at Live & Learn School (2026 Onwards)

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How Live & Learn School’s new subject bands prepare learners for the future

Choosing IGCSE subjects is one of the most exciting - and sometimes overwhelming- moments in a student’s school journey. For the first time, they are asked to make decisions that shape not only their academic growth, but also the kind of opportunities they will have in the years ahead.

At Live & Learn School, we know how important this moment is, which is why we’ve designed a subject-choice structure that is balanced, future-focused, and Cambridge aligned, while still being flexible enough to suit the strengths of every learner.

Here’s a closer look at the thinking behind our new subject bands and why this structure gives our students such a powerful foundation.

Every student begins with three essential subjects:
 

English Language & Literature, Mathematics, and French.

These subjects build the foundation for all learning. English develops communication and critical thinking; Maths strengthens logic, reasoning, and problem-solving; and French builds memory, flexibility, and international awareness.

Many South African universities — including the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Wits, UFS, and Rhodes — list a second language as an admissions requirement or strong recommendation for most degree pathways.
For Cambridge students, French satisfies this requirement, making it an extremely valuable subject for anyone considering tertiary study in South Africa.

This is especially important for students applying to competitive programmes such as:

• Law
   
• Humanities
   
• Social Sciences
   
• Business and Commerce
   
• International Relations
   
• Medicine and Health Sciences (varies by institution)
   

Taking French now ensures our students remain fully eligible and competitive for university study both locally and abroad.

One of the most common questions we get from parents is:

 “Why can’t my child pick any subject they want?”

The answer is simple: balance matters.

Our Band system ensures students avoid subject overlap, gain exposure to a variety of disciplines, and keep ALL major pathways open. It also helps maintain equitable class sizes in a small-school setting, ensuring every student receives proper attention and high-quality teaching.

Here’s how the Bands work:

Geography | Environmental Management | Psychology

This Band blends environmental understanding with behavioural science. Geography and Environmental Management share considerable overlap—so students choose ONE of them—while Psychology offers a totally different direction for students who prefer social sciences.

Biology | History

Here, students select either a scientific pathway through Biology or a humanities-based pathway through History. Both provide excellent preparation for A-Levels and higher education, allowing students to choose according to their strength in science or writing.

Physics | Physical Science

Every student needs a grounding in the physical sciences, and many universities expect at least one IGCSE science subject. Physics is ideal for strong STEM students, while Physical Science provides a more accessible route that still builds essential scientific understanding.

Art | Chemistry | Business Studies

Our most diverse Band protects student choice. Chemists and future medical students can pursue Chemistry, creative learners shine in Art, and students seeking practical, real-world skills can take Business Studies. This Band ensures no student is forced into a subject that does not fit their strengths.

Our Band system ensures:

• ✔ Broad, balanced learning across all disciplines
   
• ✔ No repetition in subjects like Geography and EM
   
• ✔ At least one science for university readiness
   
• ✔ A meaningful choice for every learning style
   
• ✔ Protection for academically vulnerable students
   
• ✔ Alignment with Cambridge expectations
   
• ✔ Flexibility for future career choices
   
• ✔ Preparedness for South African, regional, and international university entry
   

From medicine and engineering to law, conservation, business, psychology, aviation, design, hospitality, and beyond—this structure supports them all.

Not every Form 2 learner knows exactly what they want to become—and that’s okay.

Our system is built for the undecided student.

With one subject from each Band, every learner graduates Form 4 with:

• a science
   
• a humanity
   
• a global language
   
• numeracy
   
• creative or commercial skills
   
• strong writing and communication abilities
   

No future door is closed.

As part of this process, our teachers guide students based on:

• their strengths
   
• their academic performance
   
• their interests
   
• their career aspirations
   
• their work ethic
   

Parents are encouraged to join the conversation, ask questions, and work with us to support their child’s future.

Choosing subjects isn’t just about timetables—it’s about dreams, confidence, and possibility.
With our balanced, thoughtfully designed structure, we are giving every Live & Learn student the opportunity to discover their strengths, grow their interests, and build a future they can be proud of.

At Live & Learn School, the journey to success starts here—one thoughtful subject choice at a time.