contribute to the Team Project

IGCSE Global Perspectives (0457) – Quick‑Reference Guide

Purpose: This guide gives you the essential knowledge, practical strategies and exam‑focused checklists you need to succeed in all three components of the IGCSE Global Perspectives (0457) syllabus, with a particular focus on the Team Project (Component 3) and the AO3 – Communication & Collaboration requirements.

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1. Syllabus at a glance

Component	What it is	Word‑count / format	Assessment Objectives (AOs) covered	Weighting in final grade
Component 1 – Written Exam	Two‑hour paper (70 % of total marks). 4 compulsory question types: source analysis, data analysis, short answer, extended response.	≈ 80 minutes; no word‑limit (answers must be concise and focused).	AO1 (Research & analysis), AO2 (Evaluation), AO3 (Communication – written).	68 %
Component 2 – Individual Report	Independent research report on a chosen Global Perspectives topic.	1 500‑2 000 words (including bibliography).	AO1 (Research), AO2 (Evaluation), AO3 (Communication – written).	15 %
Component 3 – Team Project	Collaborative investigation and action on a Global Perspectives issue.	Various artefacts (poster, video ≤ 10 min, website, infographic, etc.) plus two written pieces: Explanation of Research & Planning – 300‑400 words (Table C) Reflective Paper – 250‑300 words (Table E‑H)	AO1 (Research), AO2 (Evaluation of action), AO3 (Communication & Collaboration – team & personal).	17 %

All three components must be completed; the marks from each are combined according to the weightings above to give the final grade.

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2. Choosing a topic (Component 2 & 3)

The syllabus provides a list of 20 approved topics (e.g. “Climate change”, “Global health”, “Human rights”). Any of these may be used for the Individual Report and for the Team Project. You may also add a sustainability angle (economic, social or environmental) to deepen the analysis.

Approved Topics (2025‑27)
1. Climate change
2. Global health
3. Food security
4. Water scarcity
5. Poverty and inequality
6. Education for all
7. Gender equality
8. Human rights
9. Migration and refugees
10. Terrorism and conflict
11. Sustainable development
12. Energy resources
13. Urbanisation
14. Digital divide
15. Consumerism and waste
16. Cultural heritage
17. Global governance
18. Media influence
19. Biotechnology
20. Natural disasters

When you select a topic, write a short working title and note any sustainability perspective you plan to explore. This title will appear on both the Individual Report and the Team Project artefacts.

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3. Component 1 – Written Exam preparation (AO1, AO2, AO3)

3.1 Exam format & question types

• Source analysis (15 marks) – evaluate a written, visual or statistical source; identify bias, purpose, audience, reliability.
• Data analysis (15 marks) – interpret tables, graphs or maps; draw conclusions and relate to the wider issue.
• Short answer (10 marks) – answer 2‑3 sub‑questions concisely; demonstrate factual knowledge and basic analysis.
• Extended response (20 marks) – develop a well‑structured argument; include evidence, evaluate perspectives, and conclude.

3.2 Key analytical vocabulary (AO1)

Use these terms where appropriate to show sophisticated analysis:

• Bias, perspective, agenda, reliability, validity, relevance
• Cause, effect, correlation, trend, implication
• Stakeholder, sustainability, mitigation, adaptation

3.3 Time‑management checklist

1. Read all questions (5 min). Mark the two you feel most confident about.
2. Allocate time: 15 min per source analysis, 15 min per data analysis, 10 min for short answer, 20 min for extended response.
3. Leave the final 5 min for a quick proof‑read – check spelling of key terms and that every part of each question has been answered.

3.4 Practice routine

• Complete one past paper per week.
• After each paper, compare your answers with the mark‑scheme; note where you lost marks (e.g., missing evaluation, insufficient evidence).
• Maintain a “command‑word bank” (analyse, evaluate, discuss, compare, explain) and practise using each in a short paragraph.

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4. Component 2 – Individual Report (AO1, AO2, AO3)

4.1 Report structure (1500‑2000 words)

1. Title page – title, topic, name, candidate number, date.
2. Introduction (≈ 200 words) – define the issue, explain its relevance, and state the research question.
3. Methodology (≈ 150 words) – describe how you selected sources (databases, keywords) and any primary data you gathered.
4. Findings (≈ 800 words) – present data and evidence, organised by sub‑themes.
5. Evaluation (≈ 300 words) – assess the reliability of sources, discuss contrasting perspectives, and consider limitations.
6. Conclusion (≈ 150 words) – answer the research question and suggest possible actions or further research.
7. Bibliography – Harvard style, all sources cited in‑text.

4.2 AO focus

• AO1 – Research: use at least three reliable sources (academic, governmental, reputable NGOs); cite consistently.
• AO2 – Evaluation: critique source reliability, acknowledge bias, weigh differing viewpoints.
• AO3 – Communication: write clearly, organise logically, and use appropriate academic language.

4.3 Quick checklist (Report)

• ☐ Research question is focused and measurable.
• ☐ Minimum three sources, all cited in Harvard style.
• ☐ Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and supporting evidence.
• ☐ Evaluation section explicitly discusses reliability, bias and limitations.
• ☐ Word‑count between 1 500‑2 000 (excluding bibliography).
• ☐ Bibliography alphabetised, double‑spaced, no omissions.

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5. Component 3 – Team Project (AO1, AO2, AO3)

5.1 How the project fits the AOs

AO	What you must demonstrate	Relevant note‑sections
AO1 – Research (Tables C‑E)	Gather reliable data, cite correctly, show how research informs the action.	Sections 4 (Stages), 10 (Citation & Referencing)
AO2 – Evaluation of the Action (Table B)	Assess likely impact, quality of execution, sustainability and reflect on strengths/weaknesses.	Section 5 (Evaluation criteria), 9 (Checklist)
AO3 – Communication & Collaboration (Team)	Clear communication of research, planning and action; evidence of effective teamwork (role allocation, task sharing, conflict resolution).	Sections 1‑4, 6, 9
AO3 – Communication & Collaboration (Personal)	Individual contribution, reflection on teamwork and personal learning.	Section 5 (Reflective Paper), 9 (Checklist)

5.2 Stages of the Team Project (with AO focus)

Stage	Team activities (AO3)	Personal output (AO1 + AO2 + AO3)	Key communication focus
Planning	Define objectives, allocate roles, create a timeline (Table A – 2 marks).	Write the Explanation of Research & Planning (300‑400 words, Table C).	Clear brief, consensus on roles, documented decisions.
Research	Collect data, evaluate sources, share findings in a shared document.	Document sources using a consistent citation style (Table D – 2 marks).	Regular updates, citation consistency, version control.
Analysis	Interpret data, identify patterns, draft conclusions together.	Contribute to analytical notes; record personal insights for the Reflective Paper.	Collaborative discussion, visual aids (mind‑maps, charts).
Production (Evidence of Action)	Decide on format (poster, video ≤ 10 min, website, infographic, etc.) and produce it collectively.	Take responsibility for a specific component (e.g., graphics, script, data visualisation).	Peer review, version control, consistent branding.
Evaluation	Team debrief on process and likely impact (Table B – 4 marks).	Write the personal Reflective Paper (250‑300 words, Table E‑H).	Open critique, balanced reflection, future‑action planning.

5.3 Types of evidence of action (Table E‑F)

• Poster (A3 size or digital equivalent)
• Video (max 10 min; include subtitles and a short script)
• Website or blog page (responsive design, accessible navigation)
• Public‑service announcement (audio or visual, ≤ 2 min)
• Infographic or slide‑deck (PDF, max 10 slides)

Choose the format that best showcases the impact you intend to make and that fits your team’s skills and timeline.

5.4 Evaluation criteria (Table B) – what examiners look for

Criterion	Examiners’ expectations	How to demonstrate it
Likelihood of positive impact	Clear, realistic link between the action and the issue.	Include statistics, expert quotes, or case‑study evidence that the action could make a difference.
Quality of execution	Professional presentation; correct use of language and visual conventions.	Proof‑read, use consistent branding, test multimedia before submission.
Sustainability / follow‑up	Plans for continuation or wider dissemination.	State how the action could be maintained, shared or scaled up after the project.
Reflection on strengths & weaknesses	Balanced evaluation with specific examples.	Use the “What worked well? / What could be improved?” framework in your Reflective Paper.

5.5 Example of a high‑scoring Evidence of Action

Format: 2‑minute video of a school‑wide recycling campaign, with subtitles, voice‑over citing a UN‑reported 30 % waste reduction in schools that ran similar campaigns. The video ends with a QR‑code linking to a downloadable guide for other schools.

Why it scores well: clear impact link, professional visual design, and a sustainability plan (QR‑code for sharing).

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6. Contributing Effectively to the Team (AO3 – Communication & Collaboration)

1. Understand the brief – reread the project requirements, note word‑count limits, and ask clarifying questions early.
2. Identify your strengths – match your skills (research, writing, graphic design, video editing, data visualisation) to tasks in the team’s task matrix.
3. Set personal milestones – break each assigned task into 2‑3 sub‑tasks, assign dates, and add them to a shared schedule (Trello, Google Sheet, or similar).
4. Log progress daily – update a shared progress log with completed items, pending work and any blockers.
5. Seek & give feedback – use the “feedback sandwich” (positive comment → specific suggestion → encouraging note) and comment directly in Google Docs or Padlet.
6. Document sources consistently – agree on a citation style (Harvard recommended) and keep a master bibliography file linked in every document.
7. Prepare the Evidence of Action – allocate speaking or design roles, rehearse together, and check that the final product meets format specifications.
8. Reflect on teamwork – answer the prompts:
   • What did I contribute?
   • What did I learn about working in a team?
   • How will I improve next time?
   (250‑300 words for the Reflective Paper).

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7. Communication skills checklist (AO3)

• Active listening – give full attention, paraphrase, ask clarifying questions.
• Constructive feedback – focus on the work, use “I” statements, suggest concrete improvements.
• Negotiation & compromise – seek solutions that satisfy the majority while respecting minority views.
• Time management – set realistic deadlines, track progress, adjust plans when needed.
• Responsibility sharing – allocate tasks according to strengths and monitor completion.
• Non‑verbal cues – maintain eye contact in video calls, use appropriate tone of voice, watch body language.
• Visual communication – use diagrams, charts, mind‑maps to clarify complex ideas.

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8. Overcoming common communication barriers

• Language differences – use simple, clear language; ask teammates to paraphrase back.
• Time‑zone conflicts – agree on overlapping meeting windows; rely on asynchronous tools (shared docs, recorded messages).
• Technology issues – test platforms before meetings; have a backup (e‑mail) ready.
• Dominant personalities – set ground rules for equal speaking time; use a “round‑robin” check‑in.
• Unclear responsibilities – create a task matrix (who does what, by when) and review it at each meeting.

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9. Recommended digital tools for the Team Project

Tool	Purpose	Key features for IGCSE
Google Docs / Sheets	Collaborative writing & data collection	Real‑time editing, comment system, version history.
Microsoft Teams / Zoom	Virtual meetings	Screen sharing, breakout rooms, recording for later review.
Padlet	Idea brainstorming	Sticky notes, multimedia uploads, private boards for the team.
Canva	Designing visuals (posters, infographics)	Templates, drag‑and‑drop, export in PDF/PNG.
Trello	Task management	Kanban boards, due dates, checklists, visual overview.

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10. Assessment‑focused checklist (mirrors mark tables)

• ☐ Roles & responsibilities clearly recorded (Table A – 2 marks).
• ☐ Explanation of Research & Planning written (300‑400 words, Table C – 4 marks).
• ☐ All sources cited consistently in Harvard style (Table D – 2 marks).
• ☐ Evidence of Action produced in an approved format and uploaded before the deadline (Table E‑F – up to 8 marks).
• ☐ Evaluation of the Action addressed using the four Table B criteria (4 marks).
• ☐ Personal Reflective Paper completed (250‑300 words, Table G‑H – 6 marks).
• ☐ Daily progress logged in the shared tracker.
• ☐ Constructive feedback given to at least two teammates each week.
• ☐ Final presentation rehearsed; speaking time allocated; visual style consistent.

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11. Citation & Referencing tip sheet (AO1 & AO3)

• Choose one citation style (Harvard is recommended) and stick to it throughout the project.
• In‑text citation format:
  • Paraphrase: (Author, Year)
  • Direct quote: (Author, Year, p. 23)
• Bibliography entry – book:
  Smith, J. (2020) Global Environmental Issues. London: Green Press.
• Bibliography entry – website:
  UNEP (2022) Plastic Pollution Report. Available at: https://www.unep.org/plastic (Accessed: 15 Oct 2025).
• Insert a live link to the master bibliography file in every shared document so teammates can add entries instantly.
• Use the “Comments” feature to flag any uncited material before the final submission.

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12. Visual aid suggestion

Diagram idea – “Flow of communication within a team project”: arrows showing feedback loops from Planning → Research → Analysis → Production → Evaluation, with side‑boxes for “Team meetings”, “Shared documents”, “Progress log”, and “Reflective paper”. Include this diagram on a poster or the first slide of your presentation to remind the team of the communication cycle.