What is IGCSE?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is provided by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), one of the world’s leading providers of examinations. IGCSE is a high profile qualification with an excellent reputation.
It is recognised by universities and institutes of higher education around the world. It is equivalent in standard to the British GCSE and International GCE O Level examinations.
Who can take IGCSE?
IGCSE is designed to be taught as a two year course. Most students take IGCSE examinations at age 16, but it can be delivered in many ways, to all ages.It is ideal for students who have taken Cambridge Checkpoint tests.
What are the benefits?
IGCSE provides a foundation for higher level courses, including A and AS Levels and the AICE Diploma.
Good IGCSE grades count towards entry to universities and colleges around the world.
IGCSE offers students a flexible course of study that gives them the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them. Study and examination at IGCSE provide a broad knowledge base and learning skills that provide excellent preparation for employment.
What options are available?
Students are encouraged to study at least seven subjects at IGCSE.
In order to prepare themselves for further education many students follow a broad and balanced curriculum with syllabuses from the following groups: -
- Languages.
- Mathematics.
- Sciences.
- Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Business, Creative, Technical and Vocational.
This can lead to an additional qualification - the International Certificate of Education (ICE).
What are IGCSE courses and examinations like?
The course differs for each subject, but throughout there will be a mix of assessment methods, including coursework, practical exercises, oral and listening tests, projects and written examinations. IGCSE courses usually take two years to complete and examinations are taken at the end of this period.
Subjects are graded A* through to G - grade A is awarded for the highest level of achievement and grade G for the lowest.
What resources are available?
Each IGCSE syllabus is accompanied by a resource list with full details of books and other materials
that may be useful in the classroom. Teachers are also provided with a range of resources and support
materials to equip them with the skills they need to teach IGCSE courses.
These include the following: -
- Online support and resources.
- Textbooks and other classroom materials.
- Teacher training.
- Professional development qualifications.
For more details please visit www.cie.org.uk