The IGCSE Programme
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an international secondary education programme similar to the Singapore O-levels. Internationally recognised, the IGCSE programme is primarily taken by students between the ages of 14 and 16. With a holistic approach to education, The IGCSE curriculum prepares students for international post-secondary programmes, like the IB diploma programme.
The IGCSE curriculum is adapted from the British local GCSE curriculum to have a greater international focus. This is reflected in the IGCSE content. Despite the difference in content coverage in the IGCSE programme, it is still largely considered an equivalent to the British GCSE’s due to its strong British roots.
Through the rigorous education system of the IGCSE, students who have successfully completed the IGCSE course are problem-solvers and initiative-takers. Having coursework closely interweaved into the IGCSE curriculum, students grow to be confident communicators and proficient team players. The expansive scope of IGCSE ingrains students with a holistic view on current topics, expanding their sights and developing a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The integrated approach the IGCSEs take towards assessments shifts some of the focus towards the coursework components and oral presentations. Besides developing a well-rounded student, the IGCSE assessment structure also provides equal opportunity for a wide range of students to succeed and excel.
There are a few accredited IGCSE examination boards that schools can use. In Singapore, the most common IGCSE examination board used by local and international IGCSE schools is Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Following the CAIE, the Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel) exam board is another popular choice amongst IGCSE schools in Singapore.
What is the IGCSE Programme?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an international secondary education programme similar to the Singapore O-levels. Internationally recognised, the IGCSE programme is primarily taken by students between the ages of 14 and 16. With a holistic approach to education, The IGCSE curriculum prepares students for international post-secondary programmes, like the IB diploma programme.
The IGCSE curriculum is adapted from the British local GCSE curriculum to have a greater international focus. This is reflected in the IGCSE content. Despite the difference in content coverage in the IGCSE programme, it is still largely considered an equivalent to the British GCSE’s due to its strong British roots.
Through the rigorous education system of the IGCSE, students who have successfully completed the IGCSE course are problem-solvers and initiative-takers. Having coursework closely interweaved into the IGCSE curriculum, students grow to be confident communicators and proficient team players. The expansive scope of IGCSE ingrains students with a holistic view on current topics, expanding their sights and developing a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The integrated approach the IGCSEs take towards assessments shifts some of the focus towards the coursework components and oral presentations. Besides developing a well-rounded student, the IGCSE assessment structure also provides equal opportunity for a wide range of students to succeed and excel.
There are a few accredited IGCSE examination boards that schools can use. In Singapore, the most common IGCSE examination board used by local and international IGCSE schools is Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Following the CAIE, the Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel) exam board is another popular choice amongst IGCSE schools in Singapore.
IGCSE Exam Boards
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)
The Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) examination board offers a 2 year IGCSE program. Students who sit for the IGCSE examinations under this exam board will attain the IGCSE Certificate at the end of their 2 years under the IGCSE curriculum.
The Cambridge IGCSE offers over 70 subjects spanning across 5 curriculum areas:
- Group 1: Languages
- Group 2: Humanities and Social Sciences
- Group 3: Sciences
- Group 4: Mathematics
- Group 5: Creative and Professional
The subjects that students can take is largely dependant on the school they have enrolled in, and the school’s internal requirements.
IGCSE students will have to take a minimum of 5 subjects, one from each subject group, and up to 14 subjects. Students who have passed at least 7 IGCSE subjects will be awarded the Cambridge International Certificate in Education (ICE). Of these 7 subjects, two will be from Group 1, and one from each of Groups 2 to 5. The seventh subject can be chosen from any of the five IGCSE curriculum areas.
Most IGCSE schools would require students to take a minimum of 7 IGCSE subjects: two from Group 1, and one from each of Groups 2 to 5. The seventh subject can be chosen from any of the five IGCSE curriculum areas.
The IGCSE assessment structure is made of a mixture of coursework, practical exercises, oral and listening tests, projects and written examinations.
The Cambridge IGCSE programme abides by a tiered examination system. Most subjects are offered in two curriculum: the Core Curriculum and the Extended Curriculum.
CORE CURRICULUM
- Scope and depth typically within the ability range of most IGCSE students
- Provides IGCSE students with a full overview of the subject
- Grade range runs from a C to G
- Students taking this curriculum cannot score beyond a C
EXTENDED CURRICULUM
- Pitched to IGCSE students who are more academically able
- Scope includes Core curriculum and Supplements
- Supplements refer to extra topics and additional depth covered in addition to the core curriculum
- Grade range runs from a A* to E
Not all IGCSE subjects will be separated into Core and Extended curriculum. For these subjects, they are only offered at the Extended curriculum level.
Pearson Edexcel
The Pearson Edexcel (Edexcel) examination board offers a 2 year IGCSE program. Students who sit for the IGCSE examinations under this exam board will attain the International GCSE Certificate at the end of their 2 years under the IGCSE curriculum.
The Edexcel International GCSE offers a wide range of subjects across various disciplines including Mathematics, Languages, Computer Science and ICT, Business, Science, and Art and Design. The subjects that students can take is largely dependant on what their respective schools offer as well as the school’s internal requirements.
The International GCSE exams are graded on a 9 to 1 scale.
Unlike the Cambridge IGCSE exams, Edexcel’s International GCSE only offer subjects at one level. Therefore, IGCSE students taking the Edexcel’s International GCSEs are subjected to a similar standard regardless of their academic ability in a subject.
The IGCSE Examination Boards
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)
The Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) examination board offers a 2 year IGCSE program. Students who sit for the IGCSE examinations under this exam board will attain the IGCSE Certificate at the end of their 2 years under the IGCSE curriculum.
The Cambridge IGCSE offers over 70 subjects spanning across 5 curriculum areas:
- Group 1: Languages
- Group 2: Humanities and Social Sciences
- Group 3: Sciences
- Group 4: Mathematics
- Group 5: Creative and Professional
The subjects that students can take is largely dependant on the school they have enrolled in, and the school’s internal requirements.
IGCSE students will have to take a minimum of 5 subjects, one from each subject group, and up to 14 subjects. Students who have passed at least 7 IGCSE subjects will be awarded the Cambridge International Certificate in Education (ICE). Of these 7 subjects, two will be from Group 1, and one from each of Groups 2 to 5. The seventh subject can be chosen from any of the five IGCSE curriculum areas.
Most IGCSE schools would require students to take a minimum of 7 IGCSE subjects: two from Group 1, and one from each of Groups 2 to 5. The seventh subject can be chosen from any of the five IGCSE curriculum areas.
The IGCSE assessment structure is made of a mixture of coursework, practical exercises, oral and listening tests, projects and written examinations.
The Cambridge IGCSE programme abides by a tiered examination system. Most subjects are offered in two curriculum: the Core Curriculum and the Extended Curriculum.
CORE CURRICULUM
- Scope and depth typically within the ability range of most IGCSE students
- Provides IGCSE students with a full overview of the subject
- Grade range runs from a C to G
- Students taking this curriculum cannot score beyond a C
EXTENDED CURRICULUM
- Pitched to IGCSE students who are more academically able
- Scope includes Core curriculum and Supplements
- Supplements refer to extra topics and additional depth covered in addition to the core curriculum
- Grade range runs from a A* to E
Not all IGCSE subjects will be separated into Core and Extended curriculum. For these subjects, they are only offered at the Extended curriculum level.
Pearson Edexcel
The Pearson Edexcel (Edexcel) examination board offers a 2 year IGCSE program. Students who sit for the IGCSE examinations under this exam board will attain the International GCSE Certificate at the end of their 2 years under the IGCSE curriculum.
The Edexcel International GCSE offers a wide range of subjects across various disciplines including Mathematics, Languages, Computer Science and ICT, Business, Science, and Art and Design. The subjects that students can take is largely dependant on what their respective schools offer as well as the school’s internal requirements.
The International GCSE exams are graded on a 9 to 1 scale.
Unlike the Cambridge IGCSE exams, Edexcel’s International GCSE only offer subjects at one level. Therefore, IGCSE students taking the Edexcel’s International GCSEs are subjected to a similar standard regardless of their academic ability in a subject.
How to do well for the IGCSE exams
In Singapore, the IGCSE is a curriculum offered widely to students in Singapore. It is most commonly offered in international schools such as UWCSEA, St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII), Anglo-Chinese School International (ACS International), Australian International School in Singapore (AIS), Dover Court International School, Dulwich College, and Overseas Family School (OFS).
The IGCSE aims to nurture students with good middle school foundation for various high school programmes. As a stepping stone to the IB Diploma programme, the IGCSE is a challenging curricula that requires students to have good skills in critical reading, close analysis, and good exam skills. To do well in the IGCSE, students need to focus on content mastery, foundation building, working on timed practices, and post-practice reviews.
QE is Singapore’s leading IGCSE tuition specialists. We offer a range of IGCSE tuition programmes for students enrolled in IGCSE Singapore schools and international schools worldwide (online class). All IGCSE programmes are intelligently designed by IGCSE examiners and perfect score IB graduates from Singapore’s leading schools. These courses provide comprehensive coverage on textbook content, question practice, review, and headstart preparation for the IB Diploma programme. Read more about our IGCSE tuition programmes here.
The programme offers a chance for the all-rounder to shine, while providing those with a clear focus of their ambitions with a worthwhile grounding for further study.
How to do well for IGCSE in Singapore?
In Singapore, the IGCSE is a curriculum offered widely to students in Singapore. It is most commonly offered in international schools such as UWCSEA, St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII), Anglo-Chinese School International (ACS International), Australian International School in Singapore (AIS), Dover Court International School, Dulwich College, and Overseas Family School (OFS).
The IGCSE aims to nurture students with good middle school foundation for various high school programmes. As a stepping stone to the IB Diploma programme, the IGCSE is a challenging curricula that requires students to have good skills in critical reading, close analysis, and good exam skills. To do well in the IGCSE, students need to focus on content mastery, foundation building, working on timed practices, and post-practice reviews.
QE is Singapore’s leading IGCSE tuition specialists. We offer a range of IGCSE tuition programmes for students enrolled in IGCSE Singapore schools and international schools worldwide (online class). All IGCSE programmes are intelligently designed by IGCSE examiners and perfect score IB graduates from Singapore’s leading schools. These courses provide comprehensive coverage on textbook content, question practice, review, and headstart preparation for the IB Diploma programme. Read more about our IGCSE tuition programmes here.
The programme offers a chance for the all-rounder to shine, while providing those with a clear focus of their ambitions with a worthwhile grounding for further study.
