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IGCSE – All You Need To Know

 

What is IGCSE?

The answer is IGCSE is an acronym for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, a worldwide international certificate taken at middle school just before proceeding to pre-university studies or Advanced Level.

IGCSE is one of the most prominent examinations in the world today; offered around the globe and setting a benchmark for assessment, achievement, and recognition that is accepted by international universities, educational institutions, and employers worldwide.

IGCSE is one of the most popular international certifications for 14 to 16-year-olds. It is recognized by leading universities and employers worldwide and is an international passport to progression and success.

 

What is the Full Form of IGCSE Board?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an English language-based examination developed by the University of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and recognised in the United Kingdom. The IGCSE is comparable to the GCSE and supports international acceptance. The IGCSE is an internationally recognised and accepted qualification for students aged 14 to 16. It is recognised by some of the world’s top universities and employers.

 

Boards Offering IGCSE

Cambridge Assessment Internal Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel are the examination boards that provide IGCSE. Schools are free to select the board through which they wish to offer the IGCSE. The universities also do not place a premium on the type of board used for studying, though achieving a high grade is highly valued by them.

 

Types of IGCSE Examinations

IGCSE by Cambridge University

Cambridge IGCSE includes over 70 subjects and 30 languages. These are available in a variety of combinations. The goal of multiple languages is to include students from various linguistic backgrounds. The IGCSE curriculum allows students to choose a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 14 subjects. IGCSE core subjects include:

  • First and second languages
  • Mathematics and one or more science subjects

Students can also choose from subjects such as social science, arts, and technology. The extended curriculum is more akin to a subject specialisation.

The curriculum is quite flexible, and it aims to develop learners’ knowledge, understanding, and skills in the following areas:

  • Intellectual inquiry Adaptation and change response
  • Cultural Awareness Interaction and communication in English
  • Subject Matter Application of knowledge and understanding to new situations
  • Knowledge and understanding are applied to new and familiar situations.
  • Because of its global perspective, IGCSE does not have a prescribed syllabus.
  • Students are free to select the most highly recommended set of books for the
  • subjects they have selected.

IGCSE EdExcel

EdExcel administers this exam twice a year, in January and June.

 

IGCSE International Oxford AQA

Oxford international AQA Examinations is a joint venture between AQA and Oxford University Press (OUP) that holds this examination twice a year in May/June and November.

IGCSE Recognition

More than 10,000 schools in around 160 countries recognise IGCSE. Around 500 schools in India offer IGCSE.

IGCSE Course Duration

The IGCSE is a two-year programme that begins in class nine. CIE has also launched its Cambridge International Primary Programme, which allows students from the age of 5 to 18 to enrol in IGCSE exams.

IGCSE Examinations

IGCSE exams are held in February, May, and October, with results released in May, August, and January, respectively.

IGCSE Grading System

Students are graded on an eight-point scale ranging from A+ to G, with A+ being the highest grade awarded.

Is IGCSE an Indian Board?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an educational board recognised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Higher Education Department, and the Government of India.

 

Features of IGCSE

  • IGCSE is a globally recognised qualification. It is equivalent to the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) in India and the General Certificate of Secondary Education in the United Kingdom (GCSE).
  • IGCSE is an excellent preparation for higher-level courses such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and the North America Advanced Placement Test (NAAPT) (APT).
  • Because the qualifications are based on individual subjects of study, you will receive an IGCSE qualification for each subject that you study.
  • The IGCSE programme adds value to the national context and promotes internationalism.
  • With IGCSE, a candidate is evaluated not only on the basis of regular written papers, but also on the basis of verbal and listening tests.

 

Advantages of IGCSE

  • With its content-rich programme, IGCSE prepares students for higher education.
  • It promotes cultural identity through language and literature courses.
  • The IGCSE syllabus gives students a global perspective where they can. It has a global perspective but is focused on the local community.
  • ICSE instils in students learning and investigative skills, as well as a problem-solving approach.
  • The IGCSE focuses on gaining knowledge rather than just getting good grades.
  • IGCSE is primarily preferred by students wishing to pursue higher education in the UK and abroad.
  • The IGCSE places a premium on practical knowledge over conceptual concepts.

 

IGCSE Schools in India

In India, the following schools offer IGCSE:

  • Prakriti, Sector 128, Noida
  • D.Y. Patil International School Pune IGCSE & IBDP, Pune
  • Canary High International School, Pune
  • CP Goenka International School, Pune
  • Ryan Global School, Mumbai
  • Little Angels’ International School, Mumbai
  • Spring Buds International Preschool, Mumbai
  • CP Goenka International School, Mumbai
  • DSB International School, Mumbai
  • Ryan Global School, Navi Mumbai

 

IGCSE Board Exam Preparation Tips

Make a Study Schedule

It is critical that you check the entire syllabus and prepare a detailed study plan in order to complete the syllabus well ahead of time. Any comprehensive study plan should start with reading the basic study material and then move on to a thorough study of additional reference books to gain detailed knowledge on the subject.

 

A Month before the Exam

Take notes on all important formulas and definitions from each topic and revise them as needed. Make a list of the points that need to be studied in depth and try to follow the paper pattern of the previous five years. Reading online tutorials and last-minute preparation tips may help you improve your grades.

 

The Day before the Exam

Maintain a steady focus on the paper ahead and keep your mind refreshed. The examination venue and timing should be checked against your admit card, which will be available on the board’s official website.

 

Just prior to the examination

Before the exam, try to take a deep breath and relax. A high level of self-confidence is essential for a successful performance.

 

It’s exam time!

Before giving a definitive answer, carefully read the questions. Try emphasising the key points that the question requires. Whenever possible, adding charts and diagrams improves the readability of the answers. Make sure to include your name, roll number, and any other pertinent information in the answer sheet.

 

Need for the Best Online Coaching for IGCSE?

However, before enrolling for online tutoring for IGCSE you must know how this course can benefit you and why you should take it up.

IGCSE online tutoring enables middle school students to crack the IGCSE exam with the use of incredibly developed virtual study rooms, anywhere and anytime. Joining IGCSE coaching online enables you to take classes at your convenience. It gives you an opportunity to take your classes from anywhere. You can choose whichever location you want to prepare for the IGCSE exam, all you need is a laptop with a good internet connection!

 

Why Manya’s 1:1 Live Online IGCSE Tutoring?

Manya’s 1:1 Live Online IGCSE Tutoring will enable you to receive tutoring from the comfort of your home; whether you are in India or somewhere abroad. We have developed a standardized process and methodology to prepare our students for the IGCSE exam. We have a dedicated team of tutors experienced in various tutoring techniques and online tools. It is a personalized and one-on-one coaching service where the tutor considers all the coaching needs of a student. We consistently strive towards improving our processes to deliver the best IGCSE results all across the world.

For any of your IGCSE preparation and IGCSE coaching queries and assistance, call us today. Our Academic Team would be happy to assist you, on your entire IGCSE preparation requirements.

You can also join our free trial classes from the comfort of your home. So what are you waiting for? Join today!

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FAQs

How many years is IGCSE?

IGCSE is a two year course. IGCSE exams are conducted at the end of the second year. Exams are conducted in June and November; The March administration is applicable only for India. In terms of the Indian education system, IGCSE is grade 9 and grade 10.

Are GCSE and IGCSE the same ?

GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an exam taken as a completion of secondary education in the UK. British students take GCSE exam at the end of grade 11. IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an international version of GCSE. IGCSE gives access to students globally to the same qualification standards of the GCSE. There is no difference between GCSE and IGCSE except that a few things are tailor made for the students across different countries. In India, students take the IGCSE exam at the end of grade 10.

Can I get into university without A levels ?

If a student wants to move in to university without taking up the A Levels, there are certain equivalent courses or alternatives that need to be taken up. A student needs to score at least 3As to get into a university. However if a student has any other equivalent qualification such as IBDP, higher education diploma, CBSE/ICSE grade 12 boards then he/she can get into university.

Can you retake IGCSE ?

Yes, a student can retake the IGCSE if the results he/she got is not satisfactory or if the grade noted on the score card is ‘U’. Regardless of age or previous scores, a student can retake the IGCSE exams any number of times.

Do Australian universities accept IGCSE ?

Cambridge curriculum or popularly known as IGCSE is a globally recognized curriculum. IGCSE is more popular in European countries, but IGCSE and the A levels are accepted by universities in all the countries. There can be addtional requirements for admissions like standardized tests and language tests such as SAT, IELTS or TOEFL for which you can refer to the university websites or reach out to us for a counselling session.

Is IB and IGCSE same ?

No, IB (International Bacculearate) is a different education system which has different categories in it such as PYP (Primary year programme), MYP (Mid year programme) and DP (Diploma programme) based on the age group. IGCSE is an international version with the same standard as UK’s GCSE.

Can I self-study IGCSE?

Yes, you can take the IGCSE exam even without attending Cambridge school. You need to find a Cambridge school in your city that accepts private candidates and register in that school to be able to take up the IGCSE examination. You will be solely responsible for making arrangements with the school and the school will provide all assistance for exam related queries. There are certain requirements that a student needs to fulfill to be eligible to get themselves registered as a private candidate in a school. 

Private candidates need to meet the full requirements of any assessment that they would be taking. If their submission of coursework, students must submit them and the coursework should be marked and authenticated by the school. 

Entry for assessments can be made only through the school and the responsibility lies on the student to ensure all requirements are complied with. 

The school has to remit the fee for any private candidate and students should reimburse the same to the school. The cost would include cost of supervision, marking of coursework or other internally assessed work by the staff of the school. 

Students registered as private candidates are identified separately in the summary of the school result and the name of the school will not appear in the certificate issued to the student.

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