Beginner's Guide to IGCSE Education

Introduction

Today, parents have a variety of educational boards to choose from, to enroll their children, it is not just the traditional SSC (Secondary School Certificate), CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) or ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education). Just International Schools presents a beginners guide on the IGCSE curriculum.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (abbreviated IGCSE or iGCSE) is an internationally recognized qualification for school students, typically in the 15-16 age group. It is similar to the GCSE in England, Wales & Northern Ireland, Standard Grade in Scotland or Junior Certificate in the Republic of Ireland.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a globally recognized qualification, conducted at the Class 10 level, similar to the Class 10 examinations of the CBSE and ICSE or the middle years programme of the IB. IGCSE, formed in 1988, is a comprehensive two-year programme, spread over Class 9 and 10, and leads to the final examinations offered every year in May and November.

A wide range of international schools offer high quality International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme’s to students. IGCSE is one of the most sort-after and recognized qualifications in the world.

Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad study program and covers subjects from a variety of areas: Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. This is designed to make IGCSE suitable for students with varying levels of ability. Cambridge IGCSE allows teaching to be placed in a localized context, making it relevant in different regions. It is intended to be suitable for students whose first language may not be English and this is acknowledged throughout the examination process. The IGCSE has been introduced in the school for selected students of Std.8 in June 2007.

In 2009, Cambridge IGCSE papers in more than 70 subjects were taken by students in over 120 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Egypt, Kuwait, Hong Kong, India, Bahrain, Peru, UAE, New Zealand ,Vietnam, Thailand and Costa Rica.

IGCSE caters for different levels of ability with a choice between core and extended papers in many subjects. The resulting qualification provides a foundation for higher level courses, such as the International Baccalaureate, A and AS Levels, the Advanced International Certificate of Education and the North American Advanced Placement programme.

The core curriculum is based on an overview of the subject and is suitable for students expected to achieve grades C to G. The extended curriculum is more challenging and designed for students who are expected to achieve grades A* to C. Grades achieved through either route have the same values.
IGCSE offers a flexible course of study that gives candidates the freedom to choose subjects that are right for them, while providing them with a broad knowledge base and lifelong skills.

IGCSE Assessment
IGCSEs are 100% externally assessed. This allows schools to offer an IGCSE qualification, even if teachers are not coursework specialists. Some IGCSEs contain a coursework option so that centre’s that do have the experience and expertise can offer coursework.
IGCSEs are graded in the same way as GCSEs (A* to G). For tiered subjects, Foundation tier papers are targeted at grades C to G, and Higher tier papers are targeted at grades A* to D. This allows students of all abilities the opportunity to gain good results.

Comparison between IGCSE and other programmes like CBSE, ICSE or the Middle Years Programme of the IB

1. Like other modern programmes, IGCSE offers a wider range of subjects and encourages high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. Assessment is not limited to conventional written papers and they consist of a variety of tests e.g. oral and listening tests.

2. The assessment is aimed at a wide ability range of students, with an eight-point grading scale, from A+ to G, with A+ being the highest.

3. IGCSE is a balanced curriculum and a flexible course of study.

4. Most subjects offer a choice between core curriculum and extended curriculum.

5. This gives students of all ability levels the freedom to choose subjects that are right for them and, thereby, the opportunity to score good grades.

6. The core curriculum is an overview of the subject and is suitable for students who are expected to achieve grades C to G.

7. The extended curriculum is, sort of, a specialization in that subject. It is more challenging and designed for students who are expected to achieve grades A+ to C.

8. While the syllabi and curricula of both IB MYP (Middle Years Programme) and IGCSE have an international outlook, IGCSE appears to be slightly better, in that it is tailored for a more multi-cultural and more multi-lingual audience. In some subjects, IGCSE can be opted with or without coursework. Cambridge IGCSE allows teaching to be placed in a localized context, making it relevant in different regions.

9. Currently, IGCSE is a two-year programme starting at the Class 9 level. A student who has done his/ her early schooling from any other board can join the IGCSE programme at the Class 9 level.

11. CIE has declared the launch of its new Cambridge International Primary Programme in June 2009.

12. The introduction of this programme means students will be able to study the IGCSE from age four through age18.

Parents Concerns: Why should one choose IGCSE curriculum for their children
1. IGCSE is one of the most sought-after and recognised qualifications in the world. It develops and encourages vital educational skills, including oral skills, investigative skills, problem solving, team work, recall of knowledge, and initiative.

2. The IGCSE programme has worldwide status and credibility. In India, the course is delivered in over 130 schools with the number expected to touch 600 soon. It is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as being at par with CBSE, ICSE, etc.

3. Worldwide, it is delivered in schools in over 140 countries and is recognised by colleges and universities everywhere, more so in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.

4. The IGCSE curriculum is balanced and lends an international perspective to studies. It also takes account of differing abilities of students.

5. IGCSE students can take advantage of the Cambridge Checkpoint, a diagnostic service comprising of standardised tests, that pin-points a student's strengths and weaknesses in key curriculum areas.

Source:http://www.justinternationalschools.com/beginners-guide-for-igcse-education.html