Test Advice - IGCSE
What is Cambridge IGCSE?
Cambridge was the first exam board to develop the InternationalGCSE 20 years ago and it is now the world's most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds. More than2,000 schools across the world, including more than 200 UK schools, teachCambridge IGCSE.
The IGCSE is taken in 125 countries (there are 500,000 entries a yearworldwide) including countries in Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, AsiaPacific, South America, the Far East and the USA.
Internationally recognised and suitable for schools worldwide, Cambridge IGCSEbrings out the best in students and develops successful learners through a skills-basedapproach to teaching and assessing. By working with schools and educators globally,CIE has created a balanced international curriculum that develops successfulstudents through a practical approach to teaching and learning. IGCSE coursesare renowned for developing vital educational skills, including recall ofknowledge, oral skills, problem solving, initiative, teamwork and investigativeskills.
IGCSE is designed to be taught as a two year course for students aged 14 17years. In some countries IGCSE courses last just one year and there are noformal age regulations. In most subjects there is a choice between core andextended curricula, making IGCSE suitable for a wide range of abilities.
Recognised Awards
The IGCSE is internationally recognisedas being equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom.In some parts of the world, schools use Cambridge IGCSE as aninternational alternative to the local government's examination.
How does IGCSE differ from UK GCSE?
The IGCSE is internationally recognisedas being equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom but offers far morechoice Cambridge offers over 65 subjects.It was developed to meet the needs of international educators whowanted to prepare students for a global economy.
Although there is a huge overlap on content (what you learn) with the UK NationalCurriculum, there are some differences with an international flavour:
- History is not British-centric
- Geography has more about coral reefsthan the English Midlands
- There are separate English Language andEnglish Literature syllabuses
- Maths has one paper that has longer andmore complex questions
- Languages over 30, including somelike Korean not offered by GCSE
- Coursework is optional in IGCSE. Thisis advantageous when teachers structure lessons and for different teaching styles.
Information provided by The University of Cambridge
