What is IGCSE?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a comprehensive curriculum that lasts for two years and is split between Class 9 and Class 10. At the conclusion of Class 10, the final test will be administered. Similar to the Class 10 exams of the SSC, ICSE, CBSE, British GCSE, International GCE O Level examinations, or the Middle Years Programme of the IB, it is a credential that is recognized throughout the world. IGCSE is recognized by all Indian Boards and Universities as being equal to SSC, ICSE, and CBSE. The IGCSE program is well-known and respected throughout the globe. Over 130 schools in India currently offer the training, and more are adding their enrollment every year.
It is taught in more than 160 countries’ institutions and is accepted by all colleges and universities, especially those in the United States, United Kingdom, and other Commonwealth nations.
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Subjects in IGSCE:
The IGCSE curriculum includes five topic groups:
First Group: Languages (First Language, Second Language, Foreign Language, etc)
Second Group: Social sciences and humanities (Geography, English Literature, History, etc)
Third Group: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc)
Fourth Group: Mathematics (Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, etc)
Fifth Group: Technical, Creative, and Vocational (Accounting, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Music, etc
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 14 courses must be taken by students.
Here are a few factors which will help you in choosing the right subjects from the vast syllabus of IGCSE: Click here.
IGCSE and other programs of study:
O Level vs. IGCSE
Candidates for the IGCSE receive marks from A to G, while those pursuing the O Level receive grades from A to E.
IGCSE exams students’ oral and practical abilities, initiative, and problem-solving abilities, as well as their ability to implement their knowledge, understanding, and skills in real-world situations. The O Level, on the other hand, only emphasizes reading and writing abilities.
IGCSE syllabuses give a wide variety of course options, whereas O Level offers fewer options than IGCSE.
The IGCSE helps the learner get ready for work or further education. O Level is made to suit regional needs, whereas IGCSE also prepares students for international AS and A-Level.
In contrast to O Level, where there are fewer practical choices, IGCSE offers a wide range of practical options.
IGCSE Core vs. IGCSE Extended
The teacher is in charge of selecting the class size that is most suitable, taking into account the various abilities of each student. In some IGCSE exams, students can choose between the basic and extended options.
The majority of pupils are targeted by the core curriculum, which is simpler than the Extended. The range of marks is C to G. The Extended Curriculum, on the other hand, focuses on students who are more academically gifted and inevitably propels them into career training or higher education. The IGCSE Extended grades run from A* to E.
There is no option to choose between Core and Extended papers in some disciplines where the exam spans the entire ability range. The entire range of grades is offered for these subjects.
Students are not required to adhere to the same degree of curriculum across all subjects. Additionally, a student will not receive a grade if they do not reach the minimum satisfactory standards of either the core (G) or extended (E) curriculum.
CBSE vs. IGCSE
The extensive range of choices the curriculum provides is what makes IGCSE so appealing. Conversely, CBSE provides fewer choices.
While the CBSE tests a candidate more on his or her theoretical information, the IGCSE curriculum places a greater emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and takes a more practical approach.
There is more material in the CBSE, but it is not necessary to fully comprehend it. IGCSE, on the other hand, necessitates extensive information.
You might want to know the key differences between IGCSE and CBSE curriculum: Click here.
IB Middle Years Course vs. IGCSE
IB MYP provides 8 subject groups, whereas IGCSE only offers 5. IB provides a wider variety of subjects as a result than IGCSE.
A pupil may choose to take the IGCSE A or AS Level course during the two-year IGCSE programme. The IB MYP is a five-year curriculum, and graduates are well-prepared to enroll in the IB diploma programme.
IB is more rigorous and offers excellent chances to relocate abroad. The IGCSE curriculum is organized with a global view while still being locally applicable.
IB places more emphasis on STEM instruction. Therefore, you can choose the IB MYP if STEM is your area of focus.
Know the key difference between IGCSE and ICSE: Click here.
Scoring
IGCSE has passing grades ranging from A* to G, with A* being the highest rating and the remaining grades being from A to G. Additionally, there is a mark U, which denotes ungraded
A* is the top grade a student can get and G is the lowest grade the student can secure. Percentage Uniform Points are used to represent each grade (PUM). This does not represent the complete score for the course. The candidate’s performance is indicated by a point on the universal scale used by all syllabuses, depending on whether it is near the top, middle, or bottom of the grade.
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Why is IGSCE the right choice?
A system of teaching recognized worldwide
The IGCSE is an internationally regarded test credential. Scholars with these credentials can study in the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Singapore, among other nations. The IGCSE curriculum examinations are accepted and recognized by the majority of colleges as a requirement for admission. The IGCSE enables further vocational education and creates a foundation for employment. IGCSE students would possess all the abilities that employers look for in prospective employees.
A topic selection that considers different ability levels
In order to accommodate the range of student abilities, the IGCSE provides Core and Extended curriculum papers for some subjects. Given that it is created to impart the most fundamental knowledge to the broadest variety of students, the Core curriculum is simpler than the Extended curriculum. Grades C to G is anticipated of pupils choosing the Core Levels. For students who are more academically capable, the Extended Level builds on the Core Level and includes advanced knowledge. Students in this level should receive grades A* to E.
Assessments
The course’s final exams for the IGCSE include a variety of evaluation types, including oral, written, coursework, and practical exams. When a student’s first language is not English, this truly increases the opportunities for them to hone their learning skills. Additionally, students can choose between the core and extended degrees of study depending on their level of academic ability. As a result, both the most talented students and those who find it difficult have their requirements met by the assessments. In order for the school and the students to understand their strengths and flaws, the questions are varied in terms of difficulty. They are also aware of their areas of passion and interest, which enables them to plan their future course of study, deciding whether to stick with one topic or switch to another.
As a result, the IGCSE curriculum gives pupils a sense of confidence and raises their spirits.
Students first
The IGCSE curriculum is student-centered and offers a rich learning environment in which teachers and students participate evenly in class, fostering creativity. Application-based learning is the preferred method of instruction over theory. When a student is aware of the application at the proper time and location, he is better able to understand concepts, which improves his logical and creative abilities. The learner can challenge what he learns, share and debate concepts with his classmates, and learn alongside them all.
Critical thinking and logical thinking
Instead of the conventional rote repetition, the IGCSE Curriculum uses inquiry-based learning. Thus, it is a student-centric curriculum because it is designed to encourage students to think analytically and logically about the subjects they cover in class. While fixing problems, also improves one’s investigative and inferential abilities. Students who are following the IGSCE curriculum are more flexible and at ease switching to other curricula. The changeover is faster and simpler.
Getting ready for colleges
Because of the breadth of knowledge, it offers and the standardization of education around the globe, students who follow the IGCSE curriculum have an advantage over those who follow other curricula. They are independent thinkers and learners, which is a quality and a life skill needed for college and university courses. To pass the exams, they are not memorizing the list of information. As part of the IGCSE curriculum, students are already exposed to these duties and character traits, which are necessary for success in higher education.
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Conclusion
In Conclusion, IGCSE seeks to develop learners who are self-assured, accountable, reflective, inventive, and involved. It’s true that the curriculum and exams are designed to aid in your skill development and help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world situations.
