What is IGCSE?

Posted on January 3, 2012 by IGCSE Team 1,296 Comments

(Below information was a combination from sources of wikipedia and CIE. The
information was taken at the time of writing this article. If you find any changes
in wikipedia and CIE, please inform us.)
IGCSE or iGCSE is the abbreviation of International General Certificate of
Secondary Education. It is world most popular international certification for
end of secondary school (also known as O-Level or fifth form or year 11 in
respective countries and schools), before one proceeds to Advanced Level (ALevel or sixth form or year 12&13) or pre-university studies.
IGCSE was developed by University of Cambridge International Examinations (in
short CIE) in 1988. University of Cambridge has been the UK local examination
board since 1858. The term IGCSE is a registered trademark of University of
Cambridge. Generally, when one mentions IGCSE, it is understood as the
Cambridge IGCSE from the CIE board.
The IGCSE curricula is often considered more similar to O-Level rather than the
UK national curriculumsGCSE. Thus, the basis of the examination is also
considered more challenging and rigorous.

Recognition
IGCSE is currently being offered in private international schools and independent
schools in over 120 countries. IGCSE certificate is being recognized by all major
universities and colleges. It also satisfies the entry requirement of institutions
and universities in many countries. Therefore, students may enter university
after finishing IGCSE. Nevertheless, majority of them still prefer to continue to ALevel orInternational Baccalaureate.
IGCSE is also popular among homeschoolers, and adult students. Though IGCSE
is being taken by students typically in the age group 14-16 (or 15-17 depending
on primary 1 entry age), it also allows students from alternative education and
adult students to sit for the exam and continue personal education
advancement.

Some homeschooling educators in the US are choosing IGCSE as oppose to the

standard American high school curriculums, because it is said to be a year (or
more) advanced than the standard American high school course.

Subjects
IGCSE offers more than 70 subjects. Students are required to take a minimum of
5 or maximum of 14 subjects. The core subjects are First Language, Second
Language, Mathematics and Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry). Students
can also choose other subjects ranging from Social Sciences (commonly
Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Sociology) to Arts & Technology
(commonly Computer Studies, Information & Communication Technology (ICT),
Art & Design).

Student is awarded with one IGCSE certificate on each subject. If you take 5
subjects, you will be awarded 5 IGCSE certificates. The number of subjects need
to be taken is varied from school to school, and also depends upon individual
preference.

Cambridge IGCSE subjects

Regularly updated and extended, Cambridge IGCSE provides you with a wide
range of well-resourced and supported courses.