Things To Know About IGCSE Curriculum

IGCSE Curriculum

Updated on: 17th July, 2024

IGCSE curriculum 

IGCSE full form is, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, developed by the University of Cambridge International Examinations. IGCSE course is a two-year program designed for candidates aged 14 to 16 years, starting at the Class 9 level. IGCSE is a globally recognized qualification. 

IGCSE provides a broad and flexible study program and covers subjects from a variety of areas: Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. 

Curriculum Overview

The IGCSE curriculum is broad and flexible, encompassing subjects from various fields:

  • Languages: First Language, Second Language, Foreign Language, etc.
  • Humanities and Social Sciences: Geography, English Literature, History, etc.
  • Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.
  • Mathematics: Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, etc.
  • Creative, Technical & Vocational: Accounting, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Music, etc.

Students must take a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 14 subjects. For information on schools following the IGCSE curriculum, check our detailed blog from here. 

Comparing IGCSE with Other Curriculums

IGCSE v/s O-Level

FeaturesIGCSEO-Level
Grading SystemGrades A to GGrades A to E
Skills TestedOral, practical, initiative, problem-solvingReading and writing skills
Coursework optionsAvailable in different optionsLimited options
Preparation for futureEmployment, further study, International AS and A-LevelLocal needs
Practical OptionsExtensiveRestricted

 

IGCSE Core Curriculum v/s IGCSE Extended Curriculum

FeatureCore CurriculumExtended Curriculum
Target AudienceMajority of studentsMajority of students
Difficulty LevelEasyChallenging
Grade RangeC to GA to E
Exam CoverageSome subjects have a choiceSome subjects cover the full ability range
Curriculum ChoiceFlexible across subjectsFlexible across subjects
Ungraded marksBelow grade GBelow grade E
Reporting of ungraded marksOn the statement of results, not the certificateOn statement of results, not the certificate

 

IGCSE Curriculum v/s CBSE Curriculum

FeatureIGCSECBSE
Subject OptionsWide varietyFewer options
Curriculum FocusCritical thinking, problem-solvingTheoretical knowledge
Learning approachPracticalTheoretical
Content depthIn-depth knowledgeBroad content, less-depth

 

IGCSE Curriculum v/s IB MYP Curriculum

FeatureIGCSEIB MYP
Subject GroupsFive groupsEight groups
Program DurationTwo YearsFive years
Further Education optionsPrepares for IGCSE A or AS LevelPrepares for IB Diploma
DifficultyModerateHigh
Global PerspectiveGlobally recognizedGlobally recognized
Focus AreasBroad SubjectsEmphasis on STEM

 

What is the Grade Threshold in IGCSE? 

Grade thresholds are the minimum marks a student must achieve to obtain a particular grade in an IGCSE exam. These thresholds are set after each exam series to ensure that the grading standards remain fair and consistent over time.

The primary goal of setting grade thresholds is to maintain a balance, ensuring that the grades reflect the relative difficulty of the exam. For instance, if an exam paper is deemed particularly challenging, the grade thresholds may be lowered to ensure that students are not unfairly penalized. Conversely, if the exam is relatively easier, the thresholds might be raised.

Advantages of IGCSE curriculum

The advantages of IGCSE Curriculum are: 

  • IGCSE curriculum offers 30 languages to choose from.
  • IGCSE instills critical thinking and problem-solving attitudes in students.
  • IGCSE is a globally recognised qualification
  • Private candidates can also apply for IGCSE exams. (To know more about private candidates you can check out the FAQ blog.)
  • IGCSE doesn’t follow a strict pattern and has a set structure. The curriculum is designed as per the local students.
  • Rote learning is nowhere in the curriculum. It follows a more practical based approach.

If you have any other related query you can check out our FAQ blog. Know more about the IGCSE schools here.

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