IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16-year-old pupils. It offers breadth in terms of the subject offering and the curriculum covered, and teaches pupils to an appropriate depth, supporting them for further study. The design of the qualification supports the study of a range of different subjects in order to explore them further before narrowing down subject choices at higher level study, and to develop a full range of skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, essay writing, scientific analysis, and technical abilities.
Repton International School encourages pupils to take advantage of mixing sciences, languages, humanities, and creative subjects with the core English and Maths, to continue their growth into well-rounded students. With decisions being made in Year 9 for IGCSE option subjects taken in Years 10 and 11, it’s important at this early stage to keep future options open, and not restrict pupils by selecting a narrow range of subjects.
Methods of assessment vary from subject to subject, with some being largely assessed via examination, and others with more weighting on coursework or practical assessments. All IGCSE subjects involve some type of exam. Art, Design Technology and Sciences will feature practical components for assessment, Music and Drama give emphasis on performance and composition, and Physical Education requires participation in a range of sports. Coursework and exams are graded from A*-G with A* being the highest grade (or from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest). In some subjects, Core and Extended curriculum papers are offered to allow for differing abilities. The Core examinations are graded from C-G, and the Extended examinations are graded from A*-E.
Why choose IGCSE?
Stemming from British education, IGCSEs have a great reputation as high standard international qualifications evidencing pupils’ strong academic abilities. The different combinations of IGCSE subjects available give pupils a broad yet personalised curriculum, allowing them to continue their study of core subjects and a comprehensive range of option subjects. This sets students up for the transition onto Sixth Form, and progression to A Level or IB courses.
Among the many advantages of taking IGCSEs is the international recognition afforded by the qualification. IGCSEs are aligned with GCSEs offered in the UK, and are recognised not only by universities in the UK, but by higher education institutions and employers across the world. There are several awarding bodies for IGCSEs. At Repton International School, the Cambridge International Education curriculum is followed for IGCSE teaching, learning, and assessment.
IGCSE English Language is accepted by many English-teaching universities around the world as evidence of proficiency in English. IGCSE Mathematics gives pupils a good standard of Maths at the minimum level typically looked for by employers.
For those who are familiar with GCSE in the UK, IGCSE is a very similar qualification and the aims, content and assessments are closely aligned, with many schools in the UK choosing IGCSE over GCSE. The IGCSE curriculum has more of an international focus given it is typically taught in a non-UK context. For example in History, there would be more focus on history in different parts of the world rather than mainly on British history. In Geography, topics such as population and settlement, and economic development can be tailored to different regions of the world, rather than focusing on areas of the UK.
IGCSE vs. MYP
IGCSE is often considered alongside the Middle Years Programme (MYP) from the International Baccalaureate as it is roughly the same level academically. The differences between the two qualifications include the assessment and examination process, and the number of compulsory subjects. The IGCSE subjects culminate in a formal examination, usually sat in school under typical exam conditions, whereas the MYP doesn’t always include this type of formal assessment and has other options within the assessment depending on the subject. IGCSEs are often the first formal public examinations sat by students in their lives. While this may seem a daunting prospect, students will develop study and revision skills and gain exam experience before moving on to more rigorous examinations at A level or IB.
Both programmes encourage a broad curriculum across varied subjects, a key difference being the structure and core vs. optional subjects. In the MYP, students have to take subjects from 8 different subject groups, covering the arts, sciences, humanities, sports, mathematics, and languages. At IGCSE, the breadth is still encouraged, though pupils can be slightly more selective in their subject areas, with fewer compulsory subject groups.
Choosing IGCSE Subjects
Pupils typically take English, Maths, up to 3 sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), and a language. The remaining option subjects are chosen from a selection of humanities, arts, creative and technical subjects. Repton International School’s options currently include Art, Business, Computer Science, Design Technology, Drama, History, Geography, Music, and Physical Education.
These subject choices are often the first chance that students have to make key decisions that will influence their future opportunities. At this stage, some students have an idea of the university study or career they wish to pursue, but many will not, and will often change their minds in the coming years. It’s important for students to discuss their options with teachers, and parents, and carry out their own research to ensure they make the right choice for themselves and their future.
What next?
After completing their IGCSEs, pupils will have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to continue on to further study. They will now be in a position to narrow down their preferred areas of study having explored a range of IGCSE subjects, and potentially take on new specialist interests. There is a natural progression onto A levels, continuing to follow a British-patterned education. IGCSEs also give a fantastic pathway to the IB Diploma Programme by supporting a similar breadth.
As IGCSEs are internationally recognised qualifications, gaining a strong set of IGCSEs supports pupils in their applications to universities worldwide. Many universities will look for a minimum number of IGCSEs, though many expect a standard 9-10 IGCSEs that demonstrates a full curriculum during Years 10 and 11 in school. These are also used as an indicator as to how pupils may perform during sixth form study of A Levels or IB.
Overall, IGCSEs are a high standard qualification that showcases pupils' full range of academic, scientific and creative abilities. Their popularity with schools around the world goes to show how well-respected the qualifications are.
For parents who are looking for an IGCSE school in Malaysia, Repton International School offers an IGCSE programme as part of their senior school curriculum. To learn more about the school and our programme, book a school tour today.