IGSCE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education curriculum offers a variety of routes for learners which accommodates to everyone’s unique set of strengths and weaknesses. There is flexibility in the curriculum and it allows students to explore themselves at a deeper level since education is not limited to reading textbooks and excelling in exams.
Many tutors (those who do one-on-one tutoring, and group tuition) who advise students to dig up facts about things they are not aware of. It is crucial to be well-informed about the track in which students choose to travel in, so as to be sufficiently prepared.
Since many do not really understand what IGSCE is all about, here’s some answers to common questions that parents and students have about this!
Source: coursemology.sg
1. What is the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus like?
There is a myriad of subjects (over 70 subjects are available) in Cambridge IGCSE. This includes about 30 languages and schools have different combinations of subject which students can opt for. The syllabus enables students to acquire skills such as:
- Deep understanding of content
- Practical application of knowledge
- Ability to solve real-life problems using the theories learnt
- Enquiry skills
- Ability to adapt and adjust to changes
- Prescence of mind
- Effective communication in English
- Public speaking skills
- Ability to persuade and influence
- Ability to empathise with others
2. When are the Cambridge IGSCE examinations taken?
Information about when students can sit for the examinations can be found in the syllabus. This can be downloaded from Teacher Support or on the public website. The examination dates would be given in the exam timetable, and if there are any further questions, one can ask the Examinations Officer at the centre that has been assigned.
3. What is the difference between IGCSE Core and IGCSE Extended?
There is an option for students to choose core or extended curriculum papers for some subjects. The Core curriculum is what most students would take up and the extended curriculum is for students who have the capacity to do particularly well in certain subjects (those who can even achieve A* grade).
Here’s some information about the grading system for the core and extended curriculum:
| Target grades | Grades available |
| Core curriculum | C, D, E, F, G |
| Extended curriculum | A*, A, B, C, D, E |
4. What skills can be acquired through IGCSE?
The IGSCE syllabus is designed to expose students to various skill sets. Since theoretical knowledge and practical skill sets are required equally to solve problems, coursework and projects are structured to teach all of it. Students will be able to acquire various skill sets such as,
- Inference and evaluative skills
- The ability to assess problems and think of solutions spontaneously
- Presence of mind to solve problems
- Being proactive
- Being inquisitive
- Creative thinking
- Critical thinking
5. Does this yield good opportunities?
The University of Cambridge is a highly reputable university globally. It is a well-known fact that students who study under this university are talented and intellectual. Hence, Cambridge IGSCE has the potential to open up opportunities for students after they are done with final examinations.
If students are able to achieve excellent grades in their examinations, they can enter other reputable universities like Harvard. IGCSE can be challenging, however, it is recognised by many prestigious educational institutions around the world, which makes it a gateway for numerous opportunities.
6. How is the grading system like?
Since every student is unique, each of them would have their own set of strengths and weaknesses in different subjects. The grading is done in such a way that the scale is wide enough to easily assess each and every one of them. The extended and core curriculum ensures that there is sufficient flexibility in learning.