What is IGCSE and how to support your child
IGCSE is one of the common international qualifications for students from 14 to 16 years old. This rigorous program opens the door to higher education through admission to a college or university. For that reason, students typically start the course during Grade 10 and take the test by the end of Grade 11.
Acing the IGCSE test is an important milestone in one’s academic life. Therefore, it’s crucial for students and parents to fully understand what this exam entails and how to best prepare for it. Let’s break down the IGCSE curriculum from A to Z in this article, including the syllabus, benefits, and exam preparation tips.
What IGCSE means
IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It aims to equip high school students with foundational knowledge and skills across a wide range of subjects. Equivalent to the UK GCSE, this two-year program is adapted to global standards and recognized by leading international universities.
The two tiers include the IGCSE Core and the IGCSE Extended, designed for students of different learning abilities and academic objectives. While most students select the Core curriculum for a full overview of subjects, some challenge themselves by advanced research in certain fields of interest with the Extended.
What the IGCSE program offers your child
The IGCSE program consists of over 70 subjects in 30 languages, allowing schools to combine and structure their curricula with great flexibility. Besides the 3 compulsory subjects, namely English, Mathematics, and Sciences, students typically take extra ones for a total of 5 to 14 subjects.
IGCSE students are awarded a qualification for each subject taken. Meanwhile, your child can mix and match 7 subjects from the following groups to earn a Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE):
- Languages
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Professional and Creative
At the end of each course, students take an assessment in the form of an oral test, written exam, coursework, or practical project. IGCSE follows the A*-G grading system, in which A* is the highest and G is the lowest possible point. Exams take place annually in May/June and October/November, with results delivered in August and January.
Is IGCSE suitable for all students?
While the IGCSE curriculum emphasizes comprehensive education among students who are about to enter college, your child can begin the program as early as Grade 9. The typical time it takes to complete the course is two years, although there is no time limit for students to prepare for the exams. Thus, IGCSE is suitable for all students as long as they choose the right pathway for the subjects and difficulty levels.
Who and how can best prepare your child for IGCSE
Various resources are available to assist students in studying for the IGCSE exams. Here are some of the most popular methods to ease your child’s learning journey and make it a worthwhile experience.
School teachers and the program
Your child’s teachers and the program syllabi will be the primary sources to prepare for the IGCSE exams. Teachers are responsible for making sure the student is proficient in the course materials and able to apply the knowledge in multiple situations. On top of that, the IGCSE curriculum stimulates intellectual curiosity along with cultural awareness, bringing about not just a certificate but a life-long set of valuable skills.
Private tutors
Past cases show that effective tuition empowers students to reach their academic goals faster. Unlike school teachers who are incapable of providing undivided attention, private tutors are available at all times for one-on-one consultation. They can help with complex core concepts and individual exercises, as well as exam strategies to boost confidence among test-takers.
With today’s technology, online tutoring makes it even easier to study for IGCSE exams. Your child can schedule customized online sessions with an IGCSE tutor in any of the program subjects for continuous learning outside of the classroom and intensive revision before taking the assessments.
Video lessons and online learning platforms
Some students learn more efficiently with the guide of video lessons or interactive learning platforms. The most prominent advantage of this method is the enhanced experience, which differs from traditional classroom lectures that could be somewhat boring to young people nowadays. In addition, the accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and flexible nature of these online tools are extra features that you and your child might be looking for.
Teaching aids and textbooks
Thanks to its popularity, IGCSE offers a wealth of teaching aids and textbooks for both teachers and students. Ranging from exam prep materials and previous papers to mark schemes and results statistics, you can support your child in getting their hands on some or all of these resources to foster their learning and exam preparation process. A well-equipped learner always has a better shot at passing the IGCSE exam with excellence than others.
Achieving IGCSE success
Helping your child prepare for the IGCSE means providing access to a variety of resources to boost their confidence and readiness. Encourage them to make the most of school teachers, private tutors, and online platforms for a well-rounded study approach. By staying engaged and offering the proper support, you can help your child achieve top results in their IGCSE exams and set the stage for future academic achievements.Copy textCopy HTML
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