Break Down of IGCSE Curriculum
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Curriculum was developed by Cambridge International Examination (CIE) in 1988 and is one of the most popular English medium curriculums in the world. It is taught in more than 10,000 schools in over 160 countries.The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers around 70 subjects for students coverings a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English.
Schools around the world have actively participated in the development of Cambridge IGCSE. The syllabuses aims for an international outlook while retaining local relevance. They have been created specifically for an international student body with emphasis on avoiding cultural bias.
IGCSE curriculum focuses on student's specific needs. Starting from creating a strong foundation of core subjects, and then going forward and adding breadth and cross-curricular perspectives. They encourage learners to engage with a variety of subjects, and form connections between them.
Students usually begin studying the syllabus at the beginning of Year 10 and take the test at the end of Year 11. However, in some international schools students begin studying the syllabus at the beginning of Year 9 and take the test at the end of Year 10.
There are over 70 subjects available at Cambridge IGCSE, including 30 languages, and the schools are given the liberty to offer them in any combination.
The IGCSE curriculum allows the students to take a minimum of 5 and maximum of 14 subjects. The IGCSE ‘core’ curriculum comprises of a First Language, Second Language, Mathematics, and one or more subjects in the area of science. A student can also choose to study other subjects ranging from Social Sciences to Arts & Technology.
Difference between IGCSE Core and IGCSE Extended
Keeping in mind the differing abilities of students, there is a choice between Core and Extended curriculum papers in some subjects.
The Core curriculum is focused on keeping the subject matter within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a basic full overview of the subject and is generally targeted at students expecting to achieve grades between C to G.
The Extended curriculum has been designed for the more academically able. It is targeted at those expecting to achieve grades between A* to E.
Focus Areas
IGCSE focuses on developing the student’s understanding, skill, and knowledge in the following areas:
- Subject content
- The application of knowledge and understanding to new as well as unfamiliar situations
- Intellectual enquiry
- The flexibility and responsiveness to change
- Working and communicating in English
- Influencing outcomes
- Cultural awareness
Subject Groups
The Cambridge examination board offers an ICE (International Certificate of Education) group qualification for students who achieve 7 subject passes and score A*-C across the following groups:
Group I: Languages
Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences
Group III: Sciences
Group IV: Mathematics
Group V: Creative and Professionals.
Examination Details
Cambridge IGCSE exams are conducted in the months of February (India only), May and October, and the results are released in May, August and January respectively. The exams are conducted by CAIE, which is a part of the Cambridge Assessment which also includes the OCR gcse examination board.
The ICE is awarded in three grades: Distinction, Merit and Pass. It requires 2 passes in Languages, and one pass in every other group whilst the seventh subject be in any group to be qualified for an award.
In addition, to award top candidates with the uppermost achievement, Cambridge awards "Outstanding Achievement Awards" in the categories of "top in country", and "top in world" for each subject.
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