A child’s educational journey increasingly allows for far more choice and personalisation, and for many international students deciding on their IGCSE pathway is an especially significant milestone.
Balancing choice, academic rigour, and personalisation with the foundational skills that all young people need is at the heart of a great education, and this balance can be found with the IGCSEs, which are a broad and academically respected set of qualifications designed for students aged 14-16 years old.
This guide covers what the IGCSE curriculum is, including information on the syllabus, exam boards and its benefits.
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is a set of examinations and qualifications designed for 14 to 16-year-olds, although they can be taken at any age. Borne out of the GCSE used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the IGCSE has evolved to meet the needs of students across the globe.
The IGCSE syllabus covers a wide variety of subjects, with no limits on the number of qualifications students can achieve. Apart from the compulsory subjects, students can select their own combination to personalise their curriculum. Normally, a student will study each subject over a two-year period, sitting exams in the summer of their second year of study, typically in Year 11 at age 16. There is no time limit on how long a student needs to study before taking exams.
The IGCSE uses A* - G grading scale, with A* being the highest and G the lowest. In many of the exams, there are two tiers. The higher and lower-tier system is designed to ensure IGCSEs are attainable for all levels of ability, and teachers enter children into either tier in advance of exams.
While the IGCSE syllabus on offer may differ depending on the examination board and school, in this section, we’ll discuss some of the core subjects students can study.
A student’s IGCSE curriculum will vary considerably depending on the school in question, with each school able to structure their individual curricula. Cambridge Assessment International Education, an examination provider of the IGCSE qualification, break down the 70 subjects they offer into the following subject groups, giving an example of what could be on offer. Students are encouraged to design a broad pathway that includes a range of subjects from different groups:
In Language and Literature courses, students embark on an imaginative journey through the study of substantive material originating from all across the world.
Alongside maturing their literary analysis skills, students are encouraged to explore the philosophical, psychological and socio-historical circumstances around works of fiction and nonfiction, in addition to significant texts that reflect the ideologies of various cultures.
We give students the opportunity and the tools that allow them to analyse complex ideas and express thoughts orally and on paper, so they develop an understanding and appreciation for the power of the written and spoken word.
Students can choose two course options, either pure literature or language and literature. In the Language and Literature course, students consider a range of literary and non-literary texts—from print advertising to political speeches. Through the study of both pure literature and language and literature, students are armed with sharp analytical tools and critical thinking skills that will help formulate independent opinions and ideas based on an understanding of diverse perspectives.
While acquiring intercultural competence and international mindedness, students will benefit from acquiring a wider range of linguistic skills throughout life, particularly in future university and career opportunities.
Students may tackle language acquisition through two courses: Language B and Ab Initio.
In the Language B course, students will further develop a previously learned language. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate effectively in a wide range of situations and scenarios, express ideas and concepts with fluency, structure coherent arguments and analyse written and material with clarity.
Ab Initio, a Latin phrase that translates to “from the beginning,” is a course developed for students who are just embarking on their journey of language acquisition. This course will open students’ eyes to the diverse communications around them and help them improve their understanding of a language.
In Individuals and Societies, students will blossom their understanding of the human experience in detail by studying human behaviour, interactions and societies.
Students will foster the capacity to identify, analyse and evaluate theories, concepts and arguments relating to the nature and activities of individuals and societies. While students may learn course material in the physical location of a classroom, the subject matter allows them to travel all over the world, studying the past, present and future of societies. Students will grasp a better understanding of their place in this world by learning about the experiences of others.
Armed with the advantage of studying Individuals and Societies at an international school, students who complete this course are greatly prepared for life in a global society.
As the basis of this course, students are supplied with the skills to develop and test a hypothesis, including the ability to analyse data, answer technical questions and refine their thought processes. They will learn how the sharing of scientific theories empowers society as a whole to continue progressing toward new findings.
By the end of this course, students will grasp the vital skill to question the world around them. They will understand how an experimental learning experience illuminates the path to a successful future.
When students engage in the study of mathematics, they become equipped with an essential tool.
With two course options, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI), we aim to give every student the support they need to become fluent in the language of mathematics, regardless of where their future takes them.
In Maths AA, students develop a mastery of mathematical arguments and thinking, and implement these skills through fascinating real and abstract applications. In Maths AI, students take a practical approach to mathematics and harness the power of technology and mathematical models.
This provides students with the opportunity to diversify their understanding of cultural practices, as they will explore the innovative artistry that transcends geographical boundaries and time periods.
Students will cultivate an appreciation for creative expression and learn to perceive and reflect upon a range of creative mediums.
These courses aim to teach students how to ignite the light of imagination. They will develop analytical skills and knowledge in the subject of arts with a high degree of adaptability to different cultural contexts. This emphasis on creativity in the context of disciplined, practical research educates students on the dynamic and changing nature of the arts.
As the Cambridge International GCSE curriculum states, the IGCSEs also focus on developing broader learning skills and dispositions for students to develop. These include:
Applying knowledge and understanding to new or unfamiliar situations – the IGCSE curriculum develops students’ abilities to apply their knowledge in new situations, so they’re able to take on challenges and are confident.
Intellectual inquiry – rather than memorising lists of facts and dates, the IGCSE curriculum instils a curiosity and love of learning in students so they continue to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
Flexibility and responsiveness to change – through a challenging but manageable curriculum, the IGCSE builds confidence in students, giving them the confidence to overcome adversity and respond to change.
Working and communicating in English – effective communication is foundational to growth and success. The IGCSE curriculum helps students communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, whether it’s their native tongue or a second language.
Influencing outcomes – students develop their agency and independence to positively influence the outcome of their lives.
Cultural awareness – the IGCSE curriculum prepares students to be citizens of the world by inspiring their curiosity and respect for other cultures in our global society.
The IGCSEs aim to prepare children for the best possible academic future, with the life skills necessary to be successful. Here are some of the benefits of the qualification:
Respected academic qualification
Your child will benefit from one of the most respected academic qualifications in the world. Thanks to the Lisbon Recognition Convention, IGCSEs are accepted as worthy qualifications in many countries around the world. The convention was signed by 45 of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe, alongside countries such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
Accessible for all
IGCSEs have benefits for children of all ages and abilities and acts as a launching pad for a successful future. Some subjects even adopt a two-tiered structure, allowing your child to sit an exam that best aligns with their academic ability.
Lay the foundations for the International Baccalaureate Diploma
As the IGCSEs are academically rigorous and include compulsory exams, they offer a degree of challenge that can better prepare students from the IB Diploma Programme. By preparing and sitting examinations at 16, students develop analytical skills and study habits needed to do well.
Learn valuable life skills
The IGCSE curriculum works hard to ensure that students aren’t merely memorising a list of facts to pass their exams – critical thinking, evaluation, analysis, and communication skills are built into assessments. The intention is to develop an enthusiasm for intellectual inquiry.
Are you interested in a Nord Anglia school offering the IGCSE for your child? Explore all our schools offering this international qualification by clicking the button below.
Our IGCSE Schools
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