The Importance of IGCSEs
What Are IGCSEs?
The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an English language-based secondary qualification. Students typically sit their IGCSEs during the end of Year 11 as a pathway to either the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or their A-Levels.
Students generally take between 5 and 7 IGCSE subjects, including compulsory English, maths, and science. However, the IGCSEs also offers a broad curriculum in over 70 subjects, from languages and humanities, to more creative and vocational pursuits. The IGCSE also offers different exam boards, with the main three including Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford International AQA Examinations (Oxford AQA). These exam boards each offer distinct syllabuses, subject choices, and assessment.
As a result, the IGCSE grading system varies depending on the exam board, but utilises either the 9-1 system (similar to the UK’s GCSE exams) or the traditional A*-G scale.
IGCSEs vs. the MYP
Though both the IGCSE and MYP (Middle Years Programme) qualification are internationally recognised, there are substantial differences between the two. Essentially, the MYP is a framework of courses, while the IGCSE is an exam-based qualification.
Compared to the MYP, the IGCSE is a far more content-driven curriculum, rather than skills. Its structured framework prioritises depth in specialised subjects and culminates in externally assessed final exams, similar to the IBDP.
Unlike the IGCSE, the MYP is a flexible, non-standardised curriculum which schools can adapt to their own needs. The MYP is structured around 8 subject groups and encourages both interdisciplinary learning and real-world connections. The MYP also prioritises an internal assessment model, more focused on coursework and projects, as opposed to a final exam.
How Do IGCSEs Prepare Students for Their IBDP?
The IGCSEs are particularly important for adequately preparing students for the demands of their IBDP.
Many students find that their IGCSEs have equipped them with the subject-specific depth that provides a crucial stepping-stone for the more complex content of their IBDP courses.
Furthermore, sitting their IGCSE exams will also prepare students for the external assessments of their IBDP as students who have already completed their IGCSEs will naturally be more familiar with formal written assessments. This will likely improve their confidence and time management during the exam.
As both the rigorous content and assessment style of the IGCSE closely aligns with the IBDP, both the subject knowledge and exam skills gained from this qualification will ensure a smooth transition for students progressing to their Diploma courses.
Why Are IGCSEs Important for Higher Education?
The IGCSEs are not only important for progression onto a student's IBDP or A-Level course, but also for higher education. Internationally recognised and highly respected, IGCSE grades can be crucial for university applications.
Teachers often utilise a student's IGCSE performance as the primary basis for predicting their final IBDP or A-Level grades. Strong IGCSE results can lead to higher predicted grades, which are crucial for receiving conditional university offers. For U.K. universities, especially in the more competitive and prestigious institutions, more attention can also be given to IGCSE grades as they provide a more comprehensive overview of the candidate’s skills. Subsequently, a good performance on their IGCSEs will increase a student’s chances of being accepted into their chosen university.
How to Revise for the IGCSEs
To revise effectively for their IGCSEs, students are encouraged to initially create a realistic revision schedule. When drafting a timetable, students are advised to assess their current commitments, including school hours and extracurricular activities, and plan their schedule accordingly. In order to revise productively, students should ensure that they allow time for adequate sleep, regular breaks, and personal activities in order to maintain a healthy balance.
Once students have created this schedule, it is then important that they use this time effectively. Effective revision strategies utilise active study techniques. These are methods that allow students to more deeply engage with the materials they are learning. This can involve creating flashcards, self-testing with practice questions, teaching difficult concepts to others, making diagrams to explain key elements, and summarising the material in your own words. By using strategic and active study techniques, rather than passively reviewing their materials, students will be able to more effectively improve their understanding, retention, and critical thinking abilities. By using their time more productively, effective revision techniques will increase a student’s motivation and engagement with their IGCSEs.
Common Pitfalls for IGCSE Students
The most common pitfalls for IGCSE students are often related to exam technique and strategy. This typically includes misreading the questions, poor time management, and improper structure in a student’s answers.
In order to combat this, it is crucial that students familiarise themselves with the exam syllabus and mark scheme for each of their subjects. Since the IGCSEs follow a standardised curriculum, the exam syllabus for each of the subjects and exam boards will outline the scope of the content students are required to learn. Review of the exam syllabus will help students to make sure they are not excluding any content from their revision and will prevent them from leaving any questions unanswered when it comes to their exam.
Mark schemes are also a crucial part of a student’s IGCSE revision as they offer a clear outline of the examiner’s expectations, as well as exactly how marks are afforded. Beyond simply understanding content, reviewing mark schemes will provide students with a clear framework for how to structure their answers during the exams.
How a BartyED Tutor Can Help
The IGCSEs are a rigorous course and students often feel underprepared, lacking confidence, comprehensive knowledge of the course, and the academic skills necessary to achieve high marks.
With an expert knowledge of the current curriculum, BartyED’s IGCSE tutors are committed to providing comprehensive support for students preparing for their IGCSE exams. From solidifying foundational knowledge to clarifying complex topics and solidifying exam technique, our tutors are dedicated to providing consistent feedback and personalised support, with a focus on top exam results as the number one priority.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from the experience of a BartyED tutor, contact us today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
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The IGCSE is an English language-based secondary qualification.
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Typically, IGCSE students take between 5 and 7 subjects.
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There are three main exam boards: Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford International AQA Examinations (Oxford AQA).
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While it is difficult to classify one as better than the other, due to the more structured nature of the IGCSEs students often feel better prepared for the transition into the IBDP.