Cambridge IGCSE

Factsheet

What is Cambridge IGCSE? Where is IGCSE accepted and How is Cambridge IGCSE
recognised? taught?
The Cambridge International General
Certificate of Secondary Education IGCSE is a high-profile qualification. It has At school, students are encouraged to
(IGCSE) is one of the most recognised exactly the same value in admitting study a wide range of subjects at IGCSE
qualifications around the world. IGCSE students to institutes of further education level, at the same time. In order to follow
courses are renowned for developing vital and employment as the UK equivalent – a broad and balanced curriculum, many
educational skills, including recall of GCSE. students take courses from each of the
knowledge, oral skills, problem solving, IGCSE groups (see subjects listed
• IGCSE is comparable with GCE O
initiative, team work and investigative overleaf), particularly if they’re aiming to
Level and the UK GCSE
skills. The resulting qualification provides a go on to further education. This can lead
foundation for higher level courses, such • IGCSE has an excellent reputation to the award of the International
as A and AS Levels, the Advanced amongst international schools Certificate of Education – an additional
International Certificate of Education, the worldwide qualification that recognises students who
North American Advanced Placement • IGCSEs are recognised as a reliable pass exams in seven or more subjects,
programme and the International record of attainment which counts including two languages and one subject
Baccalaureate. towards entry to universities and from each of the other groups. However,
colleges around the world it is also possible to study a free choice of
Cambridge IGCSE caters for different
levels of ability with a choice between • A good grade (i.e. C or above) in IGCSE subjects.
core and extended papers in many IGCSE English as a Second Language The syllabus is set by Cambridge, but
subjects. The core curriculum is based on is accepted for entry by almost all how it is taught will depend on the school
an overview of the subject and is suitable universities in the UK and many in the or college.
for students expected to achieve grades C USA, Canada and Australia as
evidence of adequate competence in The course differs for each subject, but
to G. The extended curriculum is more
the English language there will be a mix of assessment
challenging and designed for students
methods throughout, including
who are expected to achieve grades A* to
coursework, practical exercises, oral and
C. Grades achieved through either route
have the same value.
Who can take IGCSE? listening tests, projects and written
examinations.
Cambridge IGCSE offers a flexible course Cambridge IGCSE is designed to be
of study that gives candidates the taught as a two year course for students
freedom to choose subjects that are right aged 14 to 16 years. In some countries Examination Information
for them, whilst providing them with a IGCSE courses last just one year and
broad knowledge base and lifelong skills. there are no formal age regulations. IGCSE courses take two years to
complete and exams are taken at the end
In most subjects there is a choice
of that period.
between core and extended curricula,
making IGCSE suitable for a wide range Examinations are held in June and
of abilities. Students can enter for the November each year with results issued
level that is most appropriate for them in August and February respectively.
and this need not be the same across all
Students must enter for Cambridge
subjects.
IGCSE through a registered CIE Centre.

www.cie.org.uk
Cambridge IGCSE
Factsheet

Subjects on offer About CIE

Languages* – First Language Humanities and Social Sciences University of Cambridge International
Examinations (CIE) is the world’s largest
Afrikaans Japanese Development Studies
provider of international qualifications for
Arabic Portuguese Economics
14-19 year olds. CIE’s broad range of
Chinese Russian Geography qualifications are recognised by
Czech Sesotho History universities, education providers and
Dutch Spanish Latin employers across the globe.

English Thai Literature (available in English and

French Turkish Spanish)
Learn more!
German Religious Studies
Sociology
This is an editable text box.
Languages* – Second Language
Please input your Centre contact
Business, Creative, Technical and
Afrikaans details here.
Vocational
English
Accounting
Art and Design
Languages* – Foreign Language
Art and Design: Graphics
Dutch Malay
Art and Design: Painting and
French Mandarin Chinese Drawing
German Portuguese Art and Design: Photography
Indonesian Spanish Art and Design: Textiles
Italian Art and Design: 3D Studies
Business Studies
Mathematics Child Development
Mathematics Computer Studies
Additional Mathematics Design and Technology
Drama
Sciences Food and Nutrition
Agriculture Environmental Information Technology
Biology Management Music
Chemistry Physical Science Physical Education
Combined Science Physics
Co-ordinated
Sciences

* Local language qualifications are also available in

many regions

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