IGCSE Vs GCSE Which One Should I Choose For My Kids

As a parent, you want your children to have a strong foundation as they finish their final years in school. Of the various curriculum offered by educational institutions worldwide, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) particularly stand out. Both these courses are similar and are considered equivalent qualifications by the top universities and independent schools worldwide.

As both courses are rich in content, selecting between the two may be confusing. For instance, you may wonder whether you would get a good IGCSE tutor in Sharjah.

Before selecting between IGCSE and GCSE, you must understand the two courses and their advantages and disadvantages, to get the best for your child.

What is GCSE?

The GCSE curriculum is mainly taught in UK schools but is also offered by schools in some countries like Australia, Canada, and India. The GCSE course is for students aged 14+ who want to do their A-levels before enrolling in UK universities.

What is IGCSE?

The IGCSE programme is based on the GCSE curriculum but is designed from an international perspective. The curriculum is meant to support a large number of international students worldwide.

1. IGCSE Vs GCSE – Advantages & Disadvantages

Key advantages and disadvantages of IGCSE and GCSE courses are:

IGCSE

Advantages

1. International Syllabus

The IGCSE curriculum has been designed for the global student body and is widely recognised worldwide. It is useful for students who wish to study or settle abroad anywhere.

2. Practical Approach

The IGCSE adopts a practical approach to helping the students build key skills like analytical communication and problem-solving skills.

3. Uniformity of Education

Students opting for the IGCSE course have access to a vast international knowledge source. So, you can get an IGCSE tutor in Sharjah or anywhere, as there is uniformity of education provided by the board worldwide. Though it has a distinct content country-wise, still the IGCSE syllabus has uniformity in its core concept of analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills.

4. Pre-designed Course

The IGCSE board offers a pre-designed course that every student of the board must follow. There are clear goals that a student is expected to complete. They offer a wide array of subjects to choose from. There is no coursework within the IGCSE. So, students can start the IGCSE anytime without any worry about coursework submission.

Disadvantages

1. Huge Fee Structure

IGCSE-affiliated schools normally charge huge fees due to the various and extensive facilities they offer. For example, the high cost of hiring a qualified IGCSE tutor in Sharjah.

2. Vast Curriculum

The vast curriculum may make students more stressed. For example, getting reference books is not easy, making the students anxious.

3. Strict Grading System

The IGCSE grading system is strict and uniform worldwide. As the course is pre-determined it will not be changed to accommodate new student groups or syllabus.

GCSE

Advantages

1. High Standard of Education

GCSE is the standard academic qualification for students in the UK after completing their secondary school years.

2. Helps determine Sixth form or College

There are entry requirements for all school 6th forms and colleges. Your GCSE results and entry requirements show how well your child performs at their A-Level or other advanced courses. For instance, to achieve French A level, your child should have taken GCSE French to have the right knowledge on the subject for the next level.

3. GCSEs help student assessment for higher education

GCSE scores help assess your child’s suitability for higher education. They are highly recognised by top universities and schools in the UK and some countries like Australia, Canada, and India. Most higher education institutions expect at least 4/5 grades in English and Maths, especially at GCSE to study with them. So, if your child aims for higher education, studying with a GCSE curriculum will benefit them.

Disadvantages

1. Suited mainly for UK-based students

The GCSE curriculum is mainly designed for students based in the UK rather than from an international perspective. It gets reflected in their course content for certain subjects like English. Shakespeare is compulsory while taking GCSE English Literature. So, you may find it difficult to get a GCSE tutor in Sharjah.

2. Strict Grading

The GCSE course follows a strict grading system like the IGCSE system, so students may find it difficult to manage their study timelines. They also offer few subject choices as compared to the IGCSE board.

2. IGCSE Vs GCSE - Which One Should I Choose For My Kids?

Currently, the difference between IGCSE and GCSE is very minor. Both courses are widely recognised by top educational institutes in the UK and elsewhere. The IGCSE syllabus has no coursework so it may not be suitable for students looking for set coursework. Likewise, the GCSE curriculum may be out of bounds for many international students. Students can prepare themselves via the IGCSE programme for further studies anywhere across the globe.

So, based on your child’s need for a content-based exam or proficiency in certain subjects, availability of the board, and related considerations, you can opt for either of them. Some international colleges now offer a combined IGCSE and GCSE subject choice based on the student’s needs.

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