Why Do Private Schools Do IGCSE?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an academic curriculum developed by Pearson and Cambridge International. Based on the British curriculum, the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) focuses on international student bodies aiming for higher education. This qualification is generally offered to students when they are 16 years of age and in high school. It may also be referred to as Key stage 4.

The major difference between IGCSE and GCSE is that IGCSE lacks intensive coursework in its curriculum and is exam-focused. It has a more demanding syllabus than GCSE but is not much focused on coursework. In contrast, GCSE considered coursework as its core component. However, GCSE has been reformed since 2017 and has become exam-focused.

IGCSE is considered the international equivalent of the GCSE syllabus. While GCSE can be taken in only UK-based locations, IGCSE can be taken in 150 countries, including the UK. IGCSE is more flexible and is often deemed 'easy' due to its curriculum.

GCSE uses a number system (9-1) for grading, with 9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest available grade. IGCSE previously used a letter-based grading system (A-G), with A being the highest and G being the lowest available grade but has now shifted to a number system (9-1) grading.

Why do many private schools do IGCSE?

Private schools choose IGCSE instead of GCSE because it is international and is accepted in 150 countries worldwide. It facilitates migration from the UK to other countries and vice-versa mid-course. For example, if a student wants to migrate to a different country in the middle of their education, they can easily pick up the syllabus from where they had left off.

The structure of the syllabus for IGCSE has been designed in keeping with the international student body in mind. It is designed such that this system also works for students whose first language is not English.

Apart from the English language, the IGCSE curriculum also offers languages like Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Greek, and Urdu.

Students can sit for IGCSE exams in November and January (for certain subjects) and in May-June every year, which helps them prepare accordingly.

The IGCSE curriculum gives students the freedom to choose subjects that align with their career goals or other plans for further education. Subjects that are offered differ from country to country. You can get tutors from learning platforms like MyPrivateTutor and connect with them in your city. For instance, if you are in the United Arab Emirates, you can look for IGCSE tutors in Dubai, IGCSE tutors in Fujairah, or IGCSE teachers in Sharjah.

Many undergraduate programs in universities require students to obtain some requirements at the IGCSE level to receive an offer from them. In some places, employers require applicants to meet the minimum requirement in English and Math IGCSEs.

What is the benefit of IGCSE?

The IGCSE is one of the most distinguished qualifications widely accepted worldwide. It can help determine if a student can get a place in universities in different countries.

Some benefits of taking IGCSE are:

1. Its curriculum is accessible to students of almost all levels of academic ability. It gives students who don't speak English as their first language more time to prepare. It is because all the exams are taken when the course ends.

2. In case a student lacks A-level results or IB Diploma, IGCSE results are taken into account by universities. They offer placements to students on that basis.

3. IGCSE qualification is considered of high value by European and North American colleges and universities. Along with relevant A-level results and IB Diploma, they also consider IGCSE results.

4. The IGCSE has prepared its curriculum based on the difficulty levels of some of its subjects. They offer Core and Extended levels of difficulty where Core subjects are considered as the standard level of difficulty. A lot of students prefer Core subjects.

5. IGCSE enables students to be adaptive. It helps the students transition to different schools, education, or curriculums after the IGCSE O level (IGCSE Ordinary level) easier. For instance, it is believed that IGCSE lays a smooth pathway to IB Diploma.

6. IGCSE encourages a practical approach to learning. Learning techniques used here promote the development of skills in all domains, including analytical, communication, cognitive, and problem-solving skills.

Final Words

IGCSE is a widely accepted qualification all around the world. It will greatly benefit a student if they plan to study overseas. Keeping long-term goals in mind, students can decide what courses they want to pick. A broader spectrum of subjects with an all-around development is a core component in building future career prospects. Laced with multiple skills, IGCSE can be a good pick for students.

Why Choose MyPrivateTutor UAE?

In case of a learning gap, parents can go to learning platforms like MyPrivateTutor UAE for tutors. Tutors provided by MyPrivateTutor UAE are trained to teach various subjects and skills.

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