Why is IGCSE one of the most recognised programs globally?

Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for Australian International Secondary School

The Australian International School provides a well-rounded program of instruction appropriate to the diverse needs of an international community. In Year 9 and Year 10 students, the Secondary School offers a broad and balanced program delivered through the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum.

The School introduced the IGCSE’s into their curriculum because it is a robust and challenging curriculum that follows the same two-year structure with internal assessments and external exams as the matriculation courses offered in Years 11 and 12. This course prepares the students for greater success and their first choice of University pathway.

What is IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)?

The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16-year-olds. It attracts almost 500,000 entries from 144 different countries every year. The IGCSE is designed to be taught as a two-year curriculum beginning in Year 9 and culminating in external examinations in Year 10. In some subjects there is a choice between core and extended curricula, making the IGCSE suitable for a wide range of abilities.

IGCSE in Singapore

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the most widely accepted credentials in the world. The curriculum focuses on skill development and creative thinking.

If you are a transient family, moving every few years, the IGCSE curriculum is a good choice, as it is widely recognised and used to determine if your child can get a spot in other countries’ secondary schools and universities.

What are the advantages of IGCSE?

The IGCSE curriculum gives candidates the freedom to choose subjects that are right for them while providing them with a broad knowledge base and lifelong skills. It develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• Subject content
• Applying knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations
• Intellectual enquiry
• Flexibility and responsiveness to change
• Working and communicating in English
• Influencing outcomes
• Cultural awareness

The IGCSE provides the perfect springboard to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in Years 11 and 12. Students will discover many of the skills and understandings they learned while preparing for their IGCSE examinations are applicable to the IBDP and HSC.

Do universities care about IGCSE?

The IGCSE is a globally recognised curriculum and an excellent choice for students aiming to study abroad after secondary school.

Universities firstly consider IBDP/HSC results compared to IGCSEs, but the IGCSEs may be used as a predictor of what your child can achieve in their IB/HSC. This is why many universities may consider IGCSE grades when deciding whether to offer your child a place at the University. Also if for some reason a student was to fall ill in their build-up to their final exams in IBDP/HSC their IGCSEs would help with predicted grades being awarded. You can seek counselling from your child’s school when selecting the correct University pathway.

IGCSE course selection

Students have to take a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 14 subjects which must include the 4 compulsory subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and a Language Elective.

In addition to these subjects, and to ensure personal, social and emotional development, students also take courses in Sports/Health and STRIVE.

The courses are broken down into 5 groups:

• Languages
• Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Geography etc)
• Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology etc)=
• Mathematics
• Creative, Technical and Vocational Subjects. (Business Studies, Computer Studies, Accounting, Music etc)

For more information on AIS IGCSE 2023 courses and the selection process please click here

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