The Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) was established in 1858 as the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. It started offering examinations in the UK and then expanded its horizon to the international level in the 1980s. The Cambridge IGCSE is one of the most popular international qualifications for secondary education and it is accepted by top universities in over 160 countries. It is a two-year course with a focus on developing knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subject areas.
This blog provides a detailed introduction to Cambridge IGCSE & its major components. Ignite Training Institute offers full comprehensive support for the IGCSE curriculum. Know more!
Table of Contents
What Is Cambridge IGCSE?
Cambridge IGCSE is an international qualification that is offered to students between the ages of 14 and 16. It is an internationally recognized qualification that is accepted by universities and employers around the world. The IGCSE is offered by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), a branch of the University of Cambridge in the UK.
The IGCSE is a two-year course covering a broad range of topics. It is designed to develop a student’s knowledge and skills in a range of subject areas, including languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and the arts. It is assessed through a variety of methods, including coursework, examinations, and practical assessments.
The IGCSE is further designed to develop a student’s ability to think critically and analyze information, as well as to apply knowledge to solve problems. It also helps to develop a student’s communication skills and encourages them to become independent learners.
The curriculum is divided into two parts: Core and Extended. The Core is made up of five compulsory subjects, and students must pass all five in order to receive the certificate. The Extended part of the IGCSE includes two or three additional subjects that students can choose to complete the qualifications.
Furthermore, the IGCSE is a challenging qualification that requires dedication and hard work. Students must complete coursework, prepare for examinations, and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the topics learned.
Related: List Of Best-Reviewed IGCSE Schools In Dubai
Grade Descriptions Of Cambridge IGCSE
The IGCSE is divided into four tiers of difficulty, with a higher level of difficulty as the student progresses. The tiers are Foundation, Core, Extended and Advanced Extension. Within each tier, the student has the option to choose from a range of subjects, including Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, Languages, and Arts. In order to achieve the IGCSE qualifications, the candidate must sit examinations in all the subjects they have chosen. The Cambridge exams IGCSE are marked out of 100 and the student must achieve a minimum of 40% in each subject in order to pass.
The grades are then converted into a letter grade, ranging from A* to G, as per the student’s performance. The IGCSE also offers the student the opportunity to gain additional qualifications, such as the Cambridge Pre-U and the Cambridge International Diploma.
Difference Between Cambridge IGCSE & Cambridge O-Levels
The Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and Cambridge O-Levels (Ordinary Level) are two distinct educational qualifications offered by the Cambridge Assessment International Education, which is an international educational body. Although both qualifications are recognized by universities and employers around the world, there are several key differences between the two that students should consider before choosing which one to pursue.
First, the Cambridge IGCSE is designed for students aged 14-16 and is considered to be a more rigorous course of the study compared to the Cambridge O-Levels. The IGCSE is assessed through a combination of coursework, practical assessments, and external exams, whereas the O-Levels are assessed solely through external exams. This means that the IGCSE requires students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter in a variety of ways, while the O-Levels focus on testing the student’s knowledge in a single type of assessment.
Second, the syllabus of the Cambridge IGCSE is much broader and more varied than the O-Levels. The IGCSE covers a range of topics including science, mathematics, language, humanities, and business studies. On the other hand, the O-Levels focus mainly on IGCSE subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and humanities.
Third, the Cambridge IGCSE offers more flexibility in terms of the structure of the exam. The IGCSE allows students to choose the type of assessment they wish to take, such as multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, or extended-answer questions. On the other hand, the O-Levels are assessed solely through multiple-choice questions.
Fourth, the grade boundaries between the two qualifications are different. The IGCSE offers a more comprehensive grading system, with grades ranging from A* to G, while the O-Levels offer grades ranging from A to E. This means that students who successfully complete the IGCSE will demonstrate a greater mastery of the subject matter than those who complete the O-Levels.
Finally, the Cambridge IGCSE is available in a variety of languages, while the O-Levels are only available in English. This makes the IGCSE more accessible to students who are not native English speakers and allows them to demonstrate their academic knowledge in their native language.
Difference Between IGCSE Core & Extended
The IGCSE offers two levels of assessment: Core and Extended. The Core level is the basic level of the IGCSE and is designed for students who can achieve good grades in the subject. At this level, students must demonstrate their understanding of the subject by completing a series of tasks set by the exam board. The Extended level is more challenging than the Core level and is designed to stretch the ablest students. At this level, students must demonstrate their understanding of the subject at a higher level, by completing more challenging tasks and demonstrating a greater level of academic ability.
The choice of which level to take depends on the student’s ability, confidence, and aspirations. Some students may prefer to take the Core level, as it is less challenging and may be more suited to their current academic ability. Others may prefer to take the Extended level, as it is more challenging and can provide more opportunities for progression to higher qualifications.
The Core level consists of five separate components: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Creative Arts. At this level, students must demonstrate their understanding of the subject by completing a series of tasks set by the exam board. The Extended level consists of the same five components, but with the addition of a sixth component, Technology and Applied Studies. At this level, students must demonstrate their understanding of the subject at a higher level, by completing more challenging tasks and demonstrating a greater level of academic ability.
The assessment of the Core and Extended levels is different. At the Core level, the assessment is mainly based on written examinations and coursework, with the emphasis being on knowledge and understanding. At the Extended level, the assessment is more complex, with a greater emphasis on problem-solving and analysis.
Overall, the IGCSE Core and Extended levels are designed to assess different levels of academic ability. Students should choose the level that best suits their current academic ability, confidence, and aspirations. The Core level is designed for students who are capable of achieving good grades in the subject, while the Extended level is designed to stretch the ablest students.
Related: IGCSE VS GCSE: 5 Most Crucial Differences Between Them
FAQs
1. Is The Cambridge IGCSE Recognized Over The World?
In many countries, the Cambridge IGCSE is recognized as a valid indicator of academic achievement for students. It is one of the internationally recognized qualifications that is acknowledged in more than 160 countries.
2. How Do The IGCSE Core & Extended Qualifications Differ From One Another?
The Core certification is intended for students who are willing to understand the subject at a general level. Whereas the Extended qualification is intended for those candidates who wish to seek an in-depth understanding. Different criteria are there to evaluate the core and extended qualifications. As students give written examinations for the core qualification and coursework to evaluate the extended qualification.
3. What Is Cambridge IGCSE’s Grading Scale?
A nine-point grading scale is to assign grades for the Cambridge IGCSE. There are seven grades, from A* through G, plus two additional grades, U and X. (no award). According to the student’s performance on the test, grades are given. The highest grade is A*, while the lowest is G. If a student does not attempt the exam, they receive a U, and if they do but do not receive a grade, they receive an X.
Conclusion
The Cambridge IGCSE is an internationally recognized qualification that is accepted by universities and employers globally. It is a two-year course that covers a broad range of topics and is designed to develop a student’s knowledge and skills in a range of subject areas. It is assessed through a variety of methods, including coursework, examinations, and practical assessments.
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