“IGCSE meaning”, the popular term searched in Google worldwide.
IGCSE meaning is the acronym of International General Certificate of Secondary Education.
It its the world’s most famous international certification for secondary schools.
The IGCSE meaning is an examination certification that one does before they can proceed to A-Levels (Advanced Level) or Year 12 & 13 or Form Sixth.
Most people will relate IGCSE with O Levels or GCSE.
They are not the same, but quite similar.
The timeline provided by CIE are as follows:
Source: Cambridge IGCSE broucher
IGCSE was developed by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in 1988.
It was known as University of Cambridge International Examination.
It has since to be the UK local examination board in 1858.
The acronym is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge.
IGCSE’s Recognition?
In many cases, many top universities worldwide will require a combination of IGCSE & A-Levels to meet their entry requirement.
At the secondary level, most colleges and universities will require a minimum of 5 credits.
In the UK, Cambridge IGCSE is accepted to be an equivalent to the GCSE.
IGCSE is famous among home tuition and home schoolers.
It allows most parents to provide alternative education to their children with local examinations.
Why not local examination you may ask?
It is because it is said to be a year or more quicker.
How Many Subjects Do You Need For IGCSE?
IGCSE typically offers more than 60 subjects.
Students are required to register a minimum of 5 of maximum of 14 subjects.
The core (compulsory) subjects are English, Mathematics and Sciences.
Students may also choose other subjects such as Accounting, Business Studies and Economics.
Learn more by visiting our IGCSE tuition centre page.
What is the grading system for IGCSE?
IGCSE is graded from A* to G.
Grade U means “Ungraded”.
Students are required to score minimum 5 credits in order to proceed to the next level such as A-Levels.
Core Paper & Extended Paper, Are They The Same?
Taking into account of different capability and ability, there is a choice between Core and Extended papers in most subjects such as Maths.
This allows parents to decide on the most suitable level of papers for their children.
The Core papers in all subjects are within the ability range of a large majority of students.
It will at least provide an overview of the subject.
However, students can only expect to achieve grades from C to G when taking Core papers.
The Extended papers (consisting of both Core and Supplement) is designed for students who are able to cope better and faster.
Parents can expect their children to score grades from A* to E.
The Supplement describes the extra depth on a particular topic which is added on top of the Core papers to produce the Extended papers.
In some subjects, there is no option between Core and Extended papers.
These subjects include Accounting, Business Studies and Economics.
For these subjects, the full range of grades is available.
Visit our IGCSE Tuition section to learn more about how we can help in these subjects.
Alternative, contact us and we are willing to help.
