Education Portal for Students in India

What are IGCSEs? – IGCSE stands for “International General Certificate of Secondary Education”, It is equivalent to the GCSE qualification which is taken by students in Year 10 – 11 in the UK to prepare them for further pre-university level study, such as A-levels. The IGCSE is the ‘international’ version of this academic qualification as it’s available in many countries around the world.
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Is IGCSE same as GCSE?

Is an IGCSE equivalent to a GCSE? – The IGCSE is recognised as the international equivalent of the GCSE. Both qualifications are studied and examined at the same point in the UK education system. Neither qualification has an age restriction and consequently they have been sat by many students younger and older.
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Is IGCSE harder than a level?

Where to get additional help – In addition to the notes you make in class, it is always good to get remedial help from your teachers, or your friends and classmates. There are a lot of students who find IGCSE harder than their A Levels or IB DP due to a few reasons such as:

the vast number of subjects you must take, lengthy subjects with a lot to study, such as Biology, History or Geography, and not knowing how to write your answers, or when to use your resources.

For this, it’s always good to create a digital space for all your notes, as well find a comfortable platform to raise all your doubts and to go topic-by-topic – while matching the syllabus and also thinking ahead for your assessments. A vast majority of our students come to us for resources and help with IGCSE topics, and then stay for the fun, easy-to-understand format and learning experience.
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Which is harder IB or IGCSE?

Which is harder IB or IGCSE? – IB and IGCSE are based on practical curriculums and discourage rote learning. They have same difficulty levels.
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Is IGCSE harder or GCSE?

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE? – IGCSE qualifications have traditionally been perceived by some people as “harder” than GCSEs because the final results were solely based on the end-of-course examinations, rather than offering the opportunity for students to complete coursework to contribute towards their final grades.
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Is IGCSE equivalent to Grade 12?

Options for university exemption using International GCSE and AS/A Levels – While it is generally accepted that the International GCSE (IG) is equivalent to the South African grade 11, AS level to the South African grade 12, and A level to a grade 13, USAf accepts a combination of these qualifications in order to issue a full university exemption.

For the homeschooler, there are essentially three options from which to choose for exemption. There is a fourth option — the Cambridge International AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) — which is awarded to students taking subjects in a broad range of fields – language, maths, science and humanities.

However, this option requires an additional compulsory subject, Global perspectives and research which is unfortunately not available to private candidates, making this option not possible for homeschoolers. The other three options, however, are more than adequate to prepare a student for university and do not prevent a student from taking a wide range of subjects.
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Can I join university after IGCSE?

Successful candidates receive a certificate which is internationally recognised as equivalent in standard to the British GCSE and international GCE ‘O’ level examinations. Candidates wishing to enter British Universities are normally required to have 2 or 3 ‘A’ level subjects in addition to 5 IGCSE passes.
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What comes after IGCSE?

The A level –

The 13th year gives students a world-recognised school-leaving qualification to widen the scope of their university studies. The A level qualification gives you the edge when applying to a competitive course at a South African university.

Got a question? Ready to join us? Contact us, our team is here to support! Email us by clicking here
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What is the hardest subject in IGCSE?

However, some of the following IGCSE subjects are ranked hardest based on average scores. It is as follows: Additional Mathematics. Physics.
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What is the benefit of IGCSE?

Benefits – Do you want qualifications that can open doors around the world? IGCSEs are the world’s most popular international qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds. They are your gateway to higher education or professional studies in your home country or overseas. They can help you:

get a place at college or university at home or abroad find better career opportunities pass the language tests for emigrating or studying in another country* develop skills that help you lead a more exciting and successful life

The British Council helps more than two million people take international exams every year. We can offer you support and guidance – from choosing subjects to exam registration. *For example, achieving a Grade C in IGCSE English is often enough to satisfy the language requirements for some universities in English-speaking nations. Find out how to register for IGCSEs,
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Why is IGCSE so hard?

9. ICSE vs CBSE: Difficulty Level – After discussing various types of differences between the 2 boards, one must wonder the difficulty levels of this board too. ICSE Syllabus is considered to be more difficult than CBSE. Why? Because the ICSE syllabus has more internal assessments and concepts that can be applied to practical exams.
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Is IGCSE same as A-Levels?

What are the differences between GCSE and IGCSE exams? – The main difference is that IGCSE still includes some elements of GCSE— coursework, oral and practical assessment as well as exams. The IGCSE is offered at different levels, and some teachers think that it has more scope for more able pupils at the higher level.

• Some teachers and students think that the IGCSE exam is now easier than the new GCSE exam, because of the content of the syllabus and the range of assessment.
• But, be aware that some universities have their own preferences.
• An increasing number of people are happy to accept International GCSE English, but some are not.

If your child is heading for university, you should, even at this stage, research entry requirements on each university’s website. Click here to find out
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What grade is IGCSE equal to?

Cambridge IGCSE is graded A*–G, Cambridge O Level is graded A*–E. Both grade sets are well established, widely-used systems that universities, parents and schools know and trust.
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Do universities prefer IGCSE or O level?

Do universities prefer the IGCSE or GCSE? – Do universities prefer the IGCSE or GCSE? There’s no real agreement on which looks best on your application form We would stress that it’s important not to try to “second guess” which qualifications universities prefer. There’s a lot of debate around whether universities prefer the IGCSE, with some people saying it’s more “rigorous” than the old GCSE.

Others say that the new GCSE is more rigorous still. In short, there is no agreement on whether either qualification will be better for your uni application. Cambridge International Examinations, who developed the IGCSE, say that all UK universities treat the IGCSE as equivalent to the GCSE. However, we suggest you check the admissions pages on the website of any uni you’re thinking about applying to in order to make sure.

If it’s unclear, ask them.
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Is IGCSE a high school qualification?

What is IGCSE? – If you are wondering what IGCSE stands for, here is the IGCSE meaning. IGCSE is the abbreviation for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is considered to be the most popular international certification for the end of secondary school and is the equivalent to the British O-Level, UK GCSE, fifth form or year 11.

• The exam is taken before a student proceeds to Advanced Level (A-Level or sixth form or year 12 & 13) or pre-university studies in respective countries and schools.
• The duration of the programme is 5 years, starting with Year 7 (the equivalent of Form 1) and ending with the Year 11 examinations which are set and marked by the Examination Board.

If you want your child to take IGCSE, it is important to know which schools that offer IGCSE in Malaysia,
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Is IGCSE high school degree?

The IGCSE and O Level qualifications described below meet both the high school graduation equivalency and English language proficiency requirements for international student admission to Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College.
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Can I start IGCSE in Grade 11?

Cambridge IGCSE is an international curriculum that develops students’ skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving, and gives them excellent preparation for the next stage in their education. It is a qualification at school level that has been designed for 14 to 16 year olds.

1. Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad study programme by drawing subjects from five areas: Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational.
2. Within the curriculum there is a balanced mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
3. It was introduced in 1998 as a replacement for O levels and it aims to prepare students for further academic success, including progression to AS level and A level study, and equips them with skills for immediate employment.

It is equivalent in standard to the British GCSE and is recognised as evidence of ability by academic institutions and employers worldwide. In general, the following applies: Grade 8/9 – Foundation: Checkpoint 1, 2 & 3 Grade 10 – IGCSE Core Syllabus in all 5 – 7 subjects Grade 11 – IGCSE Extended Syllabus in all 5 – 7 subjects (C symbol or higher) Grade 12 – AS Level in 4 or 5 subjects (minimum of 4 if applying for exemption; D symbol or higher) Grade 13 – A Level in 2 or 3 subjects (E Symbol or higher) Compulsory IGCSE Subjects (one from each group): Group 1 – English Language or English Language & Literature Group 2 – 2 nd Language – Afrikaans, French or Isizulu Group 3 – Mathematics, Biology, Physics or Chemistry
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How many years does it take to complete IGCSE?

Cambridge IGCSE courses usually take two years to complete and exams are taken at the end of that period. Examinations are held in June and November each year with results issued in August and January respectively.
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At what age do students take IGCSE?

Cambridge IGCSE is designed to be taught as a two year course for candidates aged 14 to 16 years, although candidates may complete the course over a different timescale if they wish. In some countries Cambridge IGCSE courses last just one year and there are no formal age regulations.
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Does IGCSE have an age limit?

An Introduction to the IGCSE The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is a set of examinations and qualifications designed for 14 to 16-year-olds, although they can be taken at any age.
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Which is better GCSE or IGCSE?

What’s the difference between the GCSE and the IGCSE? The former is the General Certificate of Secondary Education, and is the standard academic qualification taken by students in the UK at the end of their secondary school years. The IGCSE, on the other hand, is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, introduced to enable students from overseas to receive the qualification.

1. The major difference between the two is the lack of intensive coursework.
2. According to CloudLearn, “The IGCSE was introduced around 25 years ago, in order for overseas students without English as a first language, to sit the exam.
3. One of the biggest differences is the lack of coursework within the IGCSE.

As a result, students can start the IGCSE at anytime and not need to worry about submitting any coursework.” The GCSE is considered more rigorous because the rules are more stringent, such as the fact that students can only sit for the GCSE exams in June and resits can be taken in November each year.

Therefore, the IGCSE is considered “easier” due to its flexible nature. The UK government has also said that the IGCSE does not meet the same high standards of the GCSE. The news that universities tend to overlook the difference between GSCE and IGCSE when it comes to admissions is causing some controversy in the UK.

State schools are no longer offering the IGCSE, but private schools still can. Labour MP Lucy Powell recently requested for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests which led to the Russel Group admitting that almost all universities under the group treat the two types of exam as exact equivalents in admission processes.

The Russell Group is a self-selected association of twenty-four public research universities in the United Kingdom. The Guardian reported, “Responding to FoIs requests from Powell, only Cambridge University among the 24 Russell Group universities said it did not take exam results at key stage 4 (14-16 years) into account when deciding which students to admit.

The other 23 said they did take them into account and made no distinction between the two. “Top universities are giving privately educated children an unfair advantage by not differentiating between the rigorous GCSEs compulsory in the state system and less demanding exams taken in many fee-paying schools, MPs and educationists have said.
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What grade is IGCSE equal to?

Cambridge IGCSE is graded A*–G, Cambridge O Level is graded A*–E. Both grade sets are well established, widely-used systems that universities, parents and schools know and trust.
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What grade is IGCSE equivalent to?

IGCSE ( Grade 10 & 11 )
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Why is the IGCSE easier than GCSE?

Are GCSEs Harder Than IGCSEs? – General Certificate of Secondary Education, more commonly known as GCSE, is the standard course and examination taken by pupils in the UK. Many argue that the increasing number of private and independent schools that offer IGCSEs, as an alternative to the national curriculum of GCSEs, suggests that the latter is likely to have a higher level of difficultly.

• This opinion is shown and further developed in this article on the guardian by Toby Helm.
• The key difference between both courses is the lack of rigorous coursework in the GCSE qualification.
• IGCSEs were made for international pupils and so they lack the intensive coursework that is found in many GCSE subjects.

Due to them being aimed at non-English speaking countries as well as Britain. Another reason for the increasing opinion that the International GCSEs are easier is the flexible annual schedule for when exams are available. Resitting an IGCSE course is generally found to be more difficult than resitting a GCSE course.

This is because GCSE resits are only available in November, after the main exams in June. Many see the fact that independent schools offer and promote the IGCSE qualification to their pupils as unfair as this same option is not available to pupils in state schools. This may mean that pupils from private schools are more likely to get into universities that consider GCSE and IGCSE exam results as equivalent.

A comparison between GCSEs and IGCSEs was conducted in 2019 by the Department of Education. This study found that it was easier to achieve a grade A in English Language and English Literature in IGCSEs, due to the grading curve. While most other subjects appeared to be roughly equivalent, and some sciences had fewer high IGCSE grades.
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