GCSE
What exactly are IGCSEs?
IGCSEs were originally developed for international schools based outside the UK who cannot offer GCSEs. As such they are similar to GCSEs, are aimed at the same standard, and provide the same progression to GCE AS and A level qualifications. Increasing numbers of independent schools in the UK are entering candidates, for Mathematics and for other subjects (their feedback is positive). Universities and employers count IGCSEs in exactly the same way as normal GCSEs.
Why do IGCSE?
Firstly, the specification offers a better preparation for A Level. A number of new topics, such as differentiation, are introduced; at the same time, a number of topics that we currently study are removed, with a reduced emphasis on statistics in particular. The resulting mix is not necessarily harder (although we are well used to stretching our more able candidates beyond GCSE), just different. The needs of weaker candidates are also catered for, in that the papers are structured so that approximately equal marks are available for each of the targeted grades. So changes to A*/A standard questions are not going to affect B/C grade candidates adversely.
Secondly, IGCSE offers us the opportunity to follow a coursework-free specification, which we welcome, as we are not convinced of the supposed benefits of coursework as it operates at present. Having looked in detail at our results in recent years, omitting coursework is not going to harm any of our candidates.
Are there any other differences I should know about?
The IGCSE is a 2-tier exam, as against the 3-tier GCSE we have been used to, and which your older children may have sat in the past. This removes what can be a difficult decision for a good number of students – determining the best tier of entry. Under IGCSE the Higher tier is aimed at grades A* - D (with a safety net of a grade E). Only in a very small number of cases are we likely to consider entering candidates for Foundation tier, which has a maximum C grade (on a much restricted syllabus).
