IGCSEs

 

The IGCSE prepares students for further academic work including progression to AS Level and A Level study, Cambridge Pre-U and the IB Diploma Programme. It is recognised by academic institutions and employers around the world. In the UK, UCAS recognises it as equivalent to two GCSE's.

 

On 15 February 2009, 16 Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses received Ofqual accreditation. They are listed on the U.K. National Database of Accredited Qualifications. For accreditation purposes, the syllabuses are referenced as "Cambridge International Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates" in the UK although they are known worldwide as Cambridge IGCSE.

 

CIE is currently in discussion with the U.K. Department for Children, Schools and Families on whether state schools can have the same access to Cambridge IGCSE as U.K. independent schools, 300 of whom currently offer it.

 

Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad study program and covers subjects from a variety of areas: Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. Most IGCSE subjects offer a choice of Core or Extended papers (in Cambridge), and foundation or higher papers (in Edexcel). This is designed to make IGCSE suitable for students with varying levels of ability. In some subjects, IGCSE can be taken with or without coursework. Cambridge IGCSE allows teaching to be placed in a localised context, making it relevant in different regions. It is intended to be suitable for students whose first language may not be English and this is acknowledged throughout the examination process.

 

In 2009, Cambridge IGCSE papers in more than 70 subjects were taken by students in over 120 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Egypt, Kuwait, Hong Kong, India, Bahrain, Peru, Argentina, UAE, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Costa Rica Indonesia and Ecuador

 

IGCSEs are not supported for teaching in state schools in the United Kingdom. The Department for Education does not support the qualification, as it is not regulated by Ofqual and does not fully test the National Curriculum. However, many private schools in the country do offer the IGCSE.