INTRODUCTION TO GCSE / IGCSE
LENGTH OF COURSE
SUBJECT CHOICE AND QUANTITY
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO GCSE / IGCSE
Pupils in years 10 and 11 in the English National Curriculum study for GCSEs ( General Certificate of Secondary Education ) between the ages of 14 and 16 . Here at Wellington we offer a similar model , studying mostly IGCSEs ( International GCSEs ). The terms IGCSE and GCSE are largely synonymous , the content is often very close in style , and many independent schools , including Wellington College UK , choose to study the IGCSE . Hereafter we will refer to IGCSEs .
The results of the IGCSE exams may be used in the UK by selective schools to set barriers to study the IB Diploma or A Levels in the sixth form ( years 12 and 13 ). The results are also used by universities when making prospective offers to pupils hoping to study there . That is to say the qualifications are not used to gain entry , but may be used to negotiate terms of entry . IGCSEs give an early indicator of academic potential .
Most universities worldwide recognise the IGCSE qualification because they are likely to have experience of British pupils , and it is the standard British national qualification for pupils of that age .
The International GCSE is worth no more and no less than the GCSE ; they are the same qualification . The IGCSE is offered because international schools often find exams are to be sat at awkward times . Some aspects of administration , such as coursework , are simplified for the international market . In some subjects the curriculum content for IGCSEs is more appropriate for an international setting .
LENGTH OF COURSE
IGCSEs are independent two-year courses , meaning it is rarely appropriate to change once a course has been started . Any pupil who does not follow the full two-year course from start to finish will be at a major disadvantage come the final examinations .
SUBJECT CHOICE AND QUANTITY
Subject choice is informed largely by what pupils will be required to take in their final two years , 12 and 13 , for the IB Diploma . It is usual for schools to have a range of compulsory subjects and then to offer an element of choice . This structure means that pupils do not accidentally close off paths of study at 16 +. The compulsory subjects facilitate subject choice for the IB , where English , mathematics , a science , a foreign language , a humanity and a more broadly enriching subject are all required .
Able pupils in the UK would study for around 9 or 10 IGCSEs . The curriculum at Wellington College International Shanghai expects that most pupils will study 10 IGCSEs but allows for some pupils to study fewer if appropriate to their circumstances . Some may also study 11 IGCSEs if they also take the further pure mathematics qualification . At Wellington College International Shanghai , we would normally expect pupils aiming to take the IB to have at least 7 IGCSEs at grades A * – B , of which 4 are A * – A , with at least 2 A * grades .
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