Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international curriculum for 14-16 year olds, leading to globally recognised and valued Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. Compulsory State education begins at 5 years but permissive legislation allows local Education Authorities to build also for children of 3.5 years, either in separate building or in nursery groups attached to primary schools. Schools worldwide have helped develop Cambridge IGCSE, which provides excellent preparation for the Cambridge Advanced stage including Cambridge International AS and A Levels and Cambridge Pre-U, as well as other progression routes. It incorporates the best in international education for learners at this level. It develops in line with changing needs, and is regularly updated and extended. Cambridge IGCSE teachers can draw on excellent resources, training and advice from subject experts.

The IGCSE is an international alternative to many popular national curricula. However, unlike many school- leaving qualifications, the IGCSE is not a group award or “certificate of education” as in many countries. It is a qualification based on individual subjects of study, meaning one receives an “IGCSE” qualification for each subject one takes. For this reason, schools worldwide have different expectations for their students as to how many IGCSEs should be taken.

The Typical “core” curricula for the IGCSE candidates include a First Language, Second Language, Mathematics and the Sciences. IGCSE candidates then choose a number of additional courses ranging from Social Sciences to Creative Arts. The IGCSE is graded on an 8- point scale from A* to G with a 9th grade “U” signifying “Ungraded”. This measure of grading is also found in the UK GCSE. Previously, the “A*” grade in the IGCSE did not exist, but was later added in 1994 to recognise the very top end of achievement. International schools around the world normally allow students to study anywhere from 5 to 14 IGCSE subjects. 5 core subject passes at C or above, like in the case of the English Baccalaureate, is the minimum required. The Act and the Regulations made under it provide for the requirements of all schools, weather administered by local education authorities or aided is some manner by local authorities.

The demand for Cambridge IGCSE worldwide is growing fast. Schools in India made over 28,000 entries for Cambridge IGCSE this year, a rise of 24% since 2011.

Planning:

Since IGCSE is an international examination with world- wide recognition and credibility it encourages – indeed, demands – the questioning and discovery method of learning, rather than relying on rote learning. It also provides excellent preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Students who have taken the IGCSE Programme will be familiar with the styles of learning and the expectations of the IBDP also. The coursework and practical’s provide a strong skill development and application orientation. IGCSE is typically taken by 14 to 16 years- olds and it prepares students for further academic works including progression to A Level, AS level study and the IB Diploma programme.

Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE are recognized by academic institution and employers around the world, UCAS recognize IGCSE as equivalent to the UK GCSE. Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE provide a broad study programme and cover 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, making it suitable for schools with less specialized staff. In 2004- 05, Cambridge IGCSE papers in more than 60 subjects were taken by students in over 120 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom & India.

Academic System:

CIE – University of Cambridge International Examinations – is the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14 – 19 year olds. Over 1.5 million students, in 160 countries, enter for CIE examinations every year. CIE is part of Cambridge Assessment, a not- for- profit department of the University of Cambridge. The academic systems in School follow a fourfold track: the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (Nursery to Grade 5), the Middle School Programme (Grade 6 to 8), the International General Certificate of

Secondary Education (Grades 9 & 10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (Grades 11 & 12). All the systems are international, relevant to the challenges of the

21st Century and accepted for entrance to first- class universities throughout the world. Teaching in School is student- centred; project- based, and incorporates the multiple intelligences concept.

While the general curriculum is followed by every student, he or she is also encouraged to develop talents and interests in personal areas of academic interest, and in sport, theatre music and dance, for which facilities are outstanding. Core and Extended curriculum Students follow a Core curriculum. Teachers can also stretch their students with an extended curriculum. Students can change level during the course according to their progress. Core curriculum only students are eligible for grades C through to G. Extended curriculum students are eligible for grades A* through to E. Technology is extensively used as a learning tool in School. Every Secondary School student is required to carry a laptop computer that is linked by campus- wide radio networking. The controlled- temperature environment is ideal for relaxed and purposeful study. There are first class Science facilities, a spacious Library- Media- Centre and well- equipped studios for Art and Craft- Design- Technology.”