The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum has been around for around 37 years. It was introduced by the Cambridge Examinations board in 1985. The Cambridge IGCSE has made its name over the years and over 2 million students sit for the IGCSE Cambridge every year from around the world. The IGCSE certificate is recognized globally and can be used as an entry requirement into overseas high schools or universities. Let’s learn more about the IGCSE and its curriculum today! Here are 7 interesting facts about Cambridge IGCSE you may not know about!
7 Interesting Facts about Cambridge IGCSE
1 – World’s most popular international qualifications
Cambridge IGCSE is known to be the world’s most popular international curriculum for 14 to 16 years old. It is taken in over 145 countries and more than 4800 schools around the world.
2 – There are over 70 subjects available
The IGCSE curriculum offers over 70 different subjects including 30 languages and schools can offer them in any combination with no restrictions. You can view the list of their subjects here.
3 – IGCSE qualifications are recognized globally
A student is awarded one IGCSE certificate for every subject they complete. If a student takes and completes 5 IGCSE subjects, he or she will receive 5 IGCSE certificates. Many schools around the world accept the IGCSE qualifications as an entry requirement. The IGCSE qualifications are accepted by over 1900 institutions across 81 countries.
4 – Cambridge IGCSE Extended vs. IGCSE core
The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers two different streams, the IGCSE Extended and the IGCSE Core. The Core curriculum is offered to the majority of the students whereas the extended curriculum is targeted at students who are more academically able.
5 – Private candidates can apply for IGCSE exams
As long as there are schools in your country that offer the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, you can register as a private candidate easily. These schools will have to accept private candidates, and you can register for your exams with them. You will have to make your own arrangements with the school and liaise with them directly not Cambridge International.
The school name will not appear on certificates issued to private candidates.
6 – The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum is designed as per the local students
The IGCSE curriculum does not follow a strict curriculum structure that all the students around the world follow. In fact, the curriculum is curated for local students in the nation. For example, in Singapore, the IGCSE curriculum is revised to cater to the learning of the local students. It is known as the GCE O Level examinations.
Read also: Difference Between Cambridge IGCSE and GCE O Levels
7 – Many students transit to the IBDP curriculum after the IGCSE
The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers students a sturdy and strong foundation in IGCSE that helps with the IB program. The IGCSE subject group is very similar to the IB DP curriculum structure too. Additionally, the IB program also offers different levels of study for students, much like the IGCSE with its Extended and Core curriculums. The IB DP has a Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) curriculum.
All in all, the IGCSE has made a name for itself throughout the years and it is one of the most popular curricula students take. If you are looking for an IGCSE tutor to guide you through your IGCSE studies, Tutopiya has a pool of experienced and trained tutors ready to teach you. New students are entitled to a free trial of online tuition with the subject of their choice. Reach out to our experts today!
