IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an internationally recognized two-year program for students. It is divided into two different levels depending upon the possible levels of difficulty for candidates to handle & excel accordingly. However, GCSE is an educational qualification most students opt for in their key stage 4 in the UK. Moving ahead in the blog, we’ve covered the differences justifying the IGCSE VS GCSE concept.
The comparison between the IGCSE & GCSE will help you make the right decision in accordance with your career goals. The availability of IGCSE and GCSE programs worldwide is the primary distinction between the two programs. Comparatively, IGCSEs are available in over 150 countries while GCSEs are only available in a few locations.
Get full academic support for IGCSE, GCSE & O-Levels from the best in UAE. Connect with Ignite Training Institute’s academic consultants today.
Table of Contents
What Is IGCSE Curriculum?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a two-year program for students in the age group of 14 to 16. If you opt for the IGCSE program, you graduate with a credential that is acknowledged & accepted all around the world. It is an academic qualification taken prior to the pre-university level: A-Levels.
The IGCSE program offers a comprehensive and adaptable curriculum that spans multiple disciplines, including language, history, geography, economics, science, art, music, and technology as well as vocational, and creative studies. As it is typically offered at international or private schools, with each passing grade, you earn an “IGCSE” certificate.
Most of these schools require candidates to choose at least 5 or 6 subjects along with the core subjects as per their interests. As IGCSE is specially offered by internationally recognized exam boards like Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) & Edexcel. It helps lay the strong foundation for higher education.
What Is GCSE Curriculum?
The GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a certificate awarded by the General Council for the School Certificate. It has a lot of worth & recognition to top universities, colleges, and potential employers. The majority of the training is theoretical, with some investigational work and, in some cases, hands-on experience required to graduate.
This academic qualification is taught in the UK before progressing to higher education like A-Levels. As GCSE offers more than 60 academic and occupational disciplines. Aiming to provide a more “hands-on” approach, applied GCSEs push students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Moreover, the GCSE results are considered very crucial in a student’s entire educational journey.
IGCSE VS GCSE: 5 Most Accurate Differences Between The Programs
Here are the differences between IGCSE & GCSE qualifications –
1. Syllabus Bias
Certain subjects in the GCSE curriculum reflect the fact that they were originally developed for a largely British rather than a worldwide audience. Shakespeare, for instance, is required reading for GCSE English Literature but not for IGCSE English. Other Humanities courses, like History and Geography, have syllabuses that differ from the GCSE in terms of required material.
2. Exam Schedule
GCSEs are given once a year in May and June, with retakes in November. Each year, you can take your IGCSEs in May/June, November/January, and May/June again (for select subjects).
3. Recognition
Besides the United Kingdom, a select number of schools in Canada, Australia, and India also offer the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination. By its very terminology, the IGCSE is global; students from more than 150 countries opt for it.
Offering International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams instead of General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams is a choice made by some international schools in the UK. A student who has completed the first year of their IGCSEs at home may continue their education in another nation and start-up just where they left off.
4. Difficulty Level
Some individuals consider IGCSEs “tougher” than GCSEs because, unlike GCSEs, IGCSEs have always relied only on end-of-course exams to determine a student’s final grade, rather than allowing students to earn credit toward their grade through assignments. This distinction is no longer important, however, due to changes in the structure of GCSE courses in the UK that have been implemented as of 2017.
5. Exam Boards
The internationally recognized exam boards offering GCSE are AQ, CCEI, OCR, WJEC, & Edexcel. The exam boards offering IGCSE are CIE, Oxford AQA, & Edexcel.
Most colleges, universities, and independent high schools around the world recognize the IGCSE as “comparable” to the GCSE because of its similarities.
Related: IB VS IGCSE: The Exact Differences Between The Programs
Is IGCSE Or GCSE Ideal For Students’ Career Goals?
IGCSE and GCSE both have their own importance yet it depends on students what they opt for in the future. Both IGCSE and GCSE have different features you can look into:
Features of IGCSE
- Students can choose from a plethora of subject choices as part of the IGCSE program.
- Candidates develop an aptitude for analysis and problem-solving via the IGCSE program.
- The IGCSE course presents global opportunities for higher education.
- The IGCSE exams are open to both school-going students & homeschoolers.
- The IGCSE offers a practical approach & strengthens the inner potential of students.
Features of GCSE
- The GCSE academic qualification is widely recognized but is a system that predominantly prevails only in the UK.
- The GCSE qualification sets the basis for higher education for opting A-Levels, IB (International Baccalaureate), etc
- The GCSE helps lay the academic foundation in the subject of your choice.
- GCSEs are used to determine whether or not you are qualified to enroll in a certain higher education program or not.
- Students generally consider this stage a crucial part of the academic journey.
Ignite Training Institute – Best IGCSE Tutors In UAE For Full Academic Guidance
Ignite Training Institute helps students strengthen academic foundations and meet IGCSE-specific requirements for IGCSE. With more than a decade’s experience in helping students excel in IGCSE examinations, the team of expert trainers leaves no scope for unresolved queries & unmatched student potential.
The institute also presents an opportunity to choose from customized courses that best suit the academic needs of the student. Beyond just ensuring high scores & grades, we also extend full support for creating a collaborative learning space, offering time management strategies, critical exam strategies, & much more. Get one-on-one free consulting sessions from our expert consultants for more information.
Related: How To Find The Best Coaching Institute In Dubai?
FAQs
Is IGCSE More Difficult Than CBSE?
IGCSE is usually considered a more difficult examination. The overall scoring & grading process is simplified in CBSE because the examinations focus on factual information rather than abstract abilities like critical thinking, problem-solving, etc.
Can You Join The University After IGCSE?
Students get the most accurate credentials that are accepted worldwide as being on par with what you’d get if you took the British GCSEs or worldwide GCE ‘O’ levels. To be eligible for admission to universities in the United Kingdom, students often need to have earned a B or above in five IGCSE courses in addition to two or three “A” level passes.
Is the GCSE Program Difficult?
Examining for GCSEs requires a great in-depth sense of knowledge in the subject. This is often quite challenging to crack & excel in examinations simultaneously. Several students complain about the overburdened schedule and find it difficult to keep up with their other daily commitments.
Conclusion
Here were the exact differences laying the reasoning for IGCSE VS GCSE. As the IGCSE program is unparalleled when it comes to laying the groundwork for a student’s academic path to achieve career goals. Ignite Training Institute can help you gain the competency to achieve high-end results when it comes to helping students establish strong academic foundations and master course-specific requirements.
In case, you’re looking for external tutoring support for the IGCSE, Ignite Training Institute is your best bet. The institution offers individualized courses that are a great resource for students to understand, learn & adapt.
