International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the Cambridge International Examinations which is internationally recognised as equivalent to the UK GCSE and the International GCE O level examinations.

In 1988, O Levels were replaced in England by the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). At the same time, Cambridge agreed to make special provision for the growing number of international schools that were being established throughout the world in order to cater for children of diplomats and the increasingly mobile workforce of international corporations. This was based on the GCSE and named the International General Certificate ofSecondary Education (IGCSE).

The IGCSE is a balanced international curriculum which is designed to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. The exams consist of a variety of tests e.g. oral and listening tests and these are not limited to conventional written papers.

The IGCSE exams are also designed to take account of differing abilities of students; there is a choice between Core and Extended in most subjects. This allows students to be able to choose the most appropriate level papers.

The Core in each subject is within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve grades C to G.
The Extended in each subject comprises the Core curriculum and the Supplement. It is targeted at those expected to achieve grades A to C. The Supplement describes the extra topics or depth which must be added to the Core to produce the Extended.
Successful candidates receive a certificate which is internationally recognised as equivalent in standard to the British GCSE and international GCE ?O? level examinations.

Candidates wishing to enter British Universities are normally required to have 2 or 3 "A" level subjects in addition to 5 IGCSE passes. However, it is strongly advised to check the entrance requirements of each university individually.

IGCSE (core or extended curriculum) is taken in 5 subject groups:

Languages
Humanities
Sciences
Mathematics
Creative, Technical and Vocational
IGCSE has two sessions per year: May/June and November.



The following link provides information for the International Baccalaureate.
The International Baccalaureate Organization offers three programmes to a wide variety of schools located throughout Spain:
The Diploma Programme, for students in the final two years of school before university;
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16;
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for students aged 3 to 12.

International Schools in Spain
International Schools on the Costa del Sol International Schools on the Costa de la Luz International Schools on the Costa Tropical International Schools on the Costa Almeria International Schools on the Costa Calida	International Schools on the Costa Blanca International Schools on the Costa Dorada International Schools on the Costa Brava International Schools in the Canary Islands International Schools in the Balearic Islands

Schools in Spain