IGCSE: a primer

The Cambridge IGCSEs are world renowned qualifications that adapt standard GCSEs in a way which benefits students who a) are internationally mobile and b) have the capacity to stand out, academically. The prestigious Cambridge University lends its name to these qualifications, confident that their structure and content mirror its high quality institutions.

The IGCSE is designed for students studying abroad or migrating, who need to pass language tests in English speaking countries. Grade C or above will likely satisfy these requirements. The curricular includes a deeper, more comprehensive attitude to topics - with more emphasis on extra-curricular exploration - not found in the GCSE programme.

Along with being backed by a well-regarded university, the IGCSEs are known to be more challenging, geared to test students in the higher percentile of achievers. In the UK, national newspapers have compared questions from both the GCSE and IGCSE papers, finding that the IGCSEs are closer to the original O-levels of my father’s generation. Before curricular became increasingly softer.

Private and independent schools in the UK have quickly included IGCSEs in their options, knowing this will appeal to parents who want their bright children challenged, while providing a smoother progression to the next level of education. One IGCSE that particularly stands out as a more-than-adequate stepping stone to A-Levels and further education is Geography.

IGCSE Geography: in focus

While the core curricular is impressively dense (grouped into two main topics which often cross over – ‘human’ and ‘physical’), the IGCSE Geography stands out due to its focus on ‘field work’ and coursework analysis. Students learn useful, practical skills like map reading. Paper 4 contributes to 27.5% of the final mark, so students have no choice but to learn to use these skills consistently.

Paper 4 focuses on coursework knowledge - something by GSCEs, meaning IGCSE geography fashions a more dynamic, flexible student, as they navigate the different ways in which to approach each of the three final papers. Although in paper 2 you don't specifically have to write a piece of coursework, you are required to know how to collect, manipulate, present, analyse and evaluate primary and secondary data.

IGCSE Geography is unique in that it is a bridge and link between the social sciences (History, Business, and Economics) and the hard sciences (Biology, Physics and Chemistry). Because of its position, it teaches skills that can be used in the hard and social sciences and the course content often compliments other courses. For example, sustainability in Physics, erosion in Chemistry, ecosystems in biological evolution, migration and demographics in History, industry and tourism in Business and Economics.

IGCSE Geography also looks at contemporary, real-world problems of today. Climate change and globalisation being two of them. Other aspects of the curricular impact choices and decisions made in the work place, giving the student a head start when confronting issues like population growth, resource management and hazard management.

To appreciate its relevance, notice how quickly in a newspaper, radio, or TV, an issue covered in the curricular is touched on. Additionally, the variety of Geography at IGCSE level means that you have a greater selection of subjects to choose from at IB level, because you have a broad skill base and solid cross-curricular knowledge.

 

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