Understanding IGCSE Qualifications
First, let us establish that IGCSE is an acronym that stands for ‘International General Certificate of Secondary Education’. It is an “English Language based examination that was developed by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and is recognized in the UK as an equivalent to the GCSE for the purpose of recognizing prior attainment” (International General Certificate of Secondary Education, 2019) . IGCSE is one of the world’s most popular international (British) curriculum for 14-16 year old students, which makes it a globally recognized and valued qualification that can open numerous opportunities for its learners, once attained.
Next, let us identify some of the advantages of having an IGCSE qualification. Firstly,
Cambridge IGCSE fortifies a learner-centered and inquiry-based type of learning. This means that the curriculum develops skills in creative thinking, inquiry and problem solving, critical thinking and other integral skills to prepare the learners for the next stage of their education or other educational endeavors. Secondly, this helps the learners determine their strengths, weaknesses and interests within their academic and social lives. This can be beneficial at helping them decide on what they would like to pursue as a degree in university or as a career in the near future. Lastly, and most importantly, according to Cambridge Assessment International Education, a recognized assessing body of IGCSE examinations, it can clearly define learning outcomes and content. This means that the IGCSE has a curriculum that is compatible with other curricula by virtue of it also being sensitive to different needs and cultures.
Assessing Bodies of IGCSE
The IGCSE qualification was originally developed by the University of Cambridge International Examination and they have been organizing this test and other qualification tests in various subjects for more than 25 years across the globe. This is primarily the reason why CIE is the organization of choice for most IGCSE learners. There are however other testing boards that offer IGCSE examinations, and they are Edexcel and OxfordAQA. All three assessing bodies are highly respected and have equal value in regard to further studies and employment. The only key difference is that they structure their qualification tests differently from one another.
Key Benefits of IGCSE
As previously mentioned, attaining an IGCSE qualification provides several advantages. Apart from the aforementioned, another key benefit of having an IGCSE certificate is its ability to prove a student’s English proficiency. The IGCSE examination is an English language based test and therefore requires a good grasp of the English language as a medium of instruction and communication.
IGCSE also promotes global mindedness through its approach in learning and teaching. This develops flexible and resilient students which make them better at adapting with the dynamic nature of daily life. The cognitive skills they acquire as they go through the IGCSE curriculum, such as problem solving, reasoning, critical analytical and creative thinking, are lifelong learnings that are very practical and can be applied at any stage in life.
Finally, the most important benefit of IGCSE is its recognition in top universities worldwide.
Being able to prove their academic competence and English proficiency, IGCSE certificate
holders have the opportunity of being accepted by high ranking universities.
With all of these in mind, it is safe to say that taking an IGCSE (British) curriculum as a learning foundation of choice can provide various opportunities for qualified students.