What is IGCSE?

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is designed for students in schools and colleges throughout the world and the syllabi are international in content and approach. The GCSE is of a similar standard but involves some coursework.

IGCSE assessment is by final examination at the end of Stage 10 in most cases. Students are prepared throughout the 2-year course for the examinations, allowing teachers time to give students guidance on how to improve their performance. Students mature over this period, develop and hone their examination technique and are assessed when they are at their peak. Students who find examinations a motivation for learning, who work conscientiously, and who follow teachers’ advice are successful in this program. It is important to state that adequate performance in Year 9 will determine progression on to Year 10. Particular interest will be paid to each student’s performance at the end of Year 9 examinations; if a student is not performing at the pass grade of a C or above in most /all of their subjects, including Math or English, it is likely they will not be able to sit the IGCS Examination the following year.

IGCSE grades are awarded on a scale, A* to G or 1 to 9. Grade A*/9 is considered the top grade. At SIS Alex we follow the highly successful and internationally recognized Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) program that uses the 1 to 9 scale. In Egypt, Arab students are allowed to take the Higher-Level papers only.

For most AS/A-level subjects students must firstly attain a grade C or higher in the subject at IGCSE/GCSE level. There are a few exceptions to this requirement and students should consult the current AS/A level Options Booklet For guidance. It is strongly advised that students follow a broad and balanced subject choice at IGCSE/GCSE in order to prepare for the learning requirements in all AS/A-level subjects.

Universities often specify grades A*-C or 9 – 4 in particular subjects in their entrance requirements. The examinations are set by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Authority or Edexcel Examinations Authority and students answer scripts which are sent to the examination board in England for marking. The Examination Boards’ procedures ensure that IGCSE/GCSE qualifications are recognized by universities and colleges world-wide.

Universities often specify grades A*-C in particular subjects in their entrance requirements. The examinations are set by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Authority or Edexcel Examinations Authority and students answer scripts which are sent to the examination board in England for marking. The rigor of the Examination Boards’ procedures ensures that IGCSE/GCSE qualifications are recognized by universities and colleges world-wide.