Over 35 years ago, Cambridge introduced the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which has since become the world’s most popular international qualification for 14- to 16-year-olds. As the Head of Global Recognitions, I often discuss with schools and higher education institutions the reasons why Cambridge IGCSE prepares students so well for university.
1. A Globally Recognised Qualification
Cambridge IGCSE is globally acknowledged and respected, providing a robust foundation for students’ academic journeys. Its versatility makes it a preferred choice for students aiming for university education or those progressing to advanced programmes in schools. This qualification serves as a springboard to various international or local curricula.
Universities and colleges worldwide accept and value Cambridge IGCSE, enabling students to pursue higher education in different countries. Preparing students for higher education involves not just imparting subject knowledge but also equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the real world. Cambridge IGCSE helps students develop these skills and gain this confidence.
2. A Wide Choice of Subjects
One of the most notable aspects of Cambridge IGCSE is its extensive range of subjects—more than 70 in total. Whether a student’s passion lies in English, mathematics, science, arts, humanities, or languages, the curriculum caters to a wide array of interests. This flexibility allows students to tailor their educational journey according to their strengths and passions, providing schools with the opportunity to offer a broad and balanced curriculum.
3. Flexible Assessments
Cambridge IGCSE is inclusive, offering various ways for students to learn and succeed. The assessments provide flexibility through a combination of written, oral, and practical exams. This diverse approach accommodates different learning styles and preferences, allowing students to choose subjects with assessments that align with their strengths. The assessments are also fair and accessible to students whose first language is not English.
Since the pandemic, the need for flexible learning environments has become more evident. Cambridge IGCSE caters to both traditional classroom settings and online or blended learning environments, proving invaluable during times when online learning became a necessity.
4. Proven Record of Success
In 2022, research conducted with Arizona State University in the US evaluated the impact of Cambridge IGCSE on first-year student performance. The study revealed that students who completed the Cambridge IGCSE programme and enrolled at Arizona State University exhibited strong performance in various academic metrics, including high school grade point average (GPA) and SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing) scores.
Following these findings, Cambridge commissioned ECCTIS, a leading provider in the recognition and evaluation of qualifications, to conduct an in-depth mapping of the IGCSE Mathematics (0580) assessment against the College Board’s SAT Math Test. The study identified key similarities and differences in assessment structure, skills, content, and demand, and made grade comparisons between the two assessments.
Cambridge IGCSE remains popular worldwide because it offers students more options than any other international qualification. With a wide range of subjects, global recognition, flexible and fair assessments, and a strong emphasis on skills development, it prepares students not only for higher education but also for 21st-century opportunities and challenges, adapting to their evolving needs.
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