International General Certificate of Secondary Education

International General Certificate of Secondary Education is an English language-based University of Cambridge-affiliated Cambridge International Examinations qualification, taken at the end of secondary school, similar to the General Certificate of Secondary Education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The qualification is based on individual subjects such as mathematics, science, and English language and is offered by Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press. It is recognized by institutions in United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Introduction

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is a popular qualification among students in international schools such as United Nations International School, International School of Geneva, and International School of Amsterdam. It is also offered by British international schools like British School of Paris and British International School of New York. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, geography, history, and foreign languages like French language, Spanish language, and German language. The qualification is recognized by University of London, Imperial College London, and other top universities in United Kingdom, as well as by institutions in France, Germany, and other European Union countries, such as Sorbonne University and University of Berlin.

History

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education was introduced by University of Cambridge in 1988 as a replacement for the Ordinary Level qualification, which was previously offered by Cambridge International Examinations. The qualification has undergone several changes since its introduction, with the most recent revision being introduced in 2017. The qualification is now offered in over 150 countries, including China, India, and United Arab Emirates, and is recognized by institutions such as Tsinghua University, Indian Institute of Technology, and American University of Sharjah. The qualification has also been adopted by international organizations like International Baccalaureate and European Council of International Schools.

Curriculum

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, with a focus on academic subjects like mathematics, science, and English language. Students can choose from a range of optional subjects, including business studies, economics, and computer science, as well as arts subjects like music, art and design, and drama. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their course of study to their individual needs and interests, with the help of institutions like British Council and Institute of International Education. The qualification is also recognized by professional organizations like Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and Royal Society of Chemistry.

Examination

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education examination is typically taken at the end of a two-year course of study, although some students may take the examination earlier or later, depending on their individual circumstances, with the support of institutions like National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers and National Education Union. The examination consists of a series of written papers and practical assessments, which are marked by examiners from University of Cambridge and other institutions, such as University of Edinburgh and University of Manchester. The examination is designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, as well as their ability to apply what they have learned to real-world situations, with the help of resources from BBC and British Library.

Grading

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education uses a grading system that ranges from A* (highest) to G (lowest), with A* being the highest grade and U (ungraded) being the lowest, similar to the system used by GCSE and A-level. Students who achieve a grade of A* to C are considered to have passed the examination, while those who achieve a grade of D to G are considered to have failed, according to the standards set by Ofqual and Department for Education. The grading system is designed to be fair and consistent, with examiners using a range of assessment criteria to determine students' grades, in line with the guidelines from Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation and Joint Council for Qualifications.

Recognition

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is recognized by institutions in United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The qualification is also recognized by professional organizations like Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and Royal Society of Chemistry, as well as by international organizations like International Baccalaureate and European Council of International Schools. Students who achieve good grades in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education can go on to study at top universities around the world, including University of California, Berkeley, University of Melbourne, and University of Toronto, with the support of institutions like Fulbright Program and Erasmus Programme. Category:Education