What Are Cambridge Upper Secondary and IGCSE?
Cambridge Upper Secondary and IGCSE prepare students for university and the world. We explain the scope of the program, grading and university recognition for our parents.
Cambridge Upper Secondary is an international program that prepares high school age students for life, giving them a conscious curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. The Cambridge Pathway offers students a clear route to success between the ages of 5 and 19; Upper Secondary is the high school step of this route. In this article, we look at the program and the IGCSE qualification for our parents.
What Is Cambridge Upper Secondary?
Cambridge Upper Secondary places the student's needs as an individual at its centre and allows the school to shape the curriculum through a broad range of subjects and flexible routes. While giving students the skills they will need at school, at university and in working life, it also instils a love of learning that extends beyond school. The program aims to develop the following qualities:
- Confident in working with their own and others' knowledge and ideas.
- Responsible for themselves, considerate and respectful of those around them.
- Reflective, developing their learning abilities.
- Innovative and equipped for future challenges.
- Intellectually and socially engaged, ready to make a difference.
IGCSE and Subject Flexibility
Cambridge IGCSE helps students develop knowledge, understanding and skills in subject content and intellectual enquiry. It is designed for students worldwide, including those whose first language is not English. Because it offers more than 70 subject options, students can focus on the areas they enjoy most and are best at.
What Sets IGCSE Apart
Subject options
Students focus on their area of strength.
Clear grading
A transparent A* to G scale of achievement.
Varied assessment
Written, oral and practical routes.
Global recognition
Accepted by leading universities.
Assessment and Grading
In IGCSE, assessment takes place at the end of a subject and gives students a variety of ways to demonstrate what they have learned: written exams, oral assessments, coursework and practical work. There are also suitable options for students with different abilities. Grading runs from A* to G; A* is the highest grade. This structure makes IGCSE a solid foundation for Cambridge International AS & A Level and other post-high school routes.
A good high school program prepares the student not for the exam, but for the life that comes after it.
Opportunities Worldwide
The Cambridge IGCSE qualification is recognised by the world's leading universities, and employers regard it as a valuable record of achievement. In the United Kingdom it is considered equivalent to the GCSE and is accepted by many universities as proof of English proficiency. Around the world, many universities require a combination of IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level for their entry requirements, while some colleges accept students with five IGCSEs.
In brief
- Cambridge Upper Secondary prepares the student for university and the world in high school.
- IGCSE offers more than 70 subject options and A*-G grading.
- The qualification is recognised by the world's leading universities.
You can explore the Cambridge journey as a whole on our Cambridge education page, and to discuss your child's high school plan, get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IGCSE and A Level?
IGCSE is a broad-based qualification taken in the first stage of high school. A Level, in the later stage, allows the student to specialise in their chosen fields and prepares them directly for university.
Is IGCSE suitable for students whose first language is not English?
Yes. IGCSE is designed with students worldwide in mind, including those whose first language is not English.
Are IGCSE grades valid for university applications?
Yes. IGCSE is recognised by the world's leading universities and is considered part of the entry requirements in many countries.
Gökkuşağı Koleji · A path opening to the world in high school.