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2,337 Replies to “What is IGCSE?”
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hey sir
I am currently a CBSE student thats interested in joining an IGCSE school in New Delhi but I want to enquire if maths is compulsory or if exemption is possible and if not I would like to know if theres any way to help with maths as I have moderate dyscalculia
Hello Rajesh,
The core subject groups are: English Group, Maths Group, and Science Group. Core subjects are a guideline and fits most universities’ entry requirements. But we do suggest that you should decide on the subjects based on what you want to study in the university. You may also check on the university’s entry requirements. In this way you have 100% confirmation on the needed subjects.
Furthermore, you may try to apply for Access Arrangements. Please read these articles for more information:
1. https://help.cambridgeinternational.org/hc/en-gb/articles/115004285225-What-are-Access-Arrangements-and-how-do-I-apply-
2. https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/cambridge-exams-officers-guide/phase-1-preparation/access-arrangements/
3. https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/418807-cambridge-handbook-2018-uk.pdf
CAIE does provide special arrangement, if you could provide supporting medical report. We urge you to start finding out the application process from now.
Hello IGCSE,
I am positive that I have labelled a part in my french paper writing wrong. Even if the question number is wrong but it is obvious that the student meant to answer a different question, will the examiner still grade it or will it become an automatic zero
Hello Ananya,
Examiner will mark your answer according to your labeling. If you wish to find out if examiner will award marks if you labeled wrongly, you must write to CAIE and get their confirmation. We cannot confirm on this part for you. You may reach them through their website: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/
Hi there, my son has 5 IGCSE subjects. Maths, English, Afrikaans, Biology and Georgraphy. We are in South Africa, is this considered a Matric equivalent? Thank you
Hi Cathi,
Usually Matriculation is the Foundation equivalent, which is the level after IGCSE. You must find out what is the equivalent level for your matric system. Since we do not know your matric system, we cannot provide proper suggestions for you.
Hello. I am taking IGCSE CIE and attending Year-12 & 13 and go to A-levels. I am a little confused right now. Where does the GPA score come in use? The good colleges check the grade or the GPA? How many subjects do I have to take to become a doctor? What are they? Will be waiting for your reply :))
Hello Sana,
The normal process would be: after completing IGCSE, proceed to any A level/IB/any equivalent qualification, then university. At the end of Year 13, you would be sitting for A Level exams.
CAIE does not calculate Grade Point Average for students as there is no universal way to calculate GPA. However, you will obtain individual certificate for each subject. If the college/university requires you to submit your GPA, CAIE recommends that you contact your chosen university or a credential evaluator to calculate your GPA.
College/university entry requirements are usually based on required subjects taken, not the amount of subjects taken.If you wish to enrol in Medicine program, the usual required subjects at IGCSE level are English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Add Maths. We strongly suggest you check with the university you wish to apply to as each university and its programs has their own set of entry requirements.
Hi. I just finished my IGCSE O levels last week, and I’m thinking of advancing to A levels.
Is there also a minimum number of subjects you must take in the A levels?
I took English, Essential Math, Additional Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for my O levels, and I’m hoping to only take English, Math, and Japanese for A levels if possible. If I took only three subjects for my A levels, would it still qualify as a completion of twelve years of education?
Also, how long does an A level course last, and what is the difference between A and AS level? Do I have to take both, and If not, which one has more benefits?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hello Bryan,
You must choose your subjects in accordance to the course you would like to study in the university. Please do check the entry requirements with the university you wish to apply to.
There are different assessment options to gain Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications:
1. Take the Cambridge International AS Level only. The syllabus content is half a Cambridge International A Level.
AS Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that students have about 180 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally one year).
2. Take a ‘staged’ assessment route (A2) – take the Cambridge International AS Level in one examination series and complete the final Cambridge International A Level at a subsequent series.
AS Level marks can be carried forward to a full A Level twice within a 13 month period.
3. Take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same examination session, usually at the end of the course.
The whole A Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that students have approximately 360 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally two years). For private candidate, the hours could be different depending on the number of hours spent on studying.
Please kindly read more about AS and A Level here: https://www.igcsecentre.com/what-is-cambridge-international-as-a-level/