IGCSE

IGCSE

IGCSE – Preparing for the Future

Background
The IGCSE is an International Qualification that is taken in over 100 countries and in thousands of schools worldwide. IGCSE’s are equal to GCSE’s which are the national qualification in England taken by students at the age of 16. IGCSE’s provide a strong basis for future study including both A-Levels and degree courses. IGCSE’s are used by many universities as part of their assessment requirements and are recognised internationally for their rigorous assessment techniques.
Why Study IGCSEs?
IGCSEs cover a wide range of subjects and are well known and highly regarded by Universities and employers all over the World. They use good assessment techniques that clearly acknowledge the hard work and ability of the students. The results are standardised on an International scale and therefore we can compare our students to others to see how well they compare. The IGCSEs are not just focused on content but force students to develop a range of skills important for further education and future work. We recognise that success in academia goes much further than the basic acquisition of knowledge and IGCSEs help prepare students for future study by developing a range of academic skills.
Subjects
At ZKIS we offer the following IGCSE subjects…
English as a Second Language
Maths
Chinese
Chemistry
Physics
Biology
History
Geography
ICT
Korean
Grading
IGCSEs have a range of grades from G-A*. A* is the highest grade that can be achieved. In England the average grade is a grade C. We expect students to achieve a minimum of a C in all subjects and top students can expect to achieve A/A* in most if not all subjects.
Course Content
The IGCSEs cover a broad range of subjects and skills. The skills that are developed through the study of IGCSE include the following…
Knowledge about a range of different topics
Describing
Explaining
Evaluating
Analysis
Creativity
Logic
Critical Thinking
Practical Skills
Teamwork
Exam Timetable
The IGCSE exams take place between April and June every summer. We have moved the IGCSE program forward one year for student studying in Grades 8 and below. This is to help equip students better for University applications and to bring the timetable for exams in line with the UK system. Students currently in Grades 9 and 10 will take their IGCSEs at the end of Grade 11. Students in Grades 8 and below will take their exams at the end of Grade 10.
How can you help?
It is very important that preparation for these exams takes place at home as well as in school and we offer seminars to both students and parents providing advice for the best ways to prepare for exams. Here are some of our suggestions…
Encourage your children to practise English skills at home. E.g. films, books, language setting on the computer.
Remove your children from academies except when absolutely necessary. Sleep deprivation and over-work reduce learning and lead to long-term health problems such as stress.
Ensure your child’s homework is completed on time, independently and to the best of their ability. Information about test schedules and homework deadlines is provided online.
Help your child to develop good revision habits such as forming study groups with friends and writing notes based on previous exam questions.
Send your child to bed between 9-10:00pm.