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2,337 Replies to “What is IGCSE?”
Hey there, at the time of writing this i am in year 12, which is the highest grade for secondary school level in my country, I’m thinking of studying IT or computer science, i would like to know the better choice, and i would like to know what exams are really necessary for that and i would also love to write IGCSE, so what subjects do i need to write to study IT or computer science, and can i gain admission with just my IGCSE results?
We strongly suggest that you get in touch with your preferred colleges/universities and get the confirmation on required subjects in accordance to the course you would like to study in the university. In this way, you would have 100% assurance that you have chosen the right subjects for your future studies.
Furthermore, after taking IGCSE, candidates usually proceed to A Level before university. However there are some university offer foundation programs which do not require A level. As such it is better to check the entry requirements either from the university’s website or contact the university directly.
Hi….my son started igcse exams from year 10…. he’s now in year 12 he’ll take 3As and 2 o Level…
In order to meet requirements of our country secondary certificate equivalence he’ll still need 2 Al …. can he do year 13…. will be any problem in this???
We believe that there will not be a problem if he will take 2 A Levels during his Year 13. But we strongly suggest that you consult your son’s school/exam centre for confirmation.
It is worth noting that there might be some clashes of exam timetable for A Level and O Level if your son plans to sit for both exams in the same examination series. We strongly recommend you to double confirm on the exam timetable before you proceed to exam registration.
Hi there,
I am doing IGCSE through my international school in Cambodia. So I know I have enough core subjects – my question is about an elective that is not offered at my school. I’d really like to take Cambridge IGCSE Development Studies (0453) – my school doesn’t offer it. What are my options for studying it independently? Do I need to enrol in it somewhere or can I study myself and just pay for the exam. we are open to finding online schooling option for this subject only but also don’t know how we would find out about who offers the subject.
Please help me understand my options!
Thanks for your help
You may study independently. We suggest that you start by downloading the latest syllabus (https://www.igcsecentre.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/) so you will know what is required of you. Then you continue your revision by answering past exam papers (https://www.igcsecentre.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/). Start with the latest paper and continue with the older ones dated back from 5 to 10 years. Make notes on the common mistakes you always seem to make. Read and annotate your textbook for the questions you got wrong so you can avoid making the same mistakes in your actual exam.
Hello,
My daughter did IGCSE Extended version and her results are as follows:
Chemistry D,
English A,
Business Studies E
Maths E
ICT A
Biology C
Now this year the children were graded without exams and only based on the evidences what the school provided. We are not happy with the results so wanted to know if its adviceable to retake the exams…or her 12th grade results too will be taken under consideration for admission to universities.
Yes, we strongly suggest that you consider resitting the subjects. We still believe that exams remain the fairest and most reliable way to assess student achievement and the assessed grade may not reflect your daughter’s true capability.
If your daughter is proceeding to A Level, her A Level results and IGCSE results would be taken into consideration as university admission, this is the normal entry requirement for most of the reputable universities.
CAIE does not calculate Grade Point Average for students as there is no universal way to calculate GPA. 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.
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Hey there, at the time of writing this i am in year 12, which is the highest grade for secondary school level in my country, I’m thinking of studying IT or computer science, i would like to know the better choice, and i would like to know what exams are really necessary for that and i would also love to write IGCSE, so what subjects do i need to write to study IT or computer science, and can i gain admission with just my IGCSE results?
Hello Hakeem,
We strongly suggest that you get in touch with your preferred colleges/universities and get the confirmation on required subjects in accordance to the course you would like to study in the university. In this way, you would have 100% assurance that you have chosen the right subjects for your future studies.
Furthermore, after taking IGCSE, candidates usually proceed to A Level before university. However there are some university offer foundation programs which do not require A level. As such it is better to check the entry requirements either from the university’s website or contact the university directly.
Tell me about compulsory and selective books combination for IGCSE
Hello Wafa,
We suggest that you search on Amazon UK for suitable IGCSE reference books.
Thank you.
Hi….my son started igcse exams from year 10…. he’s now in year 12 he’ll take 3As and 2 o Level…
In order to meet requirements of our country secondary certificate equivalence he’ll still need 2 Al …. can he do year 13…. will be any problem in this???
Please need your advice…
Hello Minerva,
Thank you for writing in.
We believe that there will not be a problem if he will take 2 A Levels during his Year 13. But we strongly suggest that you consult your son’s school/exam centre for confirmation.
It is worth noting that there might be some clashes of exam timetable for A Level and O Level if your son plans to sit for both exams in the same examination series. We strongly recommend you to double confirm on the exam timetable before you proceed to exam registration.
Hi there,
I am doing IGCSE through my international school in Cambodia. So I know I have enough core subjects – my question is about an elective that is not offered at my school. I’d really like to take Cambridge IGCSE Development Studies (0453) – my school doesn’t offer it. What are my options for studying it independently? Do I need to enrol in it somewhere or can I study myself and just pay for the exam. we are open to finding online schooling option for this subject only but also don’t know how we would find out about who offers the subject.
Please help me understand my options!
Thanks for your help
Hello Abby,
Thank you for writing in.
You may study independently. We suggest that you start by downloading the latest syllabus (https://www.igcsecentre.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/) so you will know what is required of you. Then you continue your revision by answering past exam papers (https://www.igcsecentre.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/). Start with the latest paper and continue with the older ones dated back from 5 to 10 years. Make notes on the common mistakes you always seem to make. Read and annotate your textbook for the questions you got wrong so you can avoid making the same mistakes in your actual exam.
With regards to exam registration, you may register with your local British Council or locate any registered Cambridge schools in your local area here: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/i-want-to/find-a-cambridge-school/ and check with the school if they accept private candidates.
If you have further questions, feel free to write again. Thank you.
Hello,
My daughter did IGCSE Extended version and her results are as follows:
Chemistry D,
English A,
Business Studies E
Maths E
ICT A
Biology C
Now this year the children were graded without exams and only based on the evidences what the school provided. We are not happy with the results so wanted to know if its adviceable to retake the exams…or her 12th grade results too will be taken under consideration for admission to universities.
Hello Smitha,
We are very sorry to hear what happened.
Yes, we strongly suggest that you consider resitting the subjects. We still believe that exams remain the fairest and most reliable way to assess student achievement and the assessed grade may not reflect your daughter’s true capability.
Please kindly check the key registration dates here: https://www.igcsecentre.com/exam-registration-dates/
If your daughter is proceeding to A Level, her A Level results and IGCSE results would be taken into consideration as university admission, this is the normal entry requirement for most of the reputable universities.
what are the igcse o level grades to gpa? im really stuck
Hi Kutemwa,
CAIE does not calculate Grade Point Average for students as there is no universal way to calculate GPA. 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.