Studying for IGCSE’s at Mougins School

What are IGCSE’s?

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. These are the officially authorised examinations required to complete the secondary stage of the British education system. Students follow a two-year programme that leads to externally set, marked and accredited examinations from the University of Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel. IGCSE’s are an internationally recognised qualification that, in combination with A-levels, can determine a pupil’s chances of attending a well-respected university.

Frequently Asked Questions about the IGCSE programme

Why are some subjects compulsory and some optional?

Compulsory core subjects are designed to give you a grounding in the basics essential for your future success. Universities and many global employers demand a minimum qualification in English language and mathematics, and a basic science qualification is also compulsory. At Mougins School we believe that understanding of a modern foreign language is also a necessity in today’s world.

How should I choose my ‘optional’ or ‘choice’ subjects?

When and how do I have to make my choices?

Students make their choices in the spring term of Year 9. An IGCSE presentation evening is held in the spring term which gives a detailed rundown of the education systems of the UK, Europe and North America up to A-level, Bac and SAT/ACT level, with plenty of time for questions and answers. Pupils then have time to consider their option choices, and have discussions with teachers, their tutors and their parents. They then submit their first option choices in order of preference via a Google Form before the spring holiday.

Are there A-level or university courses which demand certain IGCSE subjects?

Many universities expect at least a grade C in English, maths and science (a grade C corresponds to a 4 or 5 for those familiar with the new grading structure used in the UK). However, depending on the course you wish to study, some will go further and ask for specific IGCSE subjects with certain grades.

Engineering
To study engineering for example, you will typically need A-levels or equivalent qualifications in chemistry or physics, and maths. You will therefore need to have good grades in science and maths IGCSEs.

Veterinary science
To qualify for veterinary schools, you are generally required to have at least five IGCSEs. These typically include maths, English language and science as a double or triple award. As courses are competitive at least a B (6 under the new grades) or higher should be achieved in all subjects.

Medicine and dentistry
To work in the medical professions at least seven IGCSEs are required at grades B(6) or above. This again must include the sciences, English language and maths.

Teaching
To go into teaching you are expected to achieve at least a grade C(4) in maths, English language and science. If you wish to teach a particular subject then, of course, a good mark in that subject would greatly help your application.

What is double science?

Cambridge IGCSE ‘double’ or ‘co-ordinated sciences’ gives learners the opportunity to study biology, chemistry and physics within a scientifically coherent syllabus and is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential knowledge and ability in the sciences. You receive two IGCSE grades for this course, and from it you can go on to study any of the natural sciences at A-level and university.

What is an ‘Exam Board’?

Do I have to give my results to universities and employers in the future?

Why are some examinations graded 9 to 1 and some A*–E?

Over the last three years the 9-1 grading scheme has been brought in alongside a new GCSE curriculum in England, and the international Examination Boards are gradually following suit. Under this new system, the highest grade is 9, while 1 is the lowest. Below 1 comes U which stands for ungraded. Grades 9, 8 and 7 correspond to the old-style grades of A* and A – this change is designed to give more differentiation at the top end of the grades.

If you have any more questions about the IGCSE programme at Mougins, please get in touch

DOWNLOAD OUR IGCSE GUIDE