The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), offered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations, is a qualification for students between 14 to 16 years of age. During the course of two years, students engage with issues of global significance while retaining a local relevance across all subjects. They develop critical thinking, self-management, reflection and communication skills that assist them in life-long learning.

Students must choose from the following subject groups:

 Students are expected to take 9 subjects. In order to receive the Cambridge International Certificate (ICE), a group award for Cambridge IGCSE, students must pass in at least seven Cambridge IGCSE subjects from five different subject groups.After fulfilling the minimum requirements for subjects in each group, students can choose optional subjects from Group 3 and/or Group 4.The school also offers Additional Mathematics, which will be scheduled after school hours. In case a student opts for Additional Math, it will be counted as the 10^th subject.

1. What is the process of selection for the IGCSE?

A combination of aspects. Students are required to appear for an entrance test to give them a chance to showcase a natural ability in skills (such as independent thinking and multiple perspectives) that are not tested in the national curriculum. The idea of having an entrance test is to ensure that while some students might automatically be selected into the programme based on their academic record in Middle School and Grade 8, students with different learning styles must get a fair chance at the programme. A meeting with the Grade 8 subject teachers to identify strengths and challenges not evident from the comprehensive exams and entrance test will also be held. Finally, students may be called for an interview if the need arises.

2. What are the advantages of the IGCSE over the national curriculum?

Both curricula have their strengths and challenges. With its emphasis on independent study and application skills, the IGCSE can give students an edge over other students if they plan to opt for an international curriculum in grades 11 and 12. An early start of these skills will also help future studies, especially in the first year of university education abroad. ICSE focuses more on the retrieval of knowledge understanding through written assessment. IGCSE encourages a variety of skills like research, listening, thinking, communication, teamwork and self-management that lead to a holistic learning experience for a student. For further information, please go to : http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/benefits-of-a-cambridge-education/

3. What are some differences between the IGCSE and ICSE curricula?

In the IGCSE, students have greater flexibility in choosing subjects depending on their interests. Please refer to Q 20 for more information about the subjects. While students study social sciences through distinct subject groups such as History, Geography in ICSE, the IGCSE offers Global Perspectives, an interdisciplinary subject that draws in knowledge from different subjects like Geography, History and Economics to deal with issues of global significance like sustainable living, the digital world, law and criminality to name a few.

4. Do teachers undergo special training?

All IGCSE teachers come with relevant experience in the IGCSE curriculum. However, teachers will continue to undergo training in order to keep abreast of latest development within their subjects. The school hires only experienced teachers, some of whom are existing IBDP teachers. The training of the teachers for Grade 8 and below, in order to integrate the Cambridge continuum with the national curriculum is currently underway.

5. How does the rigour of the programme in CAJCS compare with that in other city schools?

The IGCSE is recognised the world over as a holistic programme and at Cathedral it comes with a vibrant House System and various national and international competitions and programmes. For further information about the programme please visit http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-secondary-2/cambridge-igcse/ :

6. What is the scope for a student to apply to a national curriculum (e.g. ISC, HSC after the IGCSE Programme?

Junior Colleges accept students from the IGCSE curriculum. However, an IGCSE student may take a little time to adapt to the ISC curriculum, more specifically the assessments, just as the ICSE student who switches to the IBDP curriculum does.

7. Is it necessary for students to take an external bridge course before joining the IGCSE?

No. The first two months of the course in Grade 9 are spent in skill building through bridge courses, in order to ease the initiation of students into the programme.

8. Does a student have to sit for three science exams in the IGCSE?

No. However, a student must appear for at least one science subject during the final examination. Please remember that in order to obtain an ICE diploma, students should have appeared for a minimum of seven subjects. Please refer to Q 20 for more details on subject choices.

The school encourages learning as many science subjects as possible at this level in order to provide a more comprehensive learning experience and leave options open for later study.   

9. Do IGCSE students stand a better chance of securing admission to the IBDP?

Students of the IGCSE definitely have an initial advantage over ICSE students in terms of their thinking skills and independent work. However, the IGCSE students will have to go through a selection process just as the ICSE students do. While the IGCSE students may have a more comfortable transition to the IBDP, the school once again conducts its own orientation during the first month of IBDP 1 in order to ease the initiation of students from other Indian curricula into the DP

10. Should a student who is clear about wanting the national curriculum in Grades 11 and 12, be considering the IGCSE?

No. For those who are already sure that they wish to pursue the ISC/ HSC, the ICSE is the best option.

11. What are the additional benefits that the IGCSE children enjoy as compared to ICSE students? 

There are no additional benefits, except for what is part of the curriculum requirements.

12. Do the fees include lunch fees and textbooks and other course materials?

No, they are not included.

13. Are there any other costs over and above what is mentioned in the form?

Details of the fee structure will be given along with the offer letter. 

14. What are the school timings?

Monday to Thursday – 7.50 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., not including House Games. (Same as ICSE)

15. Where can I see the prospectus of the subjects offered?

Given below are the links for individual subjects.

1. Art and Design (0400):
   https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-art-and-design-0400/
2. Biology (0610):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-biology-0610/
3. Business Studies (0450):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-business-studies-0450/
4. Chemistry (0620):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-chemistry-0620/
5. Computer Science (0478): https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-computer-science-0478/
   
6. Economics (0455):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-economics-0455/
7. Environmental management (0680): https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-environmental-management-0680/
8. English – literature (0475):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/english-literature-0475/
9. English – first language (0500):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-english-first-language-0500/
10. French – as foreign language (0520):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-french-foreign-language-0520/
11. Global Perspectives (0457): https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-global-perspectives-0457/
12. Hindi as a second language (0549):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-hindi-as-a-second-language-0549/
13. Information and communication technology (0417):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-information-and-communication-technology-0417/
14.  History(0470): https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-history-0470/
15. International Mathematics (06070):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-international-mathematics-0607/
16. Physics (0625): https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-physics-0625/
17. Additional Mathematics (0606):https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-mathematics-additional-0606/

16. Does the school provide A LEVELS to its students?

No, it does not. The school offers only the ISC and IBDP for Grades 11 and 12.

17.  What is the criteria for obtaining the ICE Certificate in the IGCSE?

In order to obtain the ICE, students need to appear for examinations in 7 subjects (First language, Second language, Creative and Professional, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, and one more from any of the last three areas.)

18. Is there any possibility of any other language, besides French and Hindi? For instance, Spanish.

For now, we are offering only Hindi and French.

19. Do we use the calculator in mathematics?

Yes.

20. Will Add Math be the tenth subject?

Yes. It is counted as the tenth subject and offered in Grade 10 depending on a student’s academic records.

21. What is the difference between Math (0580) and International Math (0607)?

International Math (0607) and Mathematics (0580) are largely the same in terms of the content, with 80% of the syllabus overlapping. The main difference is that International Mathematics (0607) has an extra exam component (paper 6) which is very unique and quite challenging. Moreover, two papers (paper 2 and paper 4) are slightly easier in Mathematics (0580) than in International Math (0607). All in all, International Mathematics (0607) is more challenging than Math (0580).