Secondary school is a time of transition and change. During these pivotal years of growth and development, students are beginning to learn more about their strengths and interests, and they are starting to prepare for life beyond the classroom. Many students at One World International School are interested in pursuing their higher studies in university, which is why we have developed a dynamic secondary school structure that prepares them for collegiate study.
The Cambridge IGCSE provides students with a bridge to the IB Diploma Programme. At OWIS Singapore, we offer the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9 and 10 because it provides students with an opportunity to take a more in-depth look at particular subject areas and develop the core competencies needed to succeed in the IBDP during their upper secondary years.
To help parents understand the scope of the IGCSE and how it is implemented at OWIS, we have created a blog content series that covers various facets of the Cambridge IGCSE. The following topics are highlighted as part of the content series:
How IGCSE Prepares Young Minds for Academic and Professional Success
The Cambridge IGCSE is considered one of the most popular curricula options in Singapore, which is one of the reasons why we have chosen to offer this curriculum for our students in Grades 9 and 10. We believe that the IGCSE is one of the best secondary school curricula because:
- It offers a wide range of subject content.
- It allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- It emphasises the importance of intellectual inquiry.
- It helps students become flexible and adaptive.
- It requires students to work and communicate in English.
- It promotes the development of cultural awareness.
The IGCSE is the ideal curriculum for our multicultural community at OWIS, and we love that students can personalise their educational experience based on the wide range of subject content. Covering the five main subject areas of English language and literature, languages, mathematics, science and the arts, students enjoy a comprehensive introduction to the structure and intensity of secondary school.
How Do the IGCSEs Compare to GCSEs and the Cambridge O-levels?
When choosing a secondary school, many parents are overwhelmed by the curriculum options. One of the most common comparisons is between the IGCSEs, the GCSEs and the Cambridge O-levels.
Before you can compare the IGCSE to other curriculum options, you first need an in-depth understanding of this curriculum. The IGCSE is considered one of the top international qualifications for students between the ages of 14 and 16. Offering more than 70 subject areas, including 30 languages, the IGCSE offers more flexibility and customisation options than any other international qualification.
The GCSE, which is commonly confused with the IGCSE, is available exclusively to students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students in Grades 10 and 11 typically begin the GCSE curriculum and take the GCSE exams at the end of year 11. The GCSE is an important component of the English National Curriculum.
The Cambridge O-levels are quite similar in scope to the IGCSE; however, they are modified to meet the needs of specific countries. Only a limited number of schools in certain countries offer the Cambridge O-levels.
The IGCSE Programme Structure and Assessments at OWIS
At OWIS, we offer the Cambridge IGCSE to our students in Grades 9 and 10, and we believe that it is the perfect bridge to the IBDP in upper secondary school. This globally recognised curriculum provides our students with exposure to a wide range of subject areas while also allowing them to develop the core competencies required to apply their knowledge in new and familiar situations.
The introduction to the IGCSE at OWIS begins during the middle years when students in Grades 6 to 8 experience a modified version of the Cambridge curriculum. This allows them to become familiar with the structure of the IGCSE and to develop the skills needed to succeed during the first two years of secondary school.
By the time students reach secondary school, they are prepared to take on the challenge and excitement of the IGCSE.
After doing the coursework required throughout the two-year IGCSE curriculum, students must complete the IGCSE assessments. Throughout the second year, teachers provide students with internal IGCSE assessments to help them begin preparing for their final IGCSE exams. The external IGCSE assessments take place at the end of the second year of the curriculum and include oral, written, coursework and practical assessments.
9 Self-Care Tips for Students for IGCSE & IBDP Exams
Assessments and exams play a pivotal role in the IGCSE curriculum, with students completing internal IGCSE exams throughout their second year and completing the programme with extensive external exams at the end of Grade 10. While we do our best to help students prepare for these exams at OWIS, we also prioritise their mental and emotional well-being.
As part of our commitment to cultivating a holistic learning environment and providing each child with the pastoral care they need to succeed, we have compiled a few self-care tips for students who are preparing for the exams. While you can read all the tips in the blog linked above, some of the most important are:
- Balance your study time with activities that you enjoy. Giving yourself a brain break and taking time for yourself will help you study more effectively for exams.
- Reach out to a trusted adult if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Communicating your feelings and seeking help will ensure that you get the support you need.
- Unplug from technology and disconnect from social media. This can reduce outside stress and allow you to stay more present and focused as you prepare for exams.
Students preparing for exams need the support of their teachers and their parents. In this blog, our OWIS teachers explain the best strategies for test preparation and how parents can work to support their students.
Our teachers recommend:
- Encouraging your child to stay on top of their school work throughout the course can help make exam preparation feel less daunting and overwhelming. Parents can provide additional support by verifying that students are keeping track of deadlines, turning in assignments and finishing all required readings.
- Having your child set realistic and attainable goals will help them stay at a steady pace throughout the course. Parents can help children by creating a consistent study schedule and even incorporating study times into the family calendar.
- Having your child test their understanding of concepts by taking mini-tests at home. Parents can support children by acknowledging their growth and development and celebrating those small milestones.
By taking an extensive look at the IGCSE and providing both parents and students with actionable advice and useful information about this curriculum, we better prepare our families for the secondary school experience at OWIS. We are proud to complement the IGCSE with our holistic framework, ensuring that the needs of all our students are met, no matter which grade level they are in.
To learn more about the IGCSE at OWIS, contact us today.
