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How do the IGCSEs Compare to GCSEs and the Cambridge O-levels?

At the Secondary School level, particularly in Singapore, the most typical choices for curriculum are the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), the Cambridge O-level exams or other equivalent qualifications. Compare the different educational and future benefits each programme offers as you choose the best secondary school for your child.

What is the IGCSE?

The IGCSE is one of the world’s most popular international qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds with over 70 subjects available to students, including 30 languages. The IGCSE exams at the end of the 2-year course are taken by students in almost 5,000 schools in over 145 countries around the world. The exams evaluate the overall knowledge and subject mastery of students.

Core IGCSE subjects include English, Mathematics, Science and a Modern Language. Other subjects may include Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics, Business Studies, Art, Design and Technology, Physical Education, Computer Science and many others. The types of IGCSE exams offered and the exam dates are set by the three individual IGCSE examination boards – Cambridge, Edexcel and AQA.

The majority of international schools in Singapore start the IGCSE course for students in Grade 9 and enable them to take the IGCSE exam at the end of Grade 10.

What are the Cambridge O-levels?

The Cambridge O-levels are similar to the IGCSEs but are customised to meet specific local curricula needs, such as minority languages. It is offered in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and a few other countries.

How do IGCSE, GCSE and the O-Levels Compare?

While all three programmes determine academic qualification and are considered to be equivalent qualifications, they have their own differences.

When comparing IGCSE vs GCSE vs O-Level, one of the main factors to consider is international focus – 4,500 schools in countries around the world offer the IGCSE. The IGCSE syllabus has been developed to support modern curriculum development. The GCSE is offered only in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Only a handful of countries still offer the Cambridge O-levels.

In Singapore’s public secondary schools, students in the ‘Express stream’ qualify for the O-levels in 2 years while ‘Normal stream’ candidates take 3 years to complete their O-levels. The O-levels prioritise a student’s reading and writing skills, comprehension and logical thinking skills.

Table Comparison: IGCSE vs GCSE vs O-Level

IGCSE GCSE GCE O-Levels – Singapore

Course Content

Suitable for an international audience Designed for students in the United Kingdom Closely aligned to Singapore National Curriculum

Countries Offering

145 countries England, Northern Ireland, Wales Singapore

Length of Course

2 years 2 years Students take qualifying exams in 2 years in Express Stream, and in 3 years in the Normal Stream

Assessment Criteria

Variety of assessment techniques to test students’ mastery plus initiative, problem-solving, oral and practical Similar to IGCSE Exams prioritise students’ reading, writing, comprehension & logical thinking skills

Grading Systems

Graded on a scale from A (highest) to G* (lowest), providing clear differentiation of performance levels. Uses a numerical grading system from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest, and 1 being the lowest. Follows the Singapore national grading standards, from F9 to A1, where F9 is the lowest grade, and A1 is the highest.

Assessment Methods

Combination of coursework, practical assessments, and written exams.
Subjects like science may include practical exams, while languages may assess oral skills.
Coursework can contribute to the final grade in subjects like art and design.
Predominantly written exams, with some coursework options in subjects like English and Science.
Practical assessments are less common but present in some subjects like Physical Education and Design Technology.
Focus on written exams, with very limited coursework or practical assessments.
Some practical subjects, like science, include practical exams but these are less emphasised compared to IGCSE.
Written exams typically test comprehension, analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Pathways and Progression

Prepares students for A-Levels, IB Diploma Programme, or other pre-university pathways.
Recognised by universities worldwide.
Students typically progress to A-Levels or vocational qualifications.
Widely accepted by higher education institutions in the UK and internationally.
Provides a foundation for local polytechnic diplomas, junior colleges, and other pre-university options.
Recognised within Singapore and by some international institutions.

International Recognition and Local Adaptations

Widely recognised by educational institutions and employers globally.
Accepted by universities worldwide for entry into further education. The IGCSE curriculum can be adapted to local contexts while maintaining its international standards.
This flexibility allows schools to incorporate local content and IGCSE requirements without compromising the quality and recognition of the qualification.
Primarily recognised in the UK but also accepted by some universities and employers internationally.
The GCSE qualification is less adaptable to local education systems compared to IGCSE but maintains high academic standards that are widely respected.
The standardised curriculum ensures consistent and reliable assessments, making it a trusted qualification globally.
Recognised within Singapore and by some international institutions.
The O-Level curriculum is specifically adapted to meet local educational standards and needs. The primary purpose of the O-Levels in Singapore is to determine students’ eligibility and placement into junior colleges, polytechnics, and other tertiary education institutions.

Why does OWIS offer the Cambridge IGCSE Programme?

All secondary school students at OWIS start preparing for the IGCSE from Grade 9 and take the IGCSE exams in Grade 10. We offer the Cambridge IGCSE because it’s a rigorous and modern academic standard aimed at a wide ability range of students that prepares them well for post-16 study. The IGCSE also supports OWIS’ goals for our students. It gives students access to a relevant, valuable and well-rounded education and prepares children to become lifelong learners and successful contributors to the global economy.

The IGCSE is ideal for our multicultural and multilingual student body, too. The curriculum promotes cultural awareness, a core value at our school. Additionally, multiple types of assessments are ideal for students whose first language is not English. The written assessment requires a good grasp of the English language, but the extensive coursework, oral and practical assessments provide choice and offer additional ways for non-native English speakers to successfully demonstrate learning and competency. There is also the option to take an exam in English as a Second Language.

Children gain confidence for the future when they take the IGCSE. The world-renowned qualification prepares children for the A-Levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) or any other equivalent pre-university educational programme. Successful completion of the IGCSE also allows students to confidently apply for admissions to colleges or universities across the globe and prepares them for their future careers and life.

To learn more about the Cambridge IGCSE programme at OWIS and its benefits for your child, contact us. Our secondary school curriculum prepares and equips your child for the future as a student, employee and global citizen. Book a tour and visit our school to know more.

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