The Cambridge IGCSE is an international qualification for Secondary students and is recognised worldwide as one of the best programmes to hone their academic skills. One of the reasons is that it offers different subjects for schools to choose from, allowing each Cambridge International School to provide its students with a range of subjects that best meet their needs.
Once you have enrolled your child in an IGCSE school, you will learn about the importance of IGCSE subject selection. As you and your child consider the subjects they will study, you will want to take into account a variety of factors. This guide will tell you more about how to choose the subjects at Cambridge International Schools, such as OWIS Nanyang.
Importance of Subject Selection for IGCSE
To get the most out of their experience in Secondary School and adequately prepare for the next step in their educational journey, your child will need to select subjects that align with their personal interests and professional goals.
How Many IGCSE Subjects Are Required?
Students within the Cambridge IGCSE programme are required to take seven subjects across five different subject groups, which include:
- Languages
- Humanities
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Creative and Vocational
The IGCSE ensures that learners enjoy a well-rounded education by requiring students to complete coursework across all subject groups.
How to Choose IGCSE Subjects: 9 Tips to Simplify the Process
You and your child should work together to choose the IGCSE subjects that work best for their needs. These nine tips will make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
- Don’t Worry: IGCSE Subject Selection Will Not Limit Future Options
One of the most important things to remember is that the courses students select within the IGCSE will not determine which courses they are allowed to take further on in their education. Many students fear that if they choose the wrong courses during the IGCSE, they will be limiting their options when it comes to choosing a particular degree. This is not the case. Universities look for students who completed coursework across a variety of subject areas and showed a willingness to grow and adapt.
- Allow Your Child to Choose Subjects that Interest Them
This is the perfect time in your child’s life for them to explore their interests and take courses that they are passionate about. Through the IGCSE, they can develop a basic foundation in a wide range of subjects, allowing them to learn more about the world around them and about themselves.
- Consider Courses That Align With Their Career Goals
If your child has an idea of which direction they want to take in their career, they can explore relevant topics through the IGCSE. For instance, a student who is interested in a career in coding may want to take the Computer Science subject as part of the IGCSE programme.
- Choose Subjects That Cover a Broad Range of Topics
One of the best things you can do during IGCSE subject selection is to choose various subject areas. This allows your child to develop a solid academic foundation to build upon in the latter half of secondary school.
- Ask Teachers If You Can Review the Syllabus Before Choosing a Course
If you are feeling uncertain about a particular subject area, you are always welcome to request the syllabus in advance. By reviewing the syllabus along with your child, you will gain a better understanding of what will be covered in the course and whether it is the right fit.
- Don’t Be Afraid of a Challenge
One of the most common mistakes that parents and students make when choosing Cambridge IGCSE subjects is they avoid courses they think they will not do well in. Remember that grades do not define a student, and taking a challenging course will expand their horizons and help them develop new skills.
- Balance the Course Load
It’s critical to know a student’s limits and to choose a balanced course load that they can manage effectively. Avoid taking too many challenging courses at once so they do not become overwhelmed.
- Know Their Strengths and Weaknesses, and Choose Courses Accordingly
Before you choose, outline your child’s strengths and the areas where they could use improvement. Then, determine which courses best align with their needs.
Learn About the Cambridge IGCSE Subjects at OWIS Singapore
At OWIS, we are proud to offer a range of subjects within the Cambridge IGCSE, allowing our Secondary students to pursue subjects that interest them and align with their professional goals.
Students at One World International School Nanyang Campus begin the Cambridge IGCSE during Year 9, and they are required to take five IGCSE compulsory subjects:
- English (as a first language)
- Mathematics
- Co-ordinated Sciences / Pure Science
- Foreign Language (Mandarin / Spanish / French)
- Physical Education
In addition, IGCSE students can choose three of the following subjects that interest them:
- History
- Geography
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Art & Design
- Music
- Global Perspectives
- Drama
- Additional Maths
- English – Literature
At OWIS Singapore, our educators and administrators have selected courses that align with our values-based approach to education, providing students with an opportunity to develop a solid academic foundation and the future-ready skills required to succeed in a global economy.
If you would like to know more about the Cambridge IGCSE programme at OWIS Nanyang, please contact us today.
