The Curriculum - IGCSE

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the Cambridge International Examinations which is internationally recognised as equivalent to the UK GCSE and the International GCE O level examinations.

In 1988, O Levels were replaced in England by the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). At the same time, Cambridge agreed to make special provision for the growing number of international schools that were being established throughout the world in order to cater for children of diplomats and the increasingly mobile workforce of international corporations. This was based on the GCSE and named the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

The IGCSE is a balanced international curriculum which is designed to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. The exams consist of a variety of tests e.g. oral and listening tests and these are not limited to conventional written papers. The IGCSE exams are also designed to take account of differing abilities of students; there is a choice between Core and Extended in most subjects. This allows students to be able to choose the most appropriate level papers. The Core in each subject is within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve grades C to G. The Extended in each subject comprises the Core curriculum and the Supplement. It is targeted at those expected to achieve grades A to C.

The Supplement describes the extra topics or depth which must be added to the Core to produce the Extended. Successful candidates receive a certificate which is internationally recognised as equivalent in standard to the British GCSE and international GCE ?O? level examinations. Candidates wishing to enter British Universities are normally required to have 2 or 3 "A" level subjects in addition to 5 IGCSE passes. However, it is strongly advised to check the entrance requirements of each university individually.

IGCSE (core or extended curriculum) is taken in 5 subject groups:

Languages
• Humanities
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Creative, Technical and Vocational
• IGCSE has two sessions per year: May/June and November.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate Organization is a non-profit educational organization that was established in 1968.

The IBO is governed by a 16 member Council of Foundation. It is funded by fees from IB world schools, with additional income from workshops and catalogue sales. The IBO was founded in 1968 and is based in Geneva Switzerland. There are over 1,293 IB schools in 115 countries, 39 IB schools in Spain that are authorized to offer International Baccalaureate programmes.

The International Baccalaureate Organization offers three programmes to a wide variety of schools located throughout schools in Spain and the world:

• The Diploma Programme, for students in the final two years of school before university;
• The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16;
• The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for students aged 3 to 12.
  

Subjects include:

• Language
• Second Language
• Business and Management
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• History of the Islamic World
• Information Technology
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Social Anthropology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Environmental Systems
• Design Technology
• Mathematics
• Visual Arts
• Music
• Theatre Arts

Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavours to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside.

Beyond intellectual rigour and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that International Baccalaureate students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life."

Schools on the South Costa Blanca

About Private Spanish Education