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IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)

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General Information:

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education, or IGCSE, is an international qualification for school students. It is offered in Myanmar by the British Council.

The IGCSE is typically taken by 14 to 16-year–olds, and it prepares students for further academic work, including progression to A Level, AS Level study and the IB Diploma Programme. Cambridge IGCSE is recognised by academic institutions and employers around the world.

Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad study programme and covers subjects from a variety of areas: Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. With a choice of Core and Extended papers in most subjects, IGCSE is suitable for students of different ability levels and in some subjects, and can be taken with or without coursework, making it suitable for schools with less specialised staff.

The IGCSE allows teaching to be placed in a localised context, making it relevant in different regions. It is intended to be suitable for students whose first language may not be English and this is acknowledged throughout the examination progress.

In 2004-05, Cambridge IGCSE papers in more than 60 subjects were taken by students in over 120 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom. The international qualification is becoming increasingly popular due to its academic rigour, and high profile as a reputable examination. The exam is offered as a pre-requisite to higher level study, most usually leading to A levels or IB Qualifications.

Description of the Test:

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.