IGCSE Education System
WHAT IS IGCSE?
Cambridge IGCSE (The International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international passport to progression and success. Developed over 25 years ago, it is tried, tested and trusted by schools worldwide.
IGCSE is an academically rigorous, internationally used, specialized, English language curriculum which is offered to students to prepare them for International Baccalaureate and CIE A-level (which is recommended for higher tier students). It is based on the GCE O-Level and is recognised as being equivalent to the GCSE. The IGCSE was developed by University of Cambridge International Examinations in 1985. The examination board Edexcel offers its own version, the Edexcel International GCSE. The term "IGCSE" is the registered trade mark of the University of Cambridge and is used under licence. Recently, Edexcel have renamed their IGCSE as the Edexcel International GCSE.
The IGCSE is an international alternative to many popular national curricula. However, unlike many school-leaving qualifications in many countries, the IGCSE is not a group award or "certificate of education". It is a qualification based on individual subjects of study, which means that one receives an "IGCSE" qualification for each subject one takes. For this reason, schools worldwide have different expectations about how many IGCSEs students should take. Typical "core" curricula for IGCSE candidates include a First Language, Second Language, Mathematics and one or more subjects in the Sciences. IGCSE candidates then choose a number of additional courses ranging from Social Sciences to Creative Arts.
The IGCSE is predominantly exam-based, meaning they are not actual certified "courses", but rather exams that test knowledge in individual subjects in the same way as Advanced Placement exams and SAT Subject Tests. For this reason, it is also a viable option for many home-schooling educators or in Adult education, when one is seeking a qualification but has no time to attend full-time school classes. The IGCSE prepares students for further academic study, including progression to AS Level and A Level study, Cambridge Pre-U, IB Diploma Programme and other equivalents. It is recognised by academic institutions and employers around the world and is considered by many institutions as equivalent to the standard GCSE.
Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad and flexible study program and covers subjects from a variety of areas: Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. Most IGCSE subjects offer a choice of tiered examinations: Core or Extended papers (in Cambridge), and Foundation or Higher papers (in Edexcel). This is designed to make IGCSE suitable for students with varying levels of ability. In some subjects, IGCSE can be taken with or without coursework. Cambridge IGCSE allows teaching to be placed in a localized 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 process.
Features of the IGCSE Curriculum
- The development of oral, aural, written and practical skills in a range of subjects.
- An investigative approach.
- The use of initiative to solve problems.
- The application of skills, knowledge and understanding.
- The ability to undertake individual projects, and to work as part of a team.
- The IGCSE aims to provide a valuable educational experience for all students, and to reward them for positive
- Achievement – what they know, understand and can do -rather than penalise them for what they do not know or get wrong.
IGCSE subjects include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- ICT
- Accounting
- Art and Design
- Arabic
- History
- Geography
- Economics
- Business Studies
frequently asked questions
At Dar El Tarbiah Schools, we understand that parents and students may have many questions when it comes to academics, admissions, and daily school life. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page is designed to provide clear, detailed, and reliable information to help families make informed decisions and feel confident throughout their journey with us. Whether you are inquiring about the admissions process, tuition fees, academic programs, or extracurricular activities, this section is a quick and accessible resource to guide you.
We have carefully gathered the most common questions from parents and students and provided straightforward answers to address them. Our goal is to make sure you can easily find the information you need without unnecessary confusion or delays. If your question is not listed here, we encourage you to reach out directly to our school administration, who will be more than happy to assist. The FAQs page is regularly updated to reflect new policies, events, and opportunities—ensuring that you are always informed about what’s happening at Dar El Tarbiah Schools.
Have Any Question ? Find More AnswersBoth are examples of UK exam boards. There is no difference in the level or degree of difficulty between them. The differences are only in the way questions are asked and the format of the examsBoth are examples of UK exam boards. There is no difference in the level or degree of difficulty between them. The differences are only in the way questions are asked and the format of the exams
No, there are 3 levels:
1. Ordinary Level (O level)
2. Advanced Subsidiary (AS level)
3. A2 Level(The AL consists of the AS+A2)
NO. AS & A2 forms a complete A Level subject and they should be the same board
- Edexcel offers exam sittings in May/June and in January.
- Cambridge offers exam sittings in May/June and in November.
It differs according to the faculty you wish to join, but the minimum requirement is 8 O-Level subjects. (See Our Recommendation)
The British Council in Egypt is the one who determines the deadlines but usually registration for May/June session is in the previous December, for January session is in the previous October, registration for November session is in the previous August.
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What Our Parents Say's
At Dar El Tarbiah Schools, we believe the true measure of our success lies in the experiences of our students and their families. Parents play a vital role in our community, and their voices reflect the impact of our educational approach, values, and nurturing environment. Here, you’ll find heartfelt testimonials from parents who have entrusted us with their children’s education, sharing their journeys, achievements, and the positive difference Dar El Tarbiah has made in their lives.
Your distinguished head, Dr. Nawal El Degwi, had already been recognized both at home and abroad, including in the United States, for her achievements in education.
One year later Carrie came back to Egypt as a student in AUC ,she studied Arabic and oriental studies.In an official visit , the deputy of foreign affairs minister.
I am confident that you are graduates who will be knocking down doors of opportunity as you join the young leaders of Egyptian society.
I would like to offer my very warmest congratulations to all the people who graduated and to your staff who helped them to get through their exams.
On seeking a nomination, one name was presented, and that name was a person called respectfully MAMA NAWAL.
Looking at a letter from Cambridge University, which is my own university, about the achievements of your school, they are frankly astonishing in comparison with the best anywhere in the world, including in the United Kingdom.
Mrs. El Degwi is the example of what we are all inspired to be. She is involved in the very basic system of finding ways to bring education to as many people as possible.
Looking at the results you have achieved, I can say with absolute confidence that the future of Egypt is in very good hands indeed. Thank you very very much indeed.
With the best delivery system of quality educational opportunities for persons of many ages and personal situations.
