The IGCSE Course At SJII, subjects follow the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Education) curriculum. At the Cambridge website http://www.cie.org.uk , the IGCSE is described as follows: “Cambridge IGCSE [is] the world's most popular international curriculum for 14 -16 year olds.” Cambridge IGCSE is an international curriculum that develops students' skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving, and gives them excellent preparation for the next stage in their education. Schools worldwide have helped develop Cambridge IGCSE. It incorporates the best in international education for students at this level. It develops in line with changing needs, and is regularly updated and extended. Cambridge IGCSE teachers can draw on excellent resources, training and advice from subject experts. Cambridge IGCSE has wide recognition from higher education institutions and employers around the world as evidence of academic ability.” The IGCSE course is externally examined. At the end of two years of study, students sit examinations in each of their subjects. These examination scripts are then sent off to be marked. The range of Grades awarded to students in each subject is: A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G and U (where U means ungraded). The top Grade A* denotes exceptional performance. There is no “pass” grade, but many subjects will require a student to have reached at least ‘C’ standard if they wish to pursue the subject at IB level. Experience over many years has shown that IGCSE is a solid preparation for IB, as well as providing wellrecognised certification.
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