Upper Secondary - IGCSE (Age 14–16 Years)
The world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds, providing a flexible curriculum and unmatched options.
Cambridge IGCSE
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. Not only is it truly international – it gives students more options than any other international qualification. That means more subjects to choose from, more ways to learn and more ways to succeed. As part of Cambridge International Education, IGCSE reflects the same global standards trusted by schools around the world.
Cambridge IGCSE provides a diverse curriculum catering to 21st century learning.
"Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going."
Rita Mae Brown (Author)
Why IGCSE
In comparison to the other boards, IGCSE allows students to choose from a wider range of disciplines. Students with the national boards are only allowed to choose subject combinations within their stream. IGCSE, on the other hand, offers wide range of courses and combinations, with no restrictions based on the streams. For example students can study mathematics with music. For parents who want to settle down in another country, the IGCSE board is the ideal option.
The IGCSE focuses on knowledge and making the mind creates for learning. The syllabus is highly challenging, and the emphasis is on application rather than theory learning.
This wide-ranging structure makes IGCSE Subject Selection one of the most flexible processes among international qualifications.
Recognition
Cambridge qualifications are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers worldwide. The Association of Indian Universities, the organisation that awards equivalence to foreign degrees in India, has granted equivalence to Cambridge IGCSE. The Cambridge IGCSE with English has been equated with Grade 10 of an Indian Board.
This recognition is backed by Cambridge Assessment International Education, which sets and maintains the qualification’s global standards.
Key Features
Cambridge IGCSE encourages a learner-centric, enquiry-based approach to learning. It enables schools to build a core curriculum and modify it to suit the needs of students by introducing cross-curricular perspectives. The programme’s content and clearly defined learning outcomes enable IGCSE to be compatible with other curricula worldwide.
Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE helps improve performance by developing skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem-solving. It is the perfect springboard to advanced study. Cambridge IGCSE develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:
Subject content and Cultural awareness
Developing a global viewpoint while appreciating native roots.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Deploying logical frameworks to both new and familiar situations.
Intellectual enquiry
Fostering active questioning, reasoning and critical reviews.
Flexibility and responsiveness to change
Enabling strong adaptations in an evolving learning framework.
Working and communicating in English
Fluent written and verbal interactions for clear delivery.
Influencing outcomes
Making informed choices that shape individual success.
Cambridge IGCSE Subjects
Our subject list is organized across five distinct subject groups to ensure breadth and depth of learning.
Group I: Languages
Cambridge offers a wide range of language syllabuses, including first, second and foreign language options. Learners are encouraged to enjoy and appreciate the variety of language and to understand and respond appropriately to what they read and hear.
Offered Courses
- First Language-English
- Second Language-Hindi
- Foreign Language-French
Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences
The study of Cambridge IGCSE humanities and social sciences subjects enables learners to gain a deeper insight into the different communities and cultures that exist around the world.
Offered Courses
- Economics
- Global Perspectives
- History
Group III: Sciences
Students learn how science is studied and practised and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
Offered Courses
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Science
- Physics
Group IV: Mathematics
An essential subject for all learners, Cambridge IGCSE mathematics syllabuses encourage the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill and as a basis for more advanced study.
Offered Courses
- Mathematics
Group V: Professional and Creative
These Cambridge IGCSE subjects introduce learners to the theory and concepts that underpin the subjects as well as providing a good opportunity to engage with the subject practically. The syllabuses provide a solid foundation for further study at Cambridge International A Level and ideal preparation for work and other studies.
Offered Courses
- Art & Design
- Music
- Physical Education
- Design & Technology
- Information and Communication Technology
- Accounting
- Global Perspectives
Across all five groups, Cambridge IGCSE Subjects are structured to support strong Communication Skills Development and informed IGCSE Subject Selection based on each learner’s strengths.
Group Awards
At Pavna International School, Students have the opportunity to earn the Cambridge International Certificate in Education (ICE), A group award designed to provide students with a broad curriculum experience.
- Cambridge ICE Group Award
Cambridge Assessments
Assessment takes place at the end of the course and may take the form of written, oral, coursework a practical assessment. This broadens opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning. Coursework is set and marked by the teacher and externally moderated by Cambridge. Grades are benchmarked using eight internationally recognised grades, A* to G, which have clear guidelines to explain the standard of achievement for each.
- Internationally Benchmarked