What is IGCSE and how to prepare for the programme?

What is IGCSE and how to prepare for the programme? IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education and is a natural continuation of the curriculum taught at BIS Hanoi. Let's read the article to find out more about the programme and how to support your child in preparing for their academic path.

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education and is a natural continuation of the curriculum taught at BIS Hanoi. Let's read the article to find out more about the programme and how to support your child in preparing for their academic path. 

On Tuesday, the BIS Hanoi Library was filled with eager Year 9 students and parents.  They were visiting teachers of IGCSE option subjects to hear more about that the variety of courses we have to offer and whether they might be interested in pursuing it as they move into Year 10 next year.  The event was an energy-fuelled occasion and provided a great opportunity for us to support students and parents in gathering all the useful information about IGCSE subjects.

We hope those who attended found the IGCSE Options evening informative.  Making decisions about your academic path at an early age is something which is daunted by most.  We ask you to try not to fear it; instead, try to embrace it as an opportunity to begin to direct your life towards an even better future. If you are struggling to make your decision try to surround yourself with different perspectives and good advisors. Please don’t be afraid to make use of your Form Tutor and subject teachers in school- they are more than happy to help and answer additional questions should you have them.  Speak with your friends, parents and older siblings if you have them.  Gather all the information you need, weigh it up against your goals and dreams, and then be bold and brave, and follow the path that inspires and motivates you the most.  Good luck!

What is IGCSE?

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education and is a natural continuation of the curriculum taught at British International School, Hanoi.  As the world’s most popular international qualification for this age group, the Cambridge IGCSE is widely recognised and accepted by top-tier colleges, universities and employers worldwide, providing your child with an international passport to success.

Our academic flight path here at BIS Hanoi ensures that our IGCSE curriculum builds on the secondary education covered in Years 7 – 9 (ages 11-14) and prepares students for the academic rigour of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 12 and 13.  Our IGCSE offer provides a strong foundation of knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare our learners to thrive in the 21^st century. 

During the two-year comprehensive programme, our IGCSE students undertake a wide range of individual courses comprising of a selection of compulsory IGCSE subjects;  Mathematics, English, Sciences and additional non-examined subjects to support their knowledge and skill development in preparation for the IBDP;  home/host language, physical education and continuing life skills lessons once a week.

Across all subjects, Cambridge IGCSE offers a flexible and stimulating curriculum helping to improve performance by developing skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving. The programme has been created specifically for an international student body: they are the perfect fit for our students here at BIS Hanoi.

Preparation for the IGCSE

This is likely to be the first time that your child has had to make a choice in the subjects that they will study, and we are aware that might seem like a daunting process.  Your child will have the opportunity to choose courses that they are passionate about. This will reinforce the process of them becoming independent learners and thinkers, and they will start to take responsibility for their own education.  As always, we are on hand to support both yourself and your child with this decision.  Our advice to all students is the following:

DO:

- Select subjects that you enjoy and are interested in.

- Select subjects that you are good at.

- Try to pick a range of subjects.

- Think about the career you would like or what you would like to study at University.  Do you need to have any specific IGCSEs for this?

 

DON’T:

• Choose the same subjects as your friends.
• Choose subjects you think will be easy, this may turn out not to be true!
• Choose subjects because you like the teacher.

Historic Success

Our academic profile grows year on year as our outstanding teacher constantly challenge students to ensure they are making better than expected progress.  We are extremely proud of the results of our former IGCSE students and summer 2020 saw us achieve the best results in the school’s history.  The A*-C pass rate is a testimony to the all-round strength of our students.  With 52% of all grades awarded at A*-A grade, we are certain that we can offer your children the very best. 

Stephanie Miller

Assistant Head Academic