IGCSE Exam Preparation
The International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the international version of the GCSE, which is the major qualification for school students in England. IGCSEs are useful because they:
- Are internationally recognised.
- Can help you get into Thai universities.
- Can help you get into international schools.
- Are recognised by employers all over the world.
At IH Bangkok, we understand the importance of IGCSE qualifications and the challenges that they can present. After all, most of us have taken them, or equivalent exams, during our own school years. For more information about the specific IGCSEs subjects we can help you with, clicks on the relevant link below:
IH Bangkok can offer these courses on an intensive or part-time basis, in private small groups or one to one lessons. To find out how IH Bangkok can help you, send us a message or email to info@ihbangkok.com and book your free assessment test.
About IGCSEs
IGSCEs are for students who want to have an internationally recognised qualification showing their proficiency in a variety of subjects, who may also want to study these subjects at an A-level, which can assist them in getting into further education institutions around the world. Students are usually aged 15-16. It is suitable for students whose first language may not be English and this is acknowledged throughout the examination process.
There are two curricula you can follow for every subject. If you follow the core curriculum you will be eligible to be awarded C to G only, if you follow the extended curriculum you will be eligible to be awarded A* to E.
The exams can be taken at the British Council in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, in either of the two sessions offered biannually in November or May/ June. There are no restrictions on how many times you take the exam, however you need to ensure you are registered a minimum of 3 months before the exam.
This internationally recognized qualification is a great foundation for furthering your education in both Thailand and abroad. Good grades in IGCSEs can aid entrance in to Thai universities and 5 IGCSEs in any subject (excluding Thai) grade C-A* are considered the equivalent of finishing Thai high school. The IGCSE is taken in over 100 countries worldwide and is internationally recognised as being equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom. Therefore if you want to study abroad, IGCSEs will assist you in the entry process into a school/college, although you might still be required to take the school’s own entrance tests.
- Study for the specific IGCSE subject with an experienced teacher at IH Bangkok.
- Start early! It’s important to assess the amount of work required to guarantee success.
- Remember that the Thai and foreign curricula for Accounting is very different, so a student who is strong at a Thai school could still be unable to get a high score without additional studies.
- The IGCSE papers focus on using the knowledge you have learnt so make sure you understand everything and be prepared to use information from multiple topics to answer a single question.
- Past papers are easy to acquire so make sure you familiarize yourself with the instructions for every paper, and make sure you time yourself so you can get a feel for the pace at which you should work in the examination.
- Practice! Practice! Practice!
IGCSE Subjects
IGCSE Accounting The IGCSE Accounting syllabus introduces students to the theory and concepts of accounting, and the ways in which accounting is used in a variety of modern economic and business contexts. Students focus on the skills of recording, reporting, presenting and interpreting financial information, form an ideal foundation for further study, and for a future career within the profession.[/accordion]
IGCSE Biology As well as a focus on biology, and with an emphasis on human biology, the IGCSE Biology syllabus enables students to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Students learn about the basic principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Students also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, which are useful in everyday life. As they progress, 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.
IGCSE Business Studies The IGCSE Business Studies syllabus develops students’ understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Students learn how the major types of business organisation are established, financed and run, and how their activities are regulated. Factors influencing business decision-making are also considered, as are the essential values of cooperation and interdependence. Through their studies, students not only learn about business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry. The syllabus provides both a foundation for further study at A Level, and an ideal preparation for the world of work.
IGCSE Chemistry As well as a subject focus, the IGCSE Chemistry syllabus enables students to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Students learn about the basic principles of Chemistry through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Students also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, skills which are useful in everyday life. As they progress, 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.
IGCSE Economics The Economics syllabus will develop an understanding of economic terminology and principles and of basic economic theory. Students will learn about the economics of developed and developing nations and how these interrelate. They will also learn to handle simple data and understand economic analysis, evaluate information and discriminate between facts and value judgments in economic issues. A foundation for further study at A Level, the syllabus also encourages a better understanding of the world in which students live, and helps them play an active part in the decision-making process, whether as consumers, producers or citizens of the local, national and international community.
IGCSE English The syllabus enables students to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. They develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. Through their studies, students learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material they have studied. The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting students’ better understanding of themselves and of the world around them.
IGCSE Second Language English GCSE Second Language English is designed for students who already have a working knowledge of the language and who want to consolidate their understanding in order to progress in their academic or professional career. The qualification reflects the widespread use of English in education and commerce, and also in entertainment. Through their studies, students will learn how to use English effectively in the type of situations, and English-speaking environments, they will encounter in their daily lives. The aim is to achieve a level of practical communication ideal for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study.
IGCSE French This is an examination designed for students learning French as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as students progress through their studies. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where the language is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages.
IGCSE Geography Through the IGCSE Geography syllabus, students will develop a ‘sense of place’ by looking at the world around them on a local, regional and global scale. Students will examine a range of natural and man-made environments, and learn about some of the processes which affected their development. They will also look at the ways in which people interact with their environment, and the opportunities and challenges an environment can present, thereby gaining a deeper insight into the different communities and cultures that exist around the world.
IGCSE History The History IGCSE syllabus looks at some of the major international issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as covering the history of particular regions in more depth. The emphasis is on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Students learn about the nature of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference and find out how to use and understand historical evidence as part of their studies. IGCSE History will stimulate any student already interested in the past, providing a basis for further study, and also encouraging a lifelong interest in the subject. Both coursework and non-coursework options are available.
IGCSE Mathematics An essential subject for all students, IGCSE Mathematics is a fully examined course which encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build students’ confidence by helping them develop a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships, and places a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Students also learn how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.
IGCSE Physics As well as a subject focus, the IGCSE Physics syllabus enables students to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Students learn about the basic principles of Physics through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Students also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, skills which are useful in everyday life. As they progress, 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.
IGCSE Combined Sciences IGCSE Combined Sciences gives students the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. Students learn about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, whilst also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. 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. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus therefore enables students to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences A double award, earning two grades, IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences gives students the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically coherent syllabus. Students learn about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, whilst also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. 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. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus therefore enables students to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.