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Cambridge IGCSE for UK SchoolsCambridge Secondary 2

UK Independent Schools

Cambridge IGCSE gives schools an internationally recognised curriculum. Over 400 independent schools in the UK now offer it and the number continues to grow. The syllabuses map simply on to current teaching and learning frameworks in UK schools, and our curricula are regularly updated and extended.

Many Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses are approved by Ofqual. From 2013, only the Ofqual-approved syllabuses will count towards the UK government’s school performance tables and the English Baccalaureate. Learn more below.

Building a curriculum to suit your school

Cambridge IGCSE encourages learner-centred and enquiry-based approaches to learning. Schools can build a foundation curriculum, and broaden it to suit their learners and introduce cross-curricular perspectives. Over 70 subjects are available, including more than 30 language courses, offering a variety of routes for learners of different abilities. Schools can offer any combination of subjects. Each subject is certificated separately.

Many Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses are now approved for regulation by Ofqual, with more to come. These approved syllabuses are known as Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates on the Register of Regulated Qualifications.

Here is a list of the Ofqual-approved syllabuses:

• English - First Language*
• English - Literature*
• English - Second Language (count-in oral)
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Chinese (Mandarin) - Foreign Language
• French - Foreign Language*
• German - Foreign Language*
• Greek - Foreign Language
• Hindi as a Second Language
• Italian - Foreign Language (approved in September 2012 - available soon)
• Spanish - Foreign Language*
• Geography
• History
• Art and Design
• Business Studies
• Enterprise
• Information and Communication Technology
• Music

The syllabuses marked with an asterisk above have a different syllabus code to the Cambridge IGCSE because the content or model of assessment is not exactly the same. Please see the syllabus document for details. UK independent schools can offer either the Cambridge IGCSE or the Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate version of the syllabus.

School performance tables

The following Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses and Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates (Ofqual-approved) syllabuses count towards the English Baccalaureate: English First Language (when taken with English Literature), Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German, Greek, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Geography and History.

To gain a qualification in English for the purposes of the English Baccalaureate and the headline measure 5 A* – C grades including mathematics and English, students must achieve a grade A* – C in First Language English and any grade in English Literature. The syllabuses do not need to be provided by the same exam board. Please note that English Second Language does not count towards this headline measure.

To count in the English Baccalaureate all three single science qualifications must be taken and grades A* – C achieved in two of them. The science qualifications do not need to be provided by the same exam board and can be a mixture of IGCSE and GCSE qualifications.

From 2013 only the Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates will be included in the UK government’s school performance tables and count towards the English Baccalaureate.

Please check the Department for Education website for the latest information on our Ofqual-approved qualifications and updates on which qualifications count towards performance league tables.

Inspiring teaching, inspiring learning

Cambridge IGCSE gives more time for teaching and learning given there are no interruptions from modular assessment. This provides teachers with greater freedom to plan lessons over time. Teachers are able to return to key concepts and subjects to ensure learners approach the subject holistically to gain a full understanding across the whole syllabus. The increased level of freedom and flexibility in the curriculum and assessment leads to more enjoyment of the subject for teachers and learners.

A range of teaching resources are available. Cambridge also host INSET for teachers who are just getting started, as well as those who are more advanced.

Maximising learner motivation and development

Schools want to put learners at the centre of the curriculum. Cambridge IGCSE is accessible to learners of all abilities. We make learning requirements and assessment clear, to help students to engage with their subjects. Bright students have the chance to excel, and students of all abilities are assessed positively.

Excellent preparation for further study

Cambridge IGCSE develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• subject content
• applying knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations
• intellectual enquiry
• flexibility and responsiveness to change
• influencing outcomes
• cultural awareness.

As such, it provides learners with excellent preparation for the next stage in their education, whether they wish to continue to Cambridge International A Level, Cambridge Pre-U, or other progression routes.

Learn more about where Cambridge IGCSE is recognised >>