Academics
Our Curriculum Overview
IGCSE School in Nairobi, Kenya
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a 2-year course delivered in Years 10 and 11. At our international school, students aged 16 to 18 undertake the UK-certified course and are assessed via coursework and examinations. The High School programme offers a balanced yet wide-ranging education and culminates in well-recognised qualifications.
Students following the Cambridge IGCSE programme benefit from an international education system that promotes a depth of knowledge across multiple subject areas. This broad course is respected for its rigour, and Cambridge International qualifications may qualify students for further study at High Schools, Sixth Forms, and Colleges around the world.
Why Choose Our School to Study IGCSE?
The Cambridge IGCSE programme is designed to adapt to the needs of our senior students. Those following the IGCSE pathway may select a unique combination of optional and compulsory subjects with guidance from Tutors and Careers Counsellors. The IGCSE framework provides an ideal learning bridge for our students. It offers excellent preparation for Higher Education while enabling learners to revise previous knowledge. We aim to inspire students by developing intellectual curiosity and the foundational skills necessary for independent study.
IGCSE Coursework
Coursework and examinations are essential elements of the IGCSE course. The exact requirements may vary depending on the subjects chosen. However, IGCSE participants must fulfil assessment criteria to pass. The course promotes critical-thinking, analysis techniques, and organisational skills. Students must also demonstrate their understanding of technical terminology and show a mature approach to learning.
IGCSE Examinations
Most students undertake at least nine IGCSE subjects. In addition to optional choices, all candidates must take Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, at least one Science subject, at least one Humanities subject, and at least one Modern Foreign Language to form the compulsory component of the course.
IGCSE Subjects
- Art & Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Computer Studies
- Economics
- Drama
- English Language
- English Literature
- French
- German
- Geography
- History
- Kiswahili
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Spanish
IGCSE Grading System
The Cambridge Examination Board uses an A*-G grading system by which all work is assessed. IGCSE grades are awarded to students in the months following examination and coursework submission.
IGCSE & GCSE Differences
IGCSE and the GCSE courses are designed to educate 15 and 16-year-olds effectively across several subjects. The GCSE syllabus and examinations are compulsory within the UK, whereas the IGCSE syllabus and assessments are delivered to thousands of students in accredited educational institutions worldwide. Both courses are highly-regarded variants of the UK National Curriculum offered in the United Kingdom and are suitable precursors to A-level study.
IGCSE Assessment
Assessment criteria for the IGCSE course will vary depending on the subject. Most subjects require students to sit one or more written exam papers, while language courses entail oral examinations. The IGCSE assessment guidelines will determine the protocol for practical examinations, as is the case in Drama and Science. Students may also be required to present a coursework portfolio as part of the end-of-year IGCSE review process.
IGCSE Course Completion
Successful completion of the International GCSE courses enables students to progress to other international education systems, such as A-levels or the IB Diploma.