Cambridge IGCSE is an international qualification that stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

They are currently one of the most valued qualifications internationally. They are valid in more than 120 countries and recognised by most of the world’s most prestigious businesses and universities, such as Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge, so they are the key to a career full of personal and professional success. 

This is a qualification that prepares students to continue their studies in any part of the world and to overcome all the challenges of today’s labour market, but also for life itself, awakening their curiosity and their passion for learning in both short and long term.

But, do you know how IGCSE work, what they are, and what they are for? In this article, we explain everything you need to know about them.

What are the IGCSEs? 

The IGCSE are official international tests that students must pass at the end of Secondary Education – Key Stage 4 of the British system. This includes Year 10 and Year 11 and is taken at the end of the last, which would be the equivalent of the Spanish 4ºESO. It is the previous step to access the International Baccalaureate or the A-Levels, essential requirements to be accepted in foreign universities.

The assessment takes place at the end of the second year and the tests include both written and practical exercises as well as projects and oral exercises where students have to demonstrate the skills and knowledge acquired. When passing the exams, students receive a diploma with a mark for each subject they have taken. 

Benefits of obtaining an IGCSE certificate 

The IGCSE syllabuses have been designed in collaboration with experts from the most important universities from around the world with the aim of promoting development and the desire to learn, as well as important values of learning and life itself, enjoying important international recognition and offering many advantages:

  • At a personal level: encourages students’ confidence when considering ideas and information. But it also teaches them to be responsible for their own actions, to react, to reflect, to respect others, and to innovate. To sum up, to face the challenges they will encounter both in the present and the future.
  • At an academic level: the IGCSE certificate provides students with a solid basis to successfully complete their Baccalaureate studies. Moreover, in combination with the A-Levels, they are the gateway to many universities around the world, which require students to have taken certain subjects during this period.
  • At a professional level: the IGCSE provides students with professional skills that are highly valued in the current labour market, related mainly to communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and analytical thinking.

Who is IGCSE suitable for? 

The IGCSE programme is aimed at students aged 14 to 16. It is mainly based on the British education system but is adapted to a more international approach. Generally, students are prepared over two years, but there are some centres that allow students to take the IGCSE only during the final year. 

It is a curriculum designed for both students who want to continue with higher education in foreign universities, and for those who want to continue studying in Spain, but want to have a solid base of knowledge and skills that are better suited to the career they want to pursue professionally. 

 

Structure of the IGCSE

The IGCSE have different pathways that adapt to the characteristics of each student. The curriculum is structured as in the British education system. 

All students must study up to 9 subjects in preparation for their exams. The core subjects, such as Mathematics, English, and Sciences, are compulsory. But they also have to choose two common subjects, which will help them to specialise in their academic and career interests. 

You can take the IGCSE exams in Spain in an authorised centre that has an agreement with the Cambridge Assessment International Education, but all the students from all countries have to meet the same curriculum, assessment, and content requirements. This diploma certifies that the student has acquired knowledge in English, certain skills, critical and reflective thinking, and an awareness of their own learning process. 

 
How to prepare for the IGCSE exams in Spain 

It should be borne in mind that the IGCSE assessment requirements are very demanding, so students need to be very well prepared. However, if you have been working on the content throughout the two courses, it is normal to pass without any problems.

In this sense, it is advisable to study progressively, dedicating at least 10 hours a week to the study of the different subjects, which translates into two hours a day outside the school day. To make it easier, it is convenient to create a plan with daily aims.

Besides, it is advisable to make outlines and summaries with the most important information of each unit. This will not only help you to retain the concepts better, but it will also be a magnificent revision tool on the days leading up to the exam. 

On the other hand, it is important to bear in mind that nerves do not help at all, so it is important to be relaxed. Not so much that you don’t make it, but enough to dedicate yourself only to revision in the days before the exam. In fact, knowing that we have already studied all the content and that we just have to take a look at the syllabus again will help us to be calmer.

Finally, remember to prepare everything the day before the exam and get up with enough time so that you don’t rush or stress yourself out at the exam centre. This way, you will arrive calmer and fully concentrated to pass the exams successfully.