IGCSE: A Crucial Tool for Critical Thinking and Real-World Problem Solving

Back in those days ‘Intellectual Inquiry’ was probably unheard of. It is amazing to watch an ‘EY1’ student at Fravashi International Academy asking ‘Why, Why, Why, and How’ questions anytime and every time, not only at school but even at their respective homes and surroundings!

Well, that is what the ‘Cambridge Curriculum’ does to the learners. By the time a student climbs the tall ladder of the Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE, they have expanded the scope of their thinking and the endorsed resources what we call ‘Text Books’ become one of the kind because the learners look forward to more than just the last full stop in their ‘text books’ when they come to school.

Why then is the Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE Curriculum so different? Or what makes the learners of the Cambridge curriculum so different and unique?

It is not just the subjects’ availability but many other reasons that attract learners each year to the Cambridge Curriculum. As you may agree, no curriculum is bad, but opting for the right one using your own judgement can help the child grow and reach their full potential in this complicated world.

THE WHY ASPECT:

• • ‘The Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE Curriculum’ tickles the curious mind and love of learning in every learner as they continue to expand their ‘knowledge base’ and understanding of the world around them. As per the mission, ‘the Cambridge Curriculum‘ develops Cambridge learners to be:

• Confident: The learners work with new ideas and information.
• Responsible: They take ownership for their learning.
• Reflective: They recognise themselves as learners.
• Innovative and engaged: They are always curious and find something new to learn.

This innovation keeps them engaged all the time. They are equipped with the analytical skills required to face the bright new, changing world around them that is so vast and challenging. It is open and extensive, and this gives the students the freedom to skim out of the many subjects offered in their studies. At this point, there are over 100 subject choices available to Upper Secondary IGCSE students, and this number is continuously increasing, with new ones being introduced on a yearly basis. The interactive teaching methodology engages students actively as the approach is ‘student-centric’ and fosters independent thinking in the learners.

For the Assessment under IGCSE, the underlying focus is on conceptual or skill based learning, encouraging a deep level of thinking in the students.  The holistic approach opens doors to world-class academic experience, which fosters skills for success in an ever-evolving global landscape. In short, it has global recognition besides it being accepted in India.

Suggest To Read : Excellence in Education: Fravashi International Academy’s Cambridge Curriculum Journey

THE WHAT ASPECT

‘The Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE Curriculum‘ is the world’s most widely-used International qualification for students between 14 and 16 years-old. It is now recognised by the best universities and employers in the world and is a global travel ticket to the changing evolution and achievement. Since it has been tried and tested in schools all over the world, its development history has existed for nearly 30 years.

The IGCSE is a two-year-long, multidisciplinary subject that covers a wide variety of topic areas, and the goal is to generalize the knowledge and competencies over findings for each subject, including FL, L2, Lh, Fh, math, science, ICT, humanities, and arts. The content is in depth which helps the students to do their next level of course – A Level with ease.

 Students at The Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE can choose their subjects after finishing their Cambridge Lower Secondary qualification at FIA, prior to starting the IGCSE course. The subject selection process is conducted systematically with the guidance of a team of subject experts. Before enrolling, students undergo subject briefing sessions to determine any possible interest the students may have. This process enables our students to carefully consider their options before deciding on their Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE course of study. This approach provides clarity for both students and parents regarding the subjects their child wishes to pursue.

THE HOW ASPECT

Besides academics, the students get ample opportunities to be a team player and a team leader on varied platforms extended by the school throughout the course of their studies. The activities are led by the students with a democratic approach. They get to plan and execute every activity. The Interact Club of FIA is constantly at work with initiation to reach out to the deprived sections of the society, and they raise funds for the same. These activities develop in the students the required qualities as per the Cambridge motto. The learners emerge as confident yet compassionate team leaders, team players, and most importantly, good human beings by doing and ‘Looking Beyond’ as per the school motto. The approach to education at IGCSE is simply a focus on a ‘holistic profile’ for each child.

Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE ASSESSMENT:

Cambridge IGCSE Assessment takes place at the end of the course of two years and includes written, oral, coursework and practical assessment. This broadens opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning.

Eight globally recognised grades—A* through G—are used to assess grades, and each grade has explicit rules outlining the requirements for success. 

The exams are taken to the school centre, the students are allocated dates to take them according to the Cambridge board time table and the written scripts are sent to the UK-London to be marked. The outcomes of which are then delivered to the school according to the scheduled date.

APPROACH: FIA provides a holistic approach to education. It educates students to develop the capacity for inquiry, research and problem-solving as well as essential skills for communication and collaboration. The students are taught to apply what they have learned in different contexts and across disciplines.

PROVEN STRATEGIES ON HOW TO STUDY FOR IGCSE BOARD EXAMINATIONS

(This has worked for our batches to date):

The IGCSE boards are an important milestones for students perusing the International General Certificate of Secondary Education qualification. To assist students in performing well in their exams, here are some strategies that students at FIA have found helpful in maximizing their performance. Implementing these strategies not only enhances our students’ understanding of the subjects but also boosts their confidence and overall exam performance.

1) Read: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam formats.

The students are advised to read the latest ER – Examination reports besides having full understanding about the syllabus and exam formats. They familiarise themselves with the structure of the exams, including the number and types of questions, time allocations and the marking scheme. 

To achieve good exam preparation, a well-structured study plan has to be developed, and our students follow the examination table of the Cambridge official website and build a study plan outside of school hours. They allocate specific time slots for each subject. 

2) Plan Your Study Time: Create a realistic study schedule, allocating specific time slots for each subject.

• • 3) Active Learning: Solve past papers and take internal assessments to improve time management and identify weak areas.
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    • 4)  Practice Session: 

Smaller group mentoring sessions happen at school after the syllabus is completed. Solve past papers and take internal assessments. This helps the students to familiarise with the exam structure, improve their time management skills and identify areas where they need to improve. It also helps them to analyse their performance.

• • • • 5) Seeking Help:  Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

It is recommended that students at IGCSE should contact teachers for their advice.When they do this, it supports them to better understand tricky ideas, learn better study skills, and feel more confident.

• • • 6) Visual Learning: Make revision enjoyable and effective

• Mind maps, flowcharts and diagrams are very effective aids in clarifying a complex concept during the process of learning. Students are regularly found to be devising and employing this approach to recall the main subject areas. 

  • 7)Take Care of Yourself: Reduce Stress and Boost Focus
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  • The most important thing is that students should sleep enough, have a correct diet, and find themselves in physical activity in regular ways to maintain the proper state of their mind and body.

TAKEAWAY: 

It’s essential to recognize that success in the IGCSE exam isn’t just about the grades achieved; it’s also about the personal growth, knowledge gained, and skills honed along the way. So let us welcome the teaching experience gained by FIA, be enthusiastic, and remain positive throughout the challenge of preparing our students for IGCSE exams.