Have you heard of IGCSE? Have you ever thought of sending your children to IGCSE instead of the local school?
Do you
know that a different study environment and assessment could leave a great impact on the
students’ personal and intellectual development?
#1. Offered by Cambridge Examination Board
Cambridge Examination Board is well-known for offering examinations and qualifications worldwide. IGCSE was developed by Cambridge Examination Board in 1985. IGCSE is also equivalent of the British O-Levels. All the exam papers are set and marked by the Cambridge Examination Board in the UK as well.
#2. A 5-year program in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the IGCSE is a 5-year program starting with Year 7 (equivalent to Form 1 in the local program) and ending with the Year 11 (equivalent of Form 5).
Stronger students can actually save 1 year and complete high school at the age of 16 or younger.
#3. British curriculumCambridge Examination Board is well-known for offering examinations and qualifications worldwide. IGCSE was developed by Cambridge Examination Board in 1985. IGCSE is also equivalent of the British O-Levels. All the exam papers are set and marked by the Cambridge Examination Board in the UK as well.
#2. A 5-year program in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the IGCSE is a 5-year program starting with Year 7 (equivalent to Form 1 in the local program) and ending with the Year 11 (equivalent of Form 5).
Stronger students can actually save 1 year and complete high school at the age of 16 or younger.
The program differentiates from the local program by following the British curriculum. Therefore, the medium of instruction of the program is English.
#4. Exam base + Assessment
As compared to solely exam-based focus from the local program, the IGCSE also focus on development and abilities of the students. Therefore, In addition to examination-based qualifications offered by the IGCSE, the program also uses a wide range of assessment processes and techniques. These assessment include orals, practical, projects and coursework. The assessments will effectively encourages student participation in lessons. Thus, the program will help to develop students’ creative thinking and problem solving skills.
#5. Provide solid foundation for students at the College and/or University
During the 5-year program, it helps the student to adapt better in the English-medium courses in college and/or university as English is the medium of instruction of the IGCSE program.
The curriculum in the IGCSE develops competitive students in the later studies as well as at the work place. Through the project work in the curriculum, it helps the students to adapt better to the the curriculum in the college and/or university. The exposure of project work in the IGCSE builds up the research skill of the students, which makes the student more capable of working on their own when they are required to work on research assignment in the college and/or university. It also helps to sharpen presentation skills of the students. This makes the IGCSE students to be more outstanding as compared to others because they are able to speak with confidence, clarity and conviction.
Encouraging student participation trains the students to be exhibit enthusiasm for learning. This would further assist the students to learn new things, as well as grow professionally and personally.
Students who did IGCSE is more prepared for A-Levels and IB.
#6. International Recognition
The IGCSE allows admission to the UK, US and also Canadian colleges and universities. This program thus creates a pathway for the local students from Malaysia to study abroad. Many of the leading companies worldwide also accept and recognise this program.
Students who did IGCSE have higher recognition of english education thus many colleges and universities allow students to further studies without having the need to take up IELTS exam. As long as you score credit for IGCSE first language english (EFL), it will be considered as a pass for many tertiary academic qualification.
#7. Two Examination Sessions in a Year
Unlike the Malaysian Certificate of Education (or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, aka SPM) which offers examinations once a year, the IGCSE offers examinations thrice a year, in Feb/Mar, May/June and October/November. The IGCSE is also more efficient in terms of issuing results. IGCSE results are issued in August and January each year. Therefore, the IGCSE graduates can quickly apply for scholarship or be admitted into college and/or university earlier as compared to the SPM graduates.
#8. Easy to Find Resources
IGCSE is available in many countries and many students worldwide have gone through the program. Therefore it is very easy to find books or past years in local bookstores, links in the internet and also topical past year questions from the local print shop.
#9. Easier than SPM
We have been coaching many students from international schools who did IGCSE and students in local public schools who have to go through SPM. It's very obvious that IGCSE is easier for students to handle and score in all subject field.
The 3 sciences which includes Physics Chemistry and Biology syllabus is less in depth but broad base and relevant to university and colleges next time. Students find it easier to grasp and its less tedious. History, Geography and Economics are in English and the syllabus and exams are related to the world history, world geographical factors and effects and international economics case studies making the lessons more interesting and prepare students for a more global thinking.
#10. More subject combinations.
SPM are well known in separating the subjects into science stream and art stream. Although there have been changes in recent years, students are only available to take one sub-science subject and not more.
However, in the IGCSE syllabus, they allow students to select their own subject combinations depending on their interest. There are no maximum subjects that students can take which means they are able to explore as many subjects as they want, if they can handle the pressure.
Examples of subjects that are not found in SPM are Global perspective, Art, Musics, other languages etc. Here are the list of popular subjects that students can take up for IGCSE.
Mathematics
English 1st Language or English 2nd Language
Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Foreign Language Malay
Foreign Language Mandarin
Business Studies
Economics
Additional Mathematics
Co-ordinated Science (Double Award)
Combined Science
Accounting
ICT
Computer Science
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Updated at 27 May 2019
Updated at 27 May 2019
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Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further write ups thanks once again.
ReplyDeleteIgcse Syllabus School In India
Dear Mr Sai Mun
ReplyDeleteCan you please let me know where or how to get the subjects syllabus (sciences and maths) for check point exams (yr 2 for 4 yr programme). I think text books tend to write the entire IGCSE syllabus until yr 4, or am I mistaken here. I dont want to ask the teachers thinking its too tedious for them to go through text books to explain to me.
Secondly, can you please suggest print or book shops that sell past IGSCE exam questions within Klang Valley.
hi, I'm not familiar with year 2 and year 4 programmes, but you can check with the printshop information here http://mrsaimun.blogspot.my/p/review.html. Buukbook.com
DeleteHi, you mentioned IGCSE is a 5 years program. Does it mean IGCSE do jot covers elementary in Malaysia?
ReplyDeleteYes IGCSE covers elementary in Malaysia but the secondary IGCSE is the most favourable for now.
DeleteI heard local college & university in Malaysia only recognised "O-level"certificate to apply foundation or diploma courses. They don't recognised IGCSE. In this case, how the IGCSE holder should go for further study with foundation and diploma courses?
ReplyDeleteFor local colleges and university you will most probably need to process longer and deal with enrolment officer directly. Most IGCSE students opt for private colleges and university before they start the course.
DeleteHi Mr. Saimun, may I seek your mind advice on the local universities that recognize IGCSE? Am not referring to private universities as I know most private universities do recognize it.
ReplyDelete^^^ as above :)
DeleteDear Mr Saimun,
ReplyDeleteI understand that IGCSE is a 5 year program but I would lie to now what is the chances of someone who is in form 5 now doing average in his study to convert to IGCSE now and do well at end of the year
it really depends on how many subjects he is taking and what subjects he is heading towards. Of course he needs to work hard, understand the concepts and start completing all the past years.
DeleteDear Mr Sai Mun,
ReplyDeleteDo the colleges accept split IGCSE certification? I came across some of the home school center can complete the IGCSE in 3 years time. They taught the class direct to year 10 & 11 after the student complete the pre secondary class for a year. For this school, they did not send the students for Check Point and straight away focus on science subjects. They will arrange student take BM, BC in first stage, 2nd stage go for Math & Bio. Third year they will go for Phy, Chem,Add Math & First language for English. Means end of the day, the student will get 3 certificates instead of 1 certificate. It is good to do that? Will it affected the enrollment in private college or university? If enrol to this school, no way you can pull out your kid as no check point and didn't study year 7,8 & 9 programme from my point of view. Please advice. Thank.
Yes, for IGCSE its alright to complete the course in split certifcates. Many international schools such as tenby and taylors will ask students to take BM n Math first. All you have to achieve is 5 C as minimum to get into colleges.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about changing homeschools, if you find the school not fit just make a change. We have accept about 8 students who came from another homeschool after year 9 and now doing very well for IGCSE exams.
Dear mr sai mun
ReplyDeleteIs international syllabus more easier than the malaysian local syllabus??
i have to say, generally international syllabus is easier as they test their understanding of concepts and ideas rather than memorising details as per local syllabus
DeleteHi Mr Saimun, my son attended private school from form 1 and was accepted to mrsm at middle of form four. He is on spm cucuriculum with sma (islamic arabic syllabus) . Due to some challenges he did not want to pursue with mrsm. Due to that I am now is excessing weather he could get into international school and enroll the igcse curicullum starting this july. Is this allowable? can he be accepted to enter year 11 igsce although he never did igcse year 1-10 before ? please help to clarify. tq
ReplyDeleteDear Tokeh Lingzhi, he is definitely allowed to enrol into international school or a homeschool. I don't think its advisable to do year 11 immediately and go for exam. He must do year 10 then followed by year 11 to fully understand, smoothen the transition and prepare for the external IGCSE exams. Do not need to worry about yr7-yr9.
DeleteHello Mr Sai Mun.. I was wondering if it will be okay for my daughter who is currently in Form 3 enter the IGCSE curriculum in Form 4? Will it be difficult for her? Thank you..
ReplyDeleteHello dear Daeyh Kyu Hwa, one of my student's experience the process before she said its not that hard to catch up as Year 10 (Form 4) because they will be focusing on their new topics of IGSCE for the 2 years.
DeleteEnglish will be the only subject which will be more challenging for her adapt, it will be easier if she has a good english teacher.
Correct me if i'm wrong. What you are saying is a Form 3 student just needs to do Year 10 & 11?
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely recognized in Malaysia and internationally as you can use the results to enter malaysian private colleges and universities, even MARA high schools are taking this exam. But i doubt that you can enter local universities using IGCSE only. Hope it helps :)
ReplyDeletehi, mr. sai mu, wish to check, I am planning my kids secondary school and considering the opportunity of PTPTN for them in future. If they are taking IGSE during secondary school, later proceed to private uni, can they apply the PTPTN? Any restriction that PTPTN only open to SPM student?
ReplyDeleteDear Yuan Ling, when filling in the form for PTPTN, they request for SPM results slip. Maybe you can check around for scholarships and discount by private universities OR some universities and college can promise you PTPTN loan approval. As for as i heard, PTPTN is no longer giving full loan to students.
DeleteMr.Sai Mun,
ReplyDeleteI have a son age 12 and a daughter age 9. My son has just completed UPSR with good results. I am not entirely trilled in his scoring of 'A's but am more concern of a holistic education for both of them.English proficiency and higher order thinking/living skills are more impt. I do not want to be tied down by the daily routine of sending them to school. The tuition fees in most of the international schools are very high.
What is your opinion /advice in just registering my children in the IGCSE/IB programme and give them home tuitions by personal tuitors or through the internet free tuitions?
Thanks!
usually its easy when the child is in Year 7 to Year 9, the subject matter is easy and you can find teachers/tutors easily. There's of cos check point papers which you can use to assess the child progress. The problem is when your kids reach Year 10 and Year 11 when they learn Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Add Math, Business Studies and Econs which not any teacher can teach. If your child's basics are not good in Year 7 to 9, it will make their learning difficult and preparation for the IGCSE Year 11 exam very frustrating.
DeleteMr.Sai Mun,
ReplyDeleteI need your advice on registering my kids (age 9 and 12 ) for IGCSE/IB programme and giving them home tuition through internet or private tuition. I have come to know a lot of the parents in K.L are doing it cos the tuition fees in most International schools are so high and the hassle in sending them to these schools.
Dear Phang Kai Mun, it's better to attend homeschool than the private tuition as the former is relatively cheaper. We would recommend one of the homeschools euler.edu.my.
DeleteMr. Sai Mum
ReplyDeleteI'm a Form 4 student and going into Form 5 in 2017. [Im taking SPM syllabus currently] I need your advice on registering for IGCSE homeschooling programme, Do you think it's alright? As I know it's quite packed to study 2 years syllabus in a year. Would the IGCSE English be tough for SPM students? Should I take exam in June or November if I take IGCSE?
Is there any disadvantage for taking IGCSE?
I really need your help
ASAP
Thank you so much
Dear Wong Han Ee, it's definitely okay but it depends which homeschool you are going to. Many of them can't cope in preparing students for year 11 igcse exams. Oct/nov examination will give you enough time to prepare properly. If you are planning to go private colleges next time, IGCSE is alright. Best of luck Han Ee
DeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteIs it okay if my kid start the IGCSE course at yr 10 ? As I saw quite many home schools provide lower IGCSE course as well. Is it necessary to attend yr 7, 8, & 9?
Dear Yen Ng, your kid last education level is?
DeleteHi sir,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know if my children complete igcse in malaysian international school and if suddenly we cannot afford sending them abroad, do they stand a chance to study in malaysian public university? Tq
Dear Nor Shabeena, i would say the chances are quite slim for the student to enter malaysian public university for now. But you can check with MARA high schools, as i know some of them are currently taking IGCSE. Pls do share if you have further info. Tq
DeleteDear Mr Sai Mun,
ReplyDeleteMay I know who will mark the exam papers for Y9 check point? the papers will be checked by the student's school teacher or centralise like UPSR and SPM? you did mentioned that all the exam papers are set and marked by the Cambridge Examination Board in the UK but i just want to double confirmed whether it also applies for y9 check point.
Dear John,
DeleteMost of the schools checkpoint exams are set n marked by their own teachers. Only a small number of international schools chose to register and send the checkpoint for the Cambridge board to mark.
My children is in year 9. How do I register my child 4 the yr 9 checkpoint exams? Can I do it online ?
ReplyDeleteas far as i know checkpoint is not a very significant exam, it is only to help the kids and parents to find out their progress and what subjects to take in Year 10. So schools will do the test and marking internally, therefore they do not offer exams for private candidates. You can find the past years papers online.
DeleteHi. I have a niece who is in form 2 studying in local governments school. Can she start year 10 doing IGCSE next year?
ReplyDeleteThank you
Dear Mr Sai Mun.
ReplyDeleteCan I put my daughter who is 17 years old this year(form 4) and my son, 14 years old(form 2) to start of in year 10 IGCSE together?
Thank you
Dear Mr Sai Mun.
ReplyDeleteSeeking your advice. Just wondering if a 7 year old kid with borderline special needs (global developmental delay) can catch up with IGCSE? Can the exam be postponed 1-2 years due to this delay?
Mr Saimun, my son aged 9 yrs old is doing Year 6 in international school now (previously from Chinese Primary SJKC). Because of certain concerns (most students in his class at 10-11 years old), we would like to consider homeschool next year i.e. Year 7.
ReplyDelete1).Do you think ageism still occurs in home-school?
2).In view of his fast-learning pace, would it be advisable to home-school him until IGCSE to solidify his foundation and balance up his maturity within 3 years, as such to put him back to International School systems again for Year 10/11?
Thanks
Mr Saimun, my son aged 9 yrs old is doing Year 6 in international school now (previously from Chinese Primary SJKC). Because of certain concerns (most students in his class at 10-11 years old), we would like to consider homeschool next year i.e. Year 7.
ReplyDelete1).Do you think ageism still occurs in home-school?
2).In view of his fast-learning pace, would it be advisable to home-school him until IGCSE to solidify his foundation and balance up his maturity within 3 years, as such to put him back to International School systems again for Year 10/11?
Thanks
Dear DGSC,
Delete1. There are many good and bad home-schools out there. If your son is in a good home school with dedicated teachers, ageism won't occur and he would blend in and achieve his highest potential no matter the age. I have seen and taught a kid which finished IGCSE at 13 years old and enter college at 14.
2. If he is happy and progressing positively in the homeschool academically and mentally then you might want him to finish IGCSE there and go straight to college. If you feel he is lack of certain skills and would want him to have a larger circle of friends, then you can try to put him in a good International School. Make sure they have good and dedicated teachers.
HI MR SAI MUN,
ReplyDeleteIs that compulsary to take bio,physics,chemistry paper in IGCSE exam?
it is not compulsory.
DeleteMr Sai Mun, My son is studying in Class 10th in GIIS under Cambridge. I am thinking of moving family back to India as I am not sure if he will get admission in India after he finishes 11th here in Malaysia. Do you know if he would still get admission in India in collage once he finishes studies here?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Dear Anil, IGCSE is acceptable worldwide. Most of the private or international colleges and universities accept the IGCSE results. It will be best to check with the targeted college you want your son to be in and they will let you know what are the requirements. For example malaysian private colleges and universities will need students to score at least 5 Cs for the IGs.
DeleteDo college accept private candidates igcse results when comes apply college in malaysia private college.Is igcse certificate consider as high school leavers?
ReplyDeleteDo college accept private candidates igcse results when comes apply college in malaysia private college.Is igcse certificate consider as high school leavers?
ReplyDeleteHello
ReplyDeleteI want to ask you can i go to Malaysian university with only 5 IGCSE.
Yes you can. Minimum 5 Credit or 'C' for the IGCSE subjects.
DeleteMy younger son just joined year 1 few weeks ago, and I found out he has plenty of play time (at least 3 hours) every day in school (play blocks, dancing). I am not sure if this is how IGCSE programme works for early stage but I am starting to worry if he really learn in this private school, or perhaps I should continue to observe? If compare with my elder one who is in SJKC standard 1 now, there are much more to learn in local school.
ReplyDeleteIt really depends on the school itself. Some international schools are more towards play and learn while some have more intense curriculum. Overall its helping students find their strength and interest through different activities and exposures, which is different from SJKC approach.
DeleteIt will be good to observe further, the school might / might not be suitable.
hi mr sai mun, im form 3 and im stuck between if i want to study igcse or continue studying national syllabus and take spm, do you have any advice?
ReplyDeleteHi, it really depends on what you want to achieve and why you want to change to IGCSE. Nevertheless, If you are doing well in national syllabus you should just continue and finish it with a good grades. After SPM you can have an option to go Local Universities or Private Colleges. If you are not doing well in national syllabus, then you can consider to change to IGs if you have a stronger English background.
Deletewhat if i want to join igcse next year for form 4, im currently learning national syllabus, will it be hard catching up to the syllabus?
ReplyDeleteThere are many subjects in IGCSE and they do not have packages like SPM, which means you can take any subjects offered by the school/learning centre/study at home. Overall, it will be an advantage if you have strength in English.
DeleteHi Mr sai mun,
ReplyDeleteWould like to check, my son is in primary 5 sjkc (2020) next year will be sitting for UPSR. Will it be better to stay and complete yr in sjkc and transfer him to IGCSE syllabus directly on 2022. As I heard international starts earlier.
Tq
Yes, I would highly recommend to complete his primary school and sit for the upsr before moving on to the next. To keep your son options open just in case he wants to go back to pt3 n spm and also to give the child the importance of completing a challenge before the next.
DeleteDear Mr Sai Mun,
ReplyDeleteCurrently my kids are in Form 1 and Form 2 at SBP in Malaysia.. I got a job offer in Kuwait and the package covers kids education. I would like to know if my children complete igcse in Kuwait international school and if suddenly we cannot afford sending them abroad and private university, do they have a chance to study in malaysian public university? Do they need to take SPM exam in order to enter public university... Thanks in advance.
To enter public university in Malaysia its easier to apply if you take spm. But from what I was informed, they are ways for you to apply to public university with igcse results, will néed more effort and time.
Delete