Cambridge IGCSE at AIS Singapore

Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum at the Australian International School

The Australian International School in Singapore is committed to providing a well-rounded programme of instruction that caters to the diverse needs of its international student body. For Year 9 and Year 10 students, the school offers a comprehensive and balanced program primarily delivered through the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. This curriculum is designed to prepare students for their future academic and career pursuits.

What is the IGCSE Programme?

The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum is widely recognised as the world’s most popular international qualification for students aged 14 to 16. It attracts nearly 500,000 entries from 144 different countries annually. At the Australian International School, the IGCSE curriculum is taught as a two-year program, commencing in Year 9 and culminating in external examinations in Year 10.

The IGCSE curriculum offers a wide range of subjects, allowing students to choose the ones that align with their interests and academic strengths. Some subjects offer a choice between core and extended curricula, accommodating students with varying abilities. The core curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the subject and is suitable for students aiming to achieve grades C to G. On the other hand, the extended curriculum is more challenging and is designed for students expected to achieve grades A* to C.

How is the IGCSE curriculum structured?

The IGCSE curriculum focuses on both knowledge acquisition and skill development. It encourages students to think critically, analyze information, solve problems, and communicate effectively. The curriculum promotes active learning, with an emphasis on practical applications of knowledge.

The IGCSE curriculum is structured around individual subjects, allowing students to choose the subjects they are most interested in or suited for. The core subjects include English, Mathematics, and Science.

To ensure the holistic development of Year 9 and Year 10 students at the Australian International School, two subjects are compulsory:

Physical Education/Sport: This subject promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and overall well-being among students. It encourages an active and healthy lifestyle while fostering essential skills such as communication, leadership, and cooperation.
STRIVE (part of the Welfare program): STRIVE focuses on the personal, social, and emotional development of students. It aims to equip them with the necessary skills and strategies to navigate challenges, manage stress, build resilience, and maintain positive relationships.

Cambridge IGCSE Subjects

The Cambridge IGCSE offers a wide variety of subjects, catering to the diverse interests and career paths of students. Some of the popular subjects offered in the IGCSE curriculum include:

English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
History
Geography
Business Studies
Economics
Computer Science
Art and Design
Music
Foreign Languages (e.g. Mandarin, French, Spanish)

These subjects provide students with a well-rounded education and equip them with essential knowledge and skills in various disciplines.

How does AIS support students during their IGCSE?

The Australian International School (AIS) provides comprehensive support to students during their IGCSE studies. Here are some ways in which AIS supports its students:

Experienced Teachers: AIS has a team of experienced teachers who are experts in their respective subjects. They provide guidance and support to students throughout their IGCSE journey, ensuring a strong understanding of the curriculum.

Personalised Learning: AIS recognises that every student has unique learning needs. Therefore, they offer personalized learning approaches to cater to individual strengths and areas of improvement. This helps students maximize their potential and excel in their IGCSE subjects.

Academic Support Programmes: AIS offers additional academic support programs for students who may require extra assistance. These programs may include tutoring sessions, study groups, or remedial classes, providing targeted support to students who need it.

Past Paper Practice: To prepare students for the IGCSE examinations, AIS conducts regular past paper practice sessions. This allows students to become familiar with the exam format, understand the types of questions asked, and develop effective strategies for answering them.

Study Resources and Materials: AIS provides students with a range of study resources and materials, including textbooks, online resources, and reference materials. These resources help students supplement their learning, conduct research, and deepen their understanding of the subjects.

Exam Preparation Workshops: AIS organizes exam preparation workshops to equip students with the necessary skills and strategies to perform well in their IGCSE examinations. These workshops cover topics such as time management, exam techniques, and effective revision methods.

Individualized Counselling: The school offers individualized counselling services to support students’ well-being and academic progress. Students can seek guidance from counsellors regarding subject selection, study plans, and managing exam stress.

Parent-Teacher Communication: AIS maintains open communication channels between parents and teachers. Regular parent-teacher meetings and progress reports allow parents to stay informed about their child’s academic performance and address any concerns.

IGCSE Pathways to Further Education

The IGCSE serves as an excellent foundation for students who plan to pursue further education beyond Year 10. It provides a seamless transition to programs such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in Years 11 and 12.

IGCSE Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Cambridge IGCSE graded?

The Cambridge IGCSE grading system assesses students’ performance on a scale from A* to G. A* represents the highest achievement, while G indicates the lowest passing level.

IGCSE examinations take place at the end of a two-year course. Assessments include written exams, practical exams, and coursework. Grading focuses on subject knowledge, understanding, and application of skills. Students at IGCSE schools in Singapore follow these same international standards administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education.

Are there any prerequisites for studying at IGCSE schools in Singapore?

There are no specific prerequisites for the IGCSE curriculum. Students benefit from a solid foundation in Mathematics and English, as these skills support success across IGCSE subjects.

Many Singapore international schools offering IGCSE prepare students through their middle school Singapore programmes in Years 7 to 9. This foundation ensures students enter the two-year Cambridge IGCSE programme ready for rigorous academic study.

Can I pursue a career directly after completing the Cambridge IGCSE?

The Cambridge IGCSE provides a strong educational foundation, but most career paths require further qualifications. Students typically progress to the International Baccalaureate Diploma, A-Levels, or vocational courses after completing their IGCSE Singapore studies.

IGCSE schools in Singapore prepare students for these advanced pathways, with university preparation being a core focus of post-IGCSE education.

Why study the IGCSE at Australian International School in Singapore?

AIS stands out among IGCSE schools in Singapore for academic excellence. In 2022, 25% of AIS students achieved the highest grade of A* in their Cambridge IGCSE exams.

AIS students also demonstrated an average improvement of +0.5 added grades per IGCSE subject in 2022. Mathematics and Chinese showed exceptional progress, reflecting the school’s commitment to student development.

As a leading Singapore international school offering IGCSE, AIS provides high academic standards, proven results, and a supportive learning environment.

How does the Cambridge IGCSE differ from GCSE and other qualifications in Singapore?

The Cambridge IGCSE and GCSE are both recognized secondary qualifications with key differences.

Cambridge Assessment International Education administers the IGCSE, while UK examination boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) offer GCSEs. This affects curriculum content and assessment methods.

International recognition sets them apart. GCSEs are primarily recognized in the United Kingdom. The Cambridge IGCSE holds global recognition from educational institutions and employers worldwide. This makes IGCSE Singapore programmes popular among international families.

Singapore universities and schools accept the IGCSE, allowing seamless educational progression. The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers broader subject choices and flexibility between core and extended levels, catering to individual strengths and interests.

How flexible is the IGCSE curriculum at Australian International School Singapore?

AIS, one of the leading IGCSE schools in Singapore, offers curriculum flexibility for diverse student needs.

Students choose from a wide range of Cambridge IGCSE subjects across Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, Humanities, and the Arts. This allows students to align their studies with career aspirations and academic goals.

The IGCSE Singapore programme at AIS offers two curriculum levels. The core curriculum suits students targeting grades C to G. The extended curriculum challenges students aiming for grades A* to C. Students select the appropriate difficulty level for each subject based on their abilities.

This flexibility, combined with strong middle school Singapore preparation in Years 7 to 9, ensures students build toward IGCSE success on a pathway suited to their individual potential.