Cambridge IGCSE at AIS Singapore

Our IGCSE Programme

AIS offers the Cambridge IGCSE as a rigorous, externally-assessed programme for students in Years 9 and 10. The IGCSE provides a structured pathway to our senior secondary programmes, the IB Diploma and the Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Upon completing IGCSE, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme or the Higher School Certificate (HSC) for Years 11-12.

Why Choose Cambridge IGCSE at AIS?

AIS students consistently achieve strong IGCSE results:

  • Average improvement of +0.5 grades per subject
  • 34% of grades at A* (2024)
  • 62% of grades at A*-B
  • 100% pass rate
  • 30+ IGCSE subjects available

AIS is a Cambridge International School, authorised to deliver the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum and serve as an official examination centre. Experience how the Cambridge IGCSE programme works in practice at AIS, book a campus tour to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and see our facilities in operation.

A Structured Approach to Years 9-10

AIS offers the Cambridge IGCSE as our Years 9-10 programme. Unlike framework-based approaches, the IGCSE provides:

  • Clear syllabus with defined learning outcomes for each subject
  • External assessment by Cambridge International, not internal school grading
  • Globally recognised grades (A*-G) that universities and employers understand
  • Comprehensive content coverage that prepares students for IB Diploma or HSC
  • Fixed exam dates that teach time management and goal-oriented study habits

This structured approach suits students who thrive with clear goals and milestones. The IGCSE builds strong academic foundations and exam skills that translate directly to success in the IB Diploma or HSC.

Planning a move to Singapore? Schedule an online consultation with our admissions team to discuss IGCSE subject options and how your child can transition into our programme.

What is the IGCSE Programme?

AIS offers the Cambridge IGCSE as our Years 9-10 programme. Unlike framework-based approaches, the IGCSE provides:

  • Clear syllabus with defined learning outcomes for each subject
  • External assessment by Cambridge International, not internal school grading
  • Globally recognised grades (A*-G) that universities and employers understand
  • Comprehensive content coverage that prepares students for IB Diploma or HSC
  • Fixed exam dates that teach time management and goal-oriented study habits

This structured approach suits students who thrive with clear goals and milestones. The IGCSE builds strong academic foundations and exam skills that translate directly to success in the IB Diploma or HSC.

Planning a move to Singapore? Schedule an online consultation with our admissions team to discuss IGCSE subject options and how your child can transition into our programme.

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 programme):

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:

  1. English Language
  2. Mathematics
  3. Physics
  4. Chemistry
  5. Biology
  6. History
  7. Geography
  8. Business Studies
  9. Economics
  10. Computer Science
  11. Art and Design
  12. Music
  13. 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.

Individualised Counselling:

The school offers individualised 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

Upon completing the IGCSE, AIS students choose their senior secondary pathway:

IB Diploma Programme – Globally recognised qualification accepted by universities in 140+ countries. Ideal for students seeking breadth across disciplines with core components including Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS.

Higher School Certificate (HSC) – Australia’s premier senior secondary qualification with direct ATAR pathway to Australian universities. AIS is the only school in Singapore offering the HSC.

Both pathways build on the strong academic foundations developed through the IGCSE programme.

AIS IGCSE Results

AIS students achieve strong results in the Cambridge IGCSE:

Metric AIS 2024 Global Average
A* Grades 34% ~15%
A*-B Grades 62% ~45%
Pass Rate 100% ~95%
Value-Add +0.5 grades N/A

What sets us apart: AIS is a non-selective school, which means our results reflect genuine value-add rather than selective admissions. On average, AIS students improve by +0.5 grades per subject during their IGCSE years, demonstrating the impact of our teaching approach, small class sizes, and personalised support.

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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 is a non-selective school, which means our IGCSE results reflect genuine value-add rather than selective admissions. In 2024:

  • 34% of grades at A*
  • 62% of grades at A*-B
  • 100% pass rate
  • Average improvement of +0.5 grades per subject

Students benefit from small class sizes, specialist subject teachers, and personalised academic support throughout Years 9 and 10. AIS offers 30+ IGCSE subjects, allowing students to build a programme that matches their strengths and interests.

After completing the IGCSE, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme or the Higher School Certificate (HSC) for their senior secondary pathway. Both options build on the academic foundations developed through the IGCSE programme.

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

The Cambridge IGCSE and GCSE are both recognised 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.

Why does AIS offer IGCSE instead of IB MYP?

AIS offers the Cambridge IGCSE as our Years 9-10 programme because it provides a structured, externally-assessed curriculum that builds strong foundations for senior secondary study. The IGCSE offers clear learning outcomes, rigorous exam preparation, and globally recognised grades. This approach ensures students develop the academic skills and content knowledge needed to succeed in either the IB Diploma or HSC. Both pathways lead to excellent university outcomes, and AIS is proud to offer choice in senior secondary while maintaining consistent rigour in Years 9-10.

When do students choose between IB Diploma and HSC?

Students make their senior secondary pathway choice during Year 10, with guidance from our academic counsellors. The decision considers each student’s learning style, university goals, and future plans. Students interested in global mobility often choose the IB Diploma, while those planning to study in Australia may prefer the direct ATAR pathway through the HSC. Both options are excellent, and IGCSE prepares students equally well for either.

Learn more about the IB Diploma Programme or the Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Learn More About IGCSE