International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

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:

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

1. 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.
2. Personalized 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.
3. Academic Support Programs: 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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 Programme (IBDP) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in Years 11 and 12.