IGCSEs at DQ BISR

Here at BISR DQ, we recognise that choosing IGCSE (International General Certificate of Education) options is a crucial point in your educational journey, and we wish to provide you with all the support you need to take this exciting step and make this a positive process for you.

Throughout your primary education, you have followed a broad curriculum that has provided you with the basic skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to continue your studies into Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9), allowing you to build a foundation of knowledge and understanding across a wide range of subjects. Hopefully, your experiences in school so far have allowed you to gain an insight into what your strengths are, where there is room for further development, and where your passions and interests lie. This is a great starting point from which to consider what you would like to do in the future.

Whereas there are certain subjects that are compulsory for you to continue studying, the optional IGCSE courses offered in Key Stage 4 (Years 10 - 11) represent the opportunity to begin specialising and personalising your course of study. As teachers, many of whom have been through a similar process ourselves as students, we know that these are not often easy decisions - this is really the first juncture in your educational experience where you have the agency and the responsibility to begin to balance your interests with your future educational and career plans, as well as aiming to keep a broad enough range of subjects so as not to limit your future options. 

The decisions you make now will affect not only your next two years of study, but could also impact your International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) choices, Higher Education and, eventually, your career choices, so you must make sure you are well informed. So, in selecting your subjects, please do make use of all the resources at your disposal to help you with this process: read the course information carefully, speak to your teachers, to your family, and to our Careers Advisor in order to make sure that you have all the information you need before reaching your decisions.

Your IGCSE courses are considered by many schools across the world as an excellent preparation for the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Programme and further study for several reasons:

1. Broad Subject Coverage: 

IGCSE courses offer a wide range of subjects, covering areas such as languages, sciences, humanities, and mathematics. This broad subject coverage helps students develop a foundational understanding of various disciplines, which is beneficial when transitioning to the IB Diploma Programme, where students are required to study six subjects across different groups.

2. Rigorous Curriculum: 

IGCSE courses follow a more rigorous curriculum than most alternative programmes for your age group, as they are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of each subject. This level of academic rigour helps students develop critical thinking skills, independent research abilities, and analytical reasoning—all of which are highly valued in the IB Diploma Programme.

3. Focus on Exam Preparation: 

IGCSE courses typically involve comprehensive assessments, including written examinations, coursework, and practical assessments. This focus on exam preparation helps students become familiar with the demands of external examinations, which is a significant component of the IB Diploma Programme.

4. Development of Study Skills: 

IGCSE courses often emphasise the development of study skills, such as time management, organisation, research, and effective revision techniques. These skills are also essential for success in the IB Diploma Programme, where students are required to manage multiple subjects, engage in extended research projects, and complete both internal and external assessments.

5. International Perspective: 

Compared to national curricula, IGCSE courses are widely recognised and offered in schools worldwide, providing an international perspective on education. The IB Diploma Programme also emphasises an international outlook, focusing on global issues, intercultural understanding, and developing students as global citizens. The exposure to diverse perspectives and global awareness gained through IGCSE courses can support students' transition into the IB Diploma Programme.

6. Continuity in Curriculum: 

We offer the IB Diploma Programme as an extension of our curriculum, ensuring a seamless transition for students. The IGCSE curriculum aligns well with the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme, facilitating a smooth progression in terms of subject knowledge, skills, and academic expectations.

In summation, the skills, knowledge, and academic preparation gained through IGCSE courses can undoubtedly contribute to your success in the IB Diploma Programme. 

Finally, remember that, while this can all seem very daunting, it is also a very exciting time in your life. You have the opportunity to begin to take charge of and personalise your own educational path. 

These are your own decisions, but you do not need to make them on your own - make use of all the advice and support that your family and friends, and our staff can offer in taking these first steps toward your future studies and career.