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Cambridge IGCSE curriculum
The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English.
We help schools build a programme around their specific needs. Starting from a foundation of core subjects, it is easy to add breadth and cross-curricular perspectives. Encouraging learners to engage with a variety of subjects, and make connections between them, is fundamental to our approach.
For schools, Cambridge IGCSE offers a flexible and stimulating curriculum, supported with excellent resources and training.
For learners, Cambridge IGCSE helps improve performance by developing skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving. It is the perfect springboard to advanced study.
There are over 70 subjects available at Cambridge IGCSE, including 30 languages, and schools can offer them in any combination. Cambridge IGCSE develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:
Subject content
Applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
Intellectual enquiry
Flexibility and responsiveness to change
Working and communicating in English
Influencing outcomes
Cultural awareness.
Schools worldwide have been involved in the development of Cambridge IGCSE. The syllabuses are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. They have been created specifically for an international student body and avoid cultural bias.
Find out more about Cambridge IGCSE subjects.
What is the difference between IGCSE Core and IGCSE Extended?
To take into account differing abilities, there is a choice between Core and Extended curriculum papers in some subjects.
The Core curriculum is within the ability range of a large majority of students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve grades C to G.
The Extended curriculum has been designed for the more academically able. It is targeted at those expected to achieve grades A* to E.
Cambridge IGCSE Biology helps learners to understand the biological world in which they live and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. The syllabus includes the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on practical skills.
Learners also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level, further education or a career related to science.
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. The syllabus includes the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on practical skills.
Learners also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level, further education or a career related to science.
Cambridge IGCSE Physics helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. The syllabus includes the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of physics, and a strong emphasis on practical skills.
Learners also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level, further education or a career related to science.
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics encourages learners to develop their mathematical ability as a key life skill, and as a strong basis for further study of mathematics or to support skills in other subjects.
The syllabus:
develops learners' competency, confidence, and fluency in their use of techniques with and without the use of a calculator, cultivating mathematical understanding.
develops learners’ feel for quantity, patterns, and relationships, encouraging learners’ reasoning and analytical skills.
places a strong emphasis on solving problems in mathematics and real-life contexts.
promotes appropriate presentation and interpretation of results, encouraging learners’ understanding of how to communicate and reason mathematically.
is tiered to allow candidates of all abilities to achieve and progress in their mathematical studies.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language.
The syllabus:
is suitable for learners whose first language is not English
develops learners’ ability to understand and use English in a range of situations
builds learners’ awareness of the nature of language and the four language-learning skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking
focuses on practical communication for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study
develops transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.
Marks for the speaking component in this syllabus do not contribute to the overall grade candidates receive for the written components. A count-in speaking component is offered in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0511).