Everything you need to know about IGCSE

Hey parents and students, if you are reading this blog post then chances are that as a parent you have enrolled/want to enrol your child into an IGCSE school and you would like to understand the curriculum, or as a student, you want to find out what is different about this curriculum and what advantages it gives to you. Well, in this post we are going to delve into all you need to know about IGCSE.

What is IGCSE?

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is the international equivalent of the General Certificate of Secondary Education that is used by schools in the United Kingdom. This international qualification was adapted by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) in 1985 for students studying outside the UK. It is now a popular international qualification for students aged 14-16.

Almost all the private schools in Botswana offer the IGCSE curriculum. IGCSE offers over 70 subjects, and the syllabus has both international and local elements. Each school offers its own selection of subjects according to the demand for the subject. There has been no school in Botswana that is able to offer all 70 of them, however, each school offers at least 15-20 subjects that students can pick from.

Gaborone International School offers 16 subjects that are offered in specific combinations. A student can only pick 8 subjects out of these 16.

The 16 IGCSE subjects offered at GIS are:

· Mathematics,

· English,

· Biology,

· ICT,

· Computer Science,

· History,

· Physics,

· Business Studies,

· Chemistry,

· Accounting,

· Travel and Tourism,

· Setswana,

· French,

· Literature,

· Geography, and

· Economics.

Schools normally have subjects that are compulsory like Math, English and Biology and the rest can be selected freely. These compulsory subjects give students basic skills that underpin courses that will be taken at the tertiary level. The IGCSE assessment is conducted at the end of the course. Assessments include written oral, coursework, and practical assessment. This way, students are given the chance to exhibit their learning abilities.

Difference Between Core and Extension Curriculum

There is an option between Core and Extension curriculum papers in various subjects to allow students with different learning abilities to pursue a challenging subject. The Core curriculum is within the range of abilities of most students as it provides a comprehensive overview of the subject and is intended for students with grades ranging from C to G.

The Extended curriculum is intended for students who are more academically capable than the vast majority. The grades of these students range from A* to E. Under the guidance of the subject teacher, students choose between core and extended. The IGCSE examinations are held thrice a year in February/March, May/June and October/November. Students sit for examinations in international schools or at private examination centres.

Most schools opt to write exams in October, and this gives students enough time to prepare but exams can be written in February or May depending on the school’s ability. The results for exams written in February are released in May, those written in May are released in August that year and results for exams written in October are released in January the following year. Each subject is graded from A* to G, with A* being the highest grade, however the highest grade for Core curriculum papers is a C.

There are many reasons why your child should study IGCSE.

· Firstly, The IGCSE curriculum is designed to give students a strong foundation in the core subjects essential for higher education and beyond. Rather than simply focusing on theoretical knowledge, the IGCSE curriculum encourages students to think critically, solve problems, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This approach helps students develop a range of skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

· Secondly, IGCSE is widely recognized as a high-quality qualification that universities and employers around the world accept. This makes it an ideal choice for students who are planning to study abroad or who are interested in pursuing an international career.

· Lastly, IGCSE offers flexibility and choice. The IGCSE curriculum has many subject options that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and strengths. This makes it ideal for students looking for personalized learning and tailored education.

In a nutshell, the IGCSE curriculum is globally recognized and a great choice for students who are looking to study abroad after IGCSE. Tertiary education as well as colleges overseas mostly accept IGCSE qualifications. That’s it, all you need to know about IGCSE.

GIS is a great choice for students who are interested in an IGCSE school. The school offers a wide range of subjects and has a strong reputation for academic excellence. For more information on why you should choose GIS.

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BACK TO SCHOOL ANXIETY

By Gaborone International School • January 6, 2025

Going back to school can evoke feelings of joy for some but not others. One child may be filled with feelings of excitement as they anticipate having to see their friends once again at school, whilst another child may be overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety at the thought of starting school. Although it can be quite normal to experience some degree of uneasiness at the idea of returning to school, changing school or commencing kindergarten some children find it hard to overcome these feelings of anxiety. One may wonder why children sometimes experience back to school anxiety. Let us explore a few possible factors: a) Going back to early mornings, homework and extracurricular activities can be quite overwhelming for some. b) Worries about fitting in and/or making friends c) Conflict with peers or fellow students, d) Insecurities about their physical appearance e) Unpleasant interactions with school personnel, e.g. teacher, coach etc. f) Bad memories of their past experiences in school may make one think that the current year will be the same g) Much younger learners may feel uneasy about being away from their parents and caretakers. This is very common amongst kindergarten and lower primary school pupils h) Fear of academic failure and/or not meeting the expectations of their parents or teachers can be quite anxiety provoking. With that said, it is important that learners are provided with the necessary support to ensure adequate adaptation to a school environment. Tips to help ease back to school anxiety a) Parents are encouraged to check their own temperatures first. The idea of having to reinstate routines, assist with homework, manage after school activities just to mention a few can be daunting for parents. Since children take cues from their parents, it can be quite easy for the parent to transfer their own anxious feelings on the child. Remain calm and model calm behavior for your child. b) Prepare early. Get bedtimes and wake up times back to normal a week or two before school starts. c) Create a routine for getting up, getting dressed, having breakfast and leaving for school. Establish a consistent daily schedule ahead of time. d) Take heed to the child’s concerns. Concerns may range from complaints about homework or a fight with a friend. Try not to be dismissive and listen attentively. Acknowledge the child’s feelings and where possible give comfort, assurance and assistance on how to sufficiently address the difficulties raised. e) Take a trip to the school before school opens. This is especially helpful if it’s a new school. You and the child may take a tour of the school premises to help the child familiarize themselves with the environment ahead of time. For kindergarten pupils you may also practice with them ‘sitting in class’ and ‘getting out of the car at the drop off point.’ The school trip may be conducted repeatedly as exposure and repetition may ease their anxiety. f) Allow for the use of small comfort items, e.g. a photo or favorite toy can help sooth a child in distress. g) Plan a hand-off on the first morning if you anticipate that your child will probably refuse or be hesitant to separate from you, then. A friend or school personnel could get ready to meet your child and distract them by giving them something to do immediately. If the hand-off is successful, be sure to offer positive reinforcement later. You may say, “you did exceptionally well by heading straight to class this morning.” h) Practice relaxation techniques to help your child manage anxious feelings. Teach them deep breathing exercises, mindfulness etc. i) Set realistic expectations. Let your child know that what matters is for them to exert effort in all they do. Avoid emphasizing outcomes. j) Stay positive. Talk with your children about the things that make school fun. For example, making new friends and attending extracurricular activities. Feel free to share some of your own pleasant experiences of the time you were in school Although children are different, ideally a child should be able to adjust to a school environment after some time. However, if considerable amount of time has elapsed and the child still presents with debilitating anxiety, sad mood, refusal to attend school, frequent physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches etc., link the child to care. Start with teachers and the School Psychologist so as to offer the child the necessary support. Early intervention can have a significant impact in your child’s wellbeing and overall school success!