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IGCSE is not one universal curriculum. It is a family of international qualifications organized by subject, with separate versions from awarding bodies such as Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel. Each school chooses which subjects and syllabus routes it offers, so the first step for parents and students is to ask which awarding body and current syllabus codes apply.
What the IGCSE curriculum is
An IGCSE programme is a set of individual subject qualifications rather than a single course of study followed identically by every school. The awarding body defines each subject’s syllabus and assessment framework; the school decides how to teach it and which subjects it can timetable.
Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel are distinct providers. Their subject totals, grading systems and assessment options should be considered separately, not combined into one universal IGCSE list.
Which subjects students can take
Cambridge International
Cambridge says its IGCSE offer includes over 70 subjects, including 30 languages, and that schools can offer subjects in any combination. Its stated aims include subject knowledge, applying learning in familiar and new situations, enquiry, flexibility, communication in English and cultural awareness. These are Cambridge’s published figures and aims; its current curriculum page does not state a publication year for the subject count. Cambridge IGCSE curriculum
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Pearson Edexcel
Pearson describes its International GCSEs as qualifications for learners aged 14–16 and lists 37 subjects studied in over 80 countries. These are Pearson’s overview-page figures, for which no publication year is stated. They do not mean every school offers every subject. Pearson International GCSE overview
In practice, a student’s choices are limited by the school’s subject offer, timetable and the student’s plans after age 16. Cambridge’s International Certificate of Education (ICE) is an optional recognition route requiring seven or more Cambridge subjects, including two languages and coverage of other Cambridge subject groups; it is not a general IGCSE requirement. Cambridge ICE
How teaching and assessment work
The school teaches the syllabus, but assessment requirements are specific to the awarding body, subject and route. Cambridge says its IGCSE assessment takes place at the end of the course and may include written examinations, oral assessments, coursework or practical assessments. The mix varies by subject. Many Cambridge subjects offer core and extended curricula for different ability ranges. Cambridge exam sessions are in June and November, with results issued in August and January according to its qualification information; families should confirm current arrangements for the student’s subject and school. Cambridge IGCSE qualification information
Pearson linear and modular routes
Pearson’s linear route assesses students in examinations at the end of a two-year course. Its modular route divides assessment into units, with an examination after each unit. Modular assessment is restricted to schools outside the UK and a specified subset of subjects; it is not available to every student or International GCSE subject. Pearson’s route page lists eligible subjects and their first teaching and assessment years, so schools should confirm the current option for the exact subject. Pearson modular International GCSE route
How IGCSE grades work
Cambridge says its IGCSEs are graded A*–G worldwide. For some syllabuses in administrative zone 3, it also offers 9–1 grading; schools in that zone may have a choice, while A*–G remains available to all schools. The grading scale depends on the syllabus entry, and Cambridge warns that entries cannot be switched after the deadline. Confirm the intended scale with the school before entry. Cambridge grading and entry options
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE uses grades 9–1. Cambridge describes its standards as aligned with comparable GCSE standards in England, and Pearson describes its qualifications as comparable to UK GCSEs. These statements are useful context, not proof that courses have identical content or that every university or country applies the same admissions rules. Pearson International GCSE overview
What students can do after IGCSE
Cambridge presents IGCSE as preparation for Cambridge International AS & A Level, Cambridge Pre-U and other post-16 routes. Pearson identifies progression to A Levels, International A Levels, university and employment. The next step depends on the student’s subject choices and results, as well as the entry requirements of the school, course or institution they are applying to. Check the target institution’s current published requirements rather than assuming a particular IGCSE grade or subject combination guarantees admission. Cambridge IGCSE progression information
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Use resources that match the student’s awarding body, subject, current syllabus code and course edition. A book labeled simply “IGCSE” may cover a different provider or syllabus. Cambridge provides past papers, mark schemes, examiner reports and specimen papers by subject, with published resources linked from subject pages. Cambridge subject resources
Pearson identifies subject resources, sample assessment materials, and curriculum-matched endorsed textbooks and online resources as part of its support. Check that any coursebook or revision guide matches the current syllabus rather than relying on its title alone. Pearson International GCSE resources
What parents should confirm with the school
- The awarding body for each subject and the current syllabus code.
- Which subjects the school actually offers and can timetable for the student.
- The assessment components and whether a subject follows a linear or eligible modular route.
- The grading scale and exam session that apply to each subject.
- Whether the planned subject combination fits the student’s post-16 or university goals.
- That coursebooks, revision guides and past papers match the current syllabus.
Cambridge’s 2022 parent factsheet offers background on its qualifications, but current subject details, routes and local recognition should be checked against the current syllabus, school and destination institution. Cambridge IGCSE parent factsheet (2022)
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