Distinguish between IGCSE and O-level
Giasuib – For many students who are new to international programs, you may still have a lot of questions about IGCSE and O-level certifications. Let’s distinguish between IGCSE and O-level.
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To distinguish between IGCSE and O-level, we should first understand the concept of the two programs and make a judgment about the curriculum that is right for us.
What is IGCSE?
IGCSE is the world’s most popular two-year High School program for students in grades 9-10 designed and managed by Cambridge for countries outside the UK, providing a solid foundation for further study such as: A-level or IB,..
Students will need approximately 2 years to complete the IGCSE course through written exams, oral exams, exercises, and practice tests in class.
High schools around the world can buy copyrights from Cambridge to teach and organize IGCSE certification exams for their students. In addition, IGCSE also allows self-study candidates to register for private exams at the British Council of the host country every year to help students around the world own IGCSE certificates and open up opportunities to continue studying in a modern and progressive education system at home country or abroad.
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What is O-level?
O-level (short for Ordinary Level) is a program designed and administered by Cambridge for students aged 14-16 and is equivalent to IGCSE and GCSE.
However, O-levels are not graded like IGCSE and offer fewer subject choices, just over 40 subjects. Some O-Level curriculums are developed to meet specific local needs, such as minority languages.
The focus of language subjects in O-Level is more on writing and reading skills. Restricted practical test options in Science subjects will benefit some O-level schools where resources are limited..
It is for these reasons that O-levels are less popular than IGCSEs and are only taught at international schools in a few countries.
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Distinguish between IGCSE and O-level in detail
IGCSE and O-level are internationally recognized educational qualifications but with few differences:
| IGCSE | O-level | |
| Exam Board | Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) Edexcel Pearson – London Examinations (Edexcel) Learning Resource Network (LRN) |
Cambridge Assessment International Exam (CAIE)
American Council on Education (ACE) Edexcel Pearson – London Examinations (Edexcel) |
| Level | The program divides levels, students in grades 9-10 can study and choose the appropriate level according to the subject.
Core: Learn about 150 hours Extended: Learn about 240 hours |
The program is not divided into level, students in grades 9-10 can attend. |
| Subject | The program has 103 subjects divided into 06 subject groups:
Creative and Professional English Language and Literature Humanities and Social Sciences Language Mathematics Sciences
Students must study at least 05 to14 subjects (including Mathematics, Science, English). There is no requirement to choose subjects from each different subject group. |
The program has 42 subjects divided into 06 subject groups:
Creative and Professional English Language and Literature Humanities and Social Sciences Language Mathematics Sciences
Students must study at least 06 to 09 subjects (including Mathematics, Science, English). There is no requirement to choose subjects from each different subject group. If students want to study 10 subject must obtain permission from the Ministry of Education.
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| Score | Thang điểm được chia theo cấp độ và được tính theo từng môn học.
Core: C-G Extended: A*-E |
Thang điểm không phân chia cấp bậc và được tính theo từng môn học.
A*-E |
| Validity | Không bao giờ hết hạn và có thể sử dụng kết quả trong nhiều năm sau kỳ thi. | Không bao giờ hết hạn và có thể sử dụng kết quả trong nhiều năm sau kỳ thi. |
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